Free College Football Picks Today: California Golden Bears vs Washington Huskies 10/22/22

The University of California Golden Bears (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) welcome the No. 21 University of Washington Huskies (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday for a matchup that pits one of the Pac-12 Conference’s toughest defenses against its most potent offense. The Huskies are 7.5-point favorites, and the total is 56.5.Washington is coming off a 49-39 win over Arizona at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium last Saturday. Michael Penix Jr. was 36 of 44 for 516 yards and four touchdowns. Cameron Davis ran eight times for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Rome Odunze caught nine passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. California lost 20-13 to Colorado at Folsom Field last Saturday. Jack Plummer threw for 262 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Jaydn Ott carried 16 times for 47 yards. Mavin Anderson hauled in six receptions for 61 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Huskies won the only game between the teams last season, a 31-24 overtime victory in September. Dylan Morris threw two touchdowns for Washington, as Sean McGrew added two TDs. Chase Garbers tossed two touchdowns and ran for another one for California.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Huskies are averaging 42.1 points per game for the season, eighth in FBS, and they are facing a Golden Bears defense that has surrendered 21.7 PPG (34th). Meanwhile, California has scored 23.7 points a game this season, 99th in the country, and Washington is allowing 28.6 PPG (80th).The Huskies rank as the nation’s top team in passing yards per game (380.0, 1st), while they are 93rd in rushing yards (132.3). The Golden Bears are 98th in passing yards allowed per game (258.7) and 35th against the run (120.0).California is 57th in the country in passing yards per game (252.7) and 97th in rushing (128.7), while the Huskies are allowing 258.3 passing yards (97th) and 117.4 rushing yards per game (32nd).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through seven games, Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 20 touchdowns (4 INT) and 365.7 yards per game to lead Washington in passing. In two away games this season, he has four TDs (3 INT) and an average of 328.0 yards passing. Wayne Taulapapa leads the team in rushing with an average of 60.6 yards a game over seven games. He has four touchdowns on the ground. Rome Odunze is the Huskies’ leading receiver with 115.5 yards a game and six TDs. Jack Plummer has nine passing touchdowns (3 INT) with 251.5 yards per game through six games to lead California. In three home games this season, he has thrown for seven TDs (2 INT) and an average of 263.7 yards. Jaydn Ott has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 96.7 yards a game through six games. He has seven total touchdowns, five rushing and two receiving. Jeremiah Hunter has been a key target in the Golden Bears’ aerial attack. He has two touchdowns and a 74.7 yard per game average through six appearances.