California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox has an impossible task. Consider that he coaches at a school that has openly discussed dropping its football program.
Cal lacks a donor base to make a serious championship run with the college football lines. Also, the Golden Bears are an odd fit in the ACC.
But Wilcox has the Bears in contention for their third consecutive bowl game. On Friday, Cal has a winnable game at Virginia Tech.
Following an 0-3 start, the Hokies fired head coach Brent Pry after and 0-3 start. Interim coach Phillip Montgomery lacks a strong team.
As one of the few games on the Friday night card, Cal and Va Tech will draw plenty of wagering activity.
Cal has become a team that contrarian gamblers are interested in. The Golden Bears exceed results and are ignored by the casual sector.
Explore the Week 9 odds and betting action for Friday Night College Football.
College Football Betting Lines
California Golden Bears at Virginia Tech Hokies Odds at Bookmaker
Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA, will host the matchup between the California Golden Bears and the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday, October 24, 2025. The kickoff time is 7:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on ESPN.
Oddsmakers opened with Virginia Tech as a 3.5-point favorite and Cal as a 3.5-point dog.
Virginia Tech is a -162 moneyline favorite with Cal as a +134 moneyline dog.
Virginia Tech and Cal opened with a total of 49.5.
California Golden Bears
Last game, the California Golden Bears won 21-18 against the North Carolina Tar Heels as 7.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 46.5.
As a result, Cal is 5-2 straight up, 3-4 against the spread, and 3-4 over/under the total.
Overall, Cal ranks 66th for total offense, 21st for passing, 120th for rushing, 77th for scoring, and 97th for fewest turnovers committed.
Cal ranks 78th for total defense, 86th vs. the pass, 64th vs. rush, 76th for fewest points allowed, and 55th for takeaways.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Last game, the Virginia Tech Hokies lost 35-10 against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as 14-point road dogs. The game went under the total of 55.5.
As a result, Virginia Tech is 2-5 straight up, 1-6 against the spread, and 3-4 over/under the total.
Virginia Tech ranks 100th for total offense, 98th for passing, 66th for rushing, 99th for scoring, and 89th for fewest turnovers committed.
Virginia Tech ranks 73rd for total defense, 68th against the pass, 73rd against the rush, 101st for fewest points allowed, and 108th for takeaways.
California at Virginia Tech Betting Trends
Of great concern is the weak betting value Cal has shown on the road.
The Golden Bears got the cash in only five of their last 17 away games.
Cal went under the total in eight of their last nine road games.
The Virginia Tech Hokies are not visiting the payout window much at home.
Virginia Tech has covered only three of its last 11 games at Lane Stadium.
Eight of the Hokies’ last 12 home games went over the total.
California at Virginia Tech Best Bets
The Virginia Tech Hokies brand has been badly damaged, but it remains more appealing than Cal’s.
Squares will take comfort and refuge in the host, Virginia Tech.
Bargain hunters like Cal for its hidden value and quality.
The fact that the casual sector ignores Cal helps its brand.
Sharps see the potential for Cal against a weak and distracted Virginia Tech team.
In this situation, Cal has been the much more impressive team this year.
Virginia Tech is playing out the string and wondering who will be leaving at the end of the season.
Furthermore, there are concerns about who the new head coach will be.
Cal has a defensive advantage that should be the difference.
Main Pick: California Golden Bears
Over/Under Pick: Under the Total
Player Prop Picks: Kyron Drones Under the Total Yards Total
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