UC Davis will face California on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra. The BetMGM College Football Odds favor California by 20 1/2 points. Cal leads the series 11-0. California is aiming to secure back-to-back bowl game appearances after joining the ACC, while UC Davis, ranked 18th in FCS rankings, seeks a notable win in Coach Tim Plough’s first game.

A key matchup to watch is UC Davis’ run defense against Cal RB Jaydn Ott, a formidable player with impressive career stats. Ott averages 92.2 yards rushing per game and has accumulated 2,212 yards and 20 TDs on the ground. UC Davis’ RB Lan Larison, who ran for 1,101 yards and 13 TDs in eight games last season, is also one to watch.

LB Cade Uluave of California, the Pac-12 top freshman defensive player last season, returns with 66 tackles, 6 1/2 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions from his rookie year. Cal has dominated UC Davis in past encounters, winning by an average margin of 32.4 points per game. UC Davis has struggled against FBS teams since 2004, with a 4-21 record.

Under Coach Justin Wilcox, California boasts a 5-2 record in season openers and holds an undefeated 15-0 record against FCS-level teams since 2000. Cal led the nation last season in fumble recoveries and takeaways, showcasing their strong defensive prowess.