The Duke Blue Devils are set to take on the California Golden Bears in Week 6 of the 2025 regular season. This night game is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:30 PM at the California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA. Fans can tune in to ESPN to catch the action.
Duke enters the game with a 3-2 record, having shown strong conference play with a 2-0 record. Their recent performance includes a convincing 38-3 victory over Syracuse Orange, highlighting their offensive capabilities. The Blue Devils will be looking to continue this momentum on the road.
The California Golden Bears have a 4-1 record this season and are undefeated at home. They recently secured a close 28-24 win against Boston College Eagles, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The Golden Bears will aim to maintain their winning form against Duke on their home turf.
California vs Duke At a Glance
- Game Location: California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:30 PM
- TV Coverage: ESPN
- Duke’s Season Record: 3-2 overall, 2-0 in conference play
- California’s Season Record: 4-1 overall, 1-0 in conference play
- Betting Odds: Duke -148, California +124
Golden Bears Eyeing Victory: A California Game Preview
Offensive Performance
California Golden Bears have demonstrated a potent passing game this season, ranking 29th nationally with 1,277 passing yards. Their ability to consistently move the ball through the air has been a key component of their offensive strategy.
However, their ground game hasn’t matched up to their passing prowess, ranking 98th with 559 rushing yards. The team will need to find a balance to keep opponents on their toes.
Defensive Capabilities
The Bears’ defense ranks 58th in points allowed, indicating a solid, if not spectacular, performance on that side of the ball. Their ability to force turnovers has been impressive, with 5 interceptions putting them at 6th nationally.
The Bears have also shown strength in applying pressure, as evidenced by their 14th-ranked total of 7 sacks this season. Maintaining this defensive pressure will be crucial for their upcoming games.
Recent Game Analysis
California’s recent victory against Boston College, 28-24, showcased their ability to perform under pressure. Their passing attack was pivotal in this win, with 254 passing yards.
In their loss against San Diego State, they were shut out 34-0, highlighting inconsistencies that need addressing. They managed only 65 rushing yards, underscoring the need for improvement in their running game.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is a standout, ranked 17th in passing yards nationally. His ability to connect with his receivers, notably Trond Grizzell and Jacob De Jesus, will be vital.
Running back Kendrick Raphael has been effective when given opportunities, ranking 39th in rushing yards. Getting him more involved could provide the balance this offense needs.
Upcoming Challenges
California faces a challenging schedule ahead, with games against the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels. These matchups will test both their offensive efficiency and defensive resilience.
With several key players listed as questionable due to injuries, the Bears’ depth will be tested. Their ability to adapt and perform with potential lineup changes will be crucial.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 18-4 (81.8%) over last 22 games
- SU – After Loss: 4-0 (100.0%) over last 4 games
- SU – Home Games: 3-0 (100.0%) over last 3 games
- O/U – After Loss: 12-5-1 (66.7%) over last 18 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 10-4 (71.4%) over last 14 games
- ATS – As Underdog: 18-10 (64.3%) over last 28 games
- ATS – After Loss: 19-11 (63.3%) over last 30 games
- SU – All Games: 13-7 (65.0%) over last 20 games
- ATS – Away Games: 7-3 (70.0%) over last 10 games
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 14-9 (60.9%) over last 23 games
The Duke Blue Devils: A Road Test Awaits
Offensive Dynamics
The Duke Blue Devils’ offense has been a tale of two seasons. In the 2025 season, they’ve managed to accumulate 1,595 passing yards, ranking them 8th, with a total of 174 points, placing them 22nd. Their rushing game has been less impressive, ranking 57th with 772 yards.
Last season, their offensive numbers were more prolific with 3,176 passing yards, which had them ranked 37th. This improvement in their passing game highlights their evolving offensive strategy.
Defensive Standpoint
Defensively, Duke’s ability to sack opposing quarterbacks has been noteworthy, with 11 sacks in 2025, ranking 10th. They have also excelled in turnovers, with 4 interceptions and 4 fumbles recovered, both ranking in the top 5.
However, Duke’s defense against scoring has been less robust, conceding 132 points, placing them at 93rd. This shows an area that needs improvement as they face high-scoring teams.
Recent Performance
In their recent games, Duke’s defense shined in a 38-3 victory over Syracuse, limiting them to 85 rushing yards. This performance indicates their potential to stifle opponents’ ground attacks.
However, their offense was challenged in a 34-27 loss to Tulane, despite outpacing them in first downs and passing yards. This suggests inconsistencies that need addressing.
Injury Concerns
Injuries could be a concern for Duke with several key players listed as questionable. Notably, linebacker Nick Morris Jr. and tight end Landen King are dealing with undisclosed issues, impacting both defense and offensive depth.
This uncertainty in player availability might affect their game strategies, especially on the defensive end where they’re already ranked 93rd in points against.
Upcoming Challenges
Duke will travel to face the California Golden Bears, a game that will test their defensive resilience and offensive adaptability. As away favorites by 3 points, they’ll need to leverage their strong passing game to secure a win.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils will also face the Connecticut Huskies, requiring them to maintain their strategic focus and adaptability against diverse opponents.
Betting Trends
- Duke has been successful as favorites, with a 21-2 record over the last 23 games.
- In home games, they hold an 18-4 record in the last 22 games.
- Recent games have seen high-scoring, with a 5-0 over/under in home games.
- As underdogs, they’ve hit the over in 3 consecutive games.
- Overall, they have a 13-5 record in their last 18 games.
California vs Duke Prediction: Over 55.5
In this game, California and Duke both bring offenses that can put points on the board. Duke has scored 174 points over five games, averaging 34.8 points per game, while California has managed 124 points, averaging 24.8 points per game. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score consistently, which suggests a high-scoring game is likely.
Defensively, Duke has conceded 132 points this season, averaging 26.4 points per game, and California has allowed 90 points, averaging 18 points per game. With both defenses showing vulnerabilities, particularly against strong offensive plays, this game could likely exceed the set total of 55.5.
Looking at California’s recent form, they have shown a trend towards high-scoring games when the total is set at or above 50 points, with their past results often going over. Similarly, Duke’s potent passing attack, ranked 8th in the nation, will challenge California’s defense throughout the game.
Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and the potential for defensive lapses, the smart pick here is the over 55.5. Expect a competitive game with each team making significant offensive contributions.
- California vs Duke Prediction: Over 55.5
- California vs Duke Score: Duke 38 – California 28
