Clemson Favored Over California in Week 4 College Football Matchup
Despite recent struggles, the Tigers aim to build momentum on short rest against a Golden Bears team also seeking to improve.
Clemson, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, enters its Week 4 college football game against California as a 1.5-point favorite. The Tigers are seeking to build on a two-game winning streak after an opening week loss to LSU. However, their recent victories against Georgia Southern and UNC have not been dominant, and they face the Golden Bears on short rest while traveling across the country.
Both Clemson and California are coming off two consecutive wins, but neither performance has inspired significant confidence. The Golden Bears secured their wins with close calls, including benefiting from three interceptions against Syracuse and surviving a late missed field goal. California quarterback Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele is still searching for the form he displayed in the 2025 season.
Clemson's own recent victory against UNC was aided by a weather delay. Trailing 17-15 in the fourth quarter before the delay, the Tigers regained momentum afterward to secure a 28-20 win. Despite these close calls, the Tigers' defense has shown improvement since their Week 1 blowout loss to LSU, and the offense has seen marginal gains with Tait Reynolds at quarterback.
The betting play recommended is on the Clemson moneyline at -110 odds, with bet365 cited as a platform.
