ESPN Gameday crew makes picks for Miami at California

Miami is projected to win from the consensus picks by the ESPN College Gameday analysts. Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, national championship coach Nick Saban and ABC/ESPN's top analyst Kirk Herbstreit all picked Miami. Celebrity guest picker Marshon Lynch and Pat McAfee picked California.

Miami is favored by 10.5 points by the Fanduel Sportsbook. The ESPN Football Power Index gives Miami a 71.4 percent chance to defeat California. Miami is 10th and California 51st in the FPI. Miami is coming off of a controversial 38-34 win over Virginia Tech last Friday on an overturned hail mary.

California had a bye last week. After starting the season 3-0, California lost 14-9 at Florida State on September 21 in their most recent game. California is led by its defense. The Golden Bears are 13th nationally allowing 12.6 points per game, but 99th averaging 23.0 PPG.

Miami is second nationally averaging 49.4 PPG and 18th allowing 15.0 Miami is sixth nationally outscoring their opponents by 31.4 PPG. California is 45th with an average margin of 7.7 PPG. Miami at California will kickoff on ESPN at 10:30 PM Eastern Time with Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler, and Sherree Burress calling the game.

ESPN Gameday Picks

Desmond Howard-I gotta to go Canes on this one. I saw Mario's face

Saban I think Miami has too many weapons here and I know Cal will do a great job but I got to go with Miami

Lynch-Here to get down with the get down and you know I'm rocking with the home team

Pat McAfee-Everything in football brain says that Cam Ward is averaging like 385 yards a game, he's got 20 touchdowns. They got five wide receivers averaging more than 40 yards a game. Damien Martinez a running back, they're up over 200 yards per game rushing. They just bounced back from the Virginia Tech game, was that a wake-up call? Maybe they play their best game ever. I don't care ...You tell the whole...world this is Bear territory. I'm caught up in it I'm caught up in the show. I love the home team. It might be yeah show....it might be Marshon, it might be Lord give me Cal to beat Miami here in Berkeley.

Herbstreit -I love it here. I'II tell you I didn't know what to expect when we came into this. So this is an amazing atmosphere. It's an unbelievable advantage for their defense that leads the nation with 10 interceptions. There's a lot to love about Cal. We got Marshon (Lynch) up here but I got to go the U. I'm sorry.

Lynch was a given to pick California. The Golden Bears legend would have been roasted for picking against his alma matter. McAfee is developing a pattern of picking the home team this season to rile up the crowd and the Gameday Pit. Herbstreit, Howard and Saban who are the more serious analysts all pick Miami.

If Miami continues to win this likely will not be their last appearance on College Gameday this season. If Louisville wins their game in the next two weeks, the Cardinals and Hurricanes could be on College Gameday on October 19. The Duke game is another one to watch with both teams entering week five undefeated.