Holiday Bowl Odds and Prediction: California vs Texas Longhorns
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
by Frank Martin
After its 12-year postseason run was snapped in 2010, Texas Longhorns improved enough this season to return to a bowl game. But after a 4-0 start propelled them all the way to No. 11 in the rankings, the Longhorns stumbled down the stretch, losing three of their final four games.
As bad as Texas was in the season’s final month, California Golden Bears was the opposite, winning three of its final four games and losing only at Stanford by a field goal. Running back Isi Sofele ran for at least 96 yards in all four of those games, including a season-high 190 on 23 carries in a 23-6win against Oregon State.
These two teams couldn’t be more different at the quarterback position. Zach Maynard, California’s dual-threat junior, started every game of the season and averaged 246 yards of total offense per game. Texas flip-flopped at quarterback all season, starting with incumbent Garrett Gilbert, who ended up getting injured and transferring. The Longhorns wound up with a two-quarterback system utilizing youngsters David Ash and Case McCoy.
- California Golden Bears @ Texas Longhorns
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
TV: ESPN
The Longhorns have opened as 3.5-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NCAA Football Odds.
California Golden Bears (8-4): This is the Golden Bears' third appearance in the Holiday Bowl. Sofele averaged 141.3 rushing yards over the season's final four games to finish with 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season. He'll be asked to carry the load against a Texas defense that was stout against the run, surrendering only103 yards per game. Cal ranks in the top 50 but no higher than No. 25 nationally in virtually every major offensive and defensive category.
Texas Longhorns (7-5): The Longhorns' struggles offensively – particularly at quarterback – opened the door for the defense to shine brightly in 2011. Texas was tops in the Big 12and 14th nationally at 315.3 yards allowed per game, but the team is coming off an awful performance in a 48-24 loss at Baylor to close the regular season. As table of running backs, led by true freshman Malcolm Brown, averaged 210 yards on the ground and helped carry the Longhorns' offense.
NCAA FOOTBALL PREDICTION: California 28, Texas 17. The Golden Bears will ride the legs of Sofele to move to 6-2 in bowl games under coach Jeff Tedford.
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california golden bears - case mccoy - david ash - garrett gilbert - holiday bowl - jeff tedford - malcolm brown - qualcomm stadium - texas longhorns - zach maynard