California vs. Texas Tech Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Golden Bears Outshine Red Raiders in Independence Bowl?
The California Golden Bears are going up against the Texas Tech Red Raiders this Saturday. Can the Golden Bears outshine the Red Raiders? Matt MacKay shares his pick and prediction for California vs. Texas Tech during the 2023 Independence Bowl.
Matt MacKay - December 11, 2023, 11:42 AM EST
5 minCalifornia vs. Texas Tech Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Golden Bears Outshine Red Raiders in Independence Bowl?
The 2023 Independence Bowl will feature two Power 5 programs who managed to go 6-6 during the regular season, squeaking into bowl eligibility. The California Golden Bears are +2.5 ATS against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, wrapping up Saturday's bowl game slate with a 9:15 p.m. ET kickoff from Shreveport, Louisiana.
At 6-6, it's been an up-and-down season for both of these opponents. California ripped off three consecutive wins, including a dominant 33-7 thrashing of UCLA during rivalry week, to carry momentum into the Independence Bowl. The Golden Bears have a high-powered offense, ranked inside the top 40 in points scored per game (31.6), while the Red Raiders rely on their defense to compliment an offense ranked 71st out of 133 FBS programs, averaging 26.8 points per contest.
NCAAF handicapper Matt MacKay is back to share his latest pick and prediction for California vs. Texas Tech during the 2023 Independence Bowl to close out the opening slate of bowl games on Saturday night.
California VS. TEXAS TECH START DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
- Game Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN and ESPN+
California VS. TEXAS TECH ODDS
- Spread: California +2.5 (+100), Texas Tech -2.5 (-122)
- Total Odds: Under 58.5 (-110), Over 58.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: California (+116), Texas Tech (-140)
California VS. TEXAS TECH INJURY REPORT
California
Questionable: NA
Out: QB Sam Jackson V (Undisclosed)
TEXAS TECH
Questionable: LB Tyler Owens (Ankle), LB Steve Linton (Back)
Out: DL Blake Burris (Knee)
California VS. TEXAS TECH PREDICTION
California has a balanced offense, gaining yardage on the ground and through the air with relative ease. The Golden Bears have only thrown for over 200 yards once during their last four games, but their rushing attack is effective, cycling between 32-47 carries throughout their three-game win streak.
Texas Tech, normally known for its Air Raid offense and a turnstyle defense, has flipped the script in 2023. The Red Raiders are fairly stout against the pass, but their run defense has been a liability lately, surrendering five rushing touchdowns to UCF and Texas during their final two regular season contests. After enduring a 57-7 drubbing against the College Football Playoff bound Texas Longhorns to end their regular season, head coach Joey McGuire will have his team prepared to bounce back.
The path to success for Texas Tech lies within its offense. California's defense improved during their final two games, but the Golden Bears still are ranked 113th out of 133 FBS programs in terms of points allowed per game, allowing 32.7 points per contest. The Red Raiders haven't scored 33 points since a 35-28 win over TCU in early November, but they are more than capable of taking advantage of a porous defense like the one Cal rosters.
Ultimately, this matchup will be dictated by offense. California's in a rhythm, but will encounter a Texas Tech defense allowing only three total passing touchdowns across its last four games played. The Golden Bears will need to move the ball on the ground to exploit Texas Tech's weakness, but they have only scored once on the ground in their past two outings.
Oddsmakers are giving a sight edge to Texas Tech at -140 moneyline odds, while laying -2.5 ATS at -122 odds. We should invest in the underdog in this spot. The point total is set fairly high at 58.5, which feels tough to predict. Instead, let's stake a unit on California to build off of their late-season heater and win outright against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday night.
California VS. TEXAS TECH PICK
- California Moneyline (+116) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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