Texas Tech vs Cal Prediction, Odds
| Texas Tech Red Raiders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | -175 |
| Cal Golden Bears Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 54.5 -110o / -110u | +145 |
It's time for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. We've got a couple of 6-6 teams battling it out as the Texas Tech Red Raiders meet the Cal Golden Bears.
This is a fascinating matchup, as there are a ton of opt-outs and some legitimate motivation questions for each team. Texas Tech had much higher aspirations entering this season, so you'd expect the Red Raiders to suffer more in terms of motivation.
Well, let's not waste any more time and dive into the matchup.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
I felt like I was reading a CVS receipt when I saw the amount of players who won't be playing in this game for the Red Raiders.
The notable players who hopped in the portal are starting receivers Jerand Bradley and Myles Price, along with starting left tackle Monroe Mills.
Running back Tahj Brooks announced that he will return to Texas Tech, so he's good to go for this contest. On the defensive side of the ball, injuries will keep safety Tyler Owens and defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings out of the game.
All of that said, head coach Joey McGuire also said quarterback Behren Morton will be good to go, which is massive for the offense. I expect a big game out of him considering the key opt-outs from Cal's defense.
I’m having a hard time figuring out if Texas Tech will care about this game, but based on talent, the Red Raiders should take care of business. Even with all of their opt-outs, there's plenty of talent to go around.
Coming off of an embarrassing loss to Texas in their season finale, I believe the Red Raiders will look to end this season on a high note.
Cal Golden Bears
I don't think Cal will lack motivation because of the resiliency it showed down the stretch when it could have easily given up on the season.
The Golden Bears had to overcome a brutal Pac-12 schedule down the stretch. They were nearly 10-point underdogs at UCLA in the season finale but pulled off the upset and punched its ticket to bowl season.
Typically, that'd be a sign of a team fired up and ready to play in this game, but take a look at the list of opt-outs, and you may think otherwise. There are a decent amount of players who won't be participating in this game, including quarterbacks Sam Jackson V and Ben Finley, who was removed as the starter down the stretch.
Third-string quarterback Fernando Mendoza will get the start, and he accumulated semi-decent stats throughout the season. He threw for 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 62% of his passes.
Head coach Justin Wilcox announced that receiver Taj Davis is no longer with the program, so that’s the only other notable offensive player Cal will be missing.
Personally, it’s the defensive absences that give me the biggest concern.
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Cal's leading tackler, hopped into the portal, and the Golden Bears will also be without cornerback Jeremiah Earby.
I’m not overly concerned about the Cal offense, but there's still a talent mismatch at hand.
Texas Tech vs Cal
Prediction & Pick
I’m going to roll with the Red Raiders. The Golden Bears have fewer opt-outs, but I’d argue that Cal's opt-outs are far more important than those of Texas Tech.
We'll be able to tell right away if Texas Tech cares about this game, so keep an eye out in case we get a decent early buyout opportunity. I always think it’s a good idea to cover yourself in these types of situations.
However, if the Red Raiders come out with an inspired effort, their talent should overmatch the Bears.
Pick: Texas Tech -3.5 (Play to -4)
