Texas Tech Poised for Upset in Bowl Game Opener Against Cal

Game outlook

This matchup features two teams barely bowl eligible, the California Golden Bears and the Texas Tech Red Raiders, opening the bowl season. The Golden Bears closed the season with a 33-7 victory over the UCLA Bruins as 9.5-point underdogs while the Red Raiders were crushed by #7 Texas 57-7 and did not cover the 16.5-point spread. The game kicks off at 9:15 EST from Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA and can be seen on ESPN.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Golden Bears +135 | Red Raiders -155

Spread: Golden Bears +3 (-110) | Red Raiders -3 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 57.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Texas Tech will win straight-up is 61%.

California Golden Bears

Led by Freshman quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Cal will face an intimidating bowl game challenge without defensive leader Kaleb Elarms-Orr. Mendoza has been a strong leader for Cal's offense this season (averaging 207.3 yards per game over their three-game winning streak), and running back Jayden Ott has had a very productive season (recording 105.0 rushing yards per game and 11 touchdowns). Although their defense will not have their top linebacker and secondary member, they have forced a solid 24 turnovers from their 12 games.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Analysis

QB Tyler Shough, WR Myles Price, WR Jerand Bradley and OT Monroe Mills have opted out of the upcoming game, and DL Jaylen Hutchings is out with injury. RB Tahj Brooks is returning for the game and averages 120.1 YPG with nine touchdowns this season. QB Behren Morton will start and has a 12-7 TD-INT ratio. Xaviar White has the most productive receiving stats and will be available for the game. Linebacker Ben Roberts leads the team in tackles (100) while Tony Bradford Jr. and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson have the most sacks (4) and interceptions (4) on the defensive side. Texas Tech has generated 13 takeaways this season.