California Golden Bears (6-6) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-6)
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders December 16, 2023 – The California Golden Bears take on theTexas Tech Red Raiders in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday. This evenly-matched NCAAF game features two teams with .500 records looking to end their seasons on a high note and gain momentum heading into next year. With conference bragging rights and potential upsets on the line, this could shape up to be one of the more exciting and unpredictable bowl matchups this postseason. When examining betting sites for NCAAF bowl games winning picks this week, this game has the makings of a close one that could come down to the final possession.
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders December 16, 2023 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 9:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Independence Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Fernando Mendoza QB vs. Behren Morton QB
California quarterback Fernando Mendoza has put together a solid 2023 campaign, completing 131 of 210 passes (62.4%) for 1,447 yards with 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, good for a 134 passer rating. The junior has shown composure in the pocket but has a propensity to force balls into tight coverage at times. Mendoza lacks top arm strength but is an accurate passer on short and intermediate routes. He relies on good decision making and spreading the ball around to keep the chains moving.
On the other side, Texas Tech’s Behren Morton has emerged as an intriguing freshman signal caller after taking over midseason. Morton has completed 155 of 250 passes (62%) for 1,498 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 picks for a 122.6 rating. He earned praise for his energy, mobility, and fearlessness taking shots downfield. However, he remains raw and must improve his accuracy and chemistry with receivers to take the next step. This game will test his decision making against a Pac-12 defense.
Rushing Attacks Collide
The Golden Bears feature one of the most dynamic running back talents in the country in sophomore Jaydn Ott. The workhorse racked up 1,260 yards on 229 carries (5.5 avg) with 11 touchdowns on the ground while adding another 213 yards receiving. Ott possesses exceptional balance through contact, tackle-breaking skills, explosiveness hitting holes, and big play ability that can flip field position in a hurry. California will look to feed him early and often to move the chains. Texas Tech boasts its own stud rusher in Tahj Brooks, who ravaged Big 12 defenses for 1,443 yards on 268 carries (5.4 avg) with 9 scores. When Brooks runs behind his pads with determination and gets a full head of steam, he is difficult for the first defender to get on the ground. However, he doesn’t have the extra gear or elusiveness that Ott boasts.
Aerial Attacks Search for Spark
Mendoza’s top target this season has been Jeremiah Hunter, who hauled in 58 catches for 669 yards and 7 touchdowns. Hunter is a crisp route runner who excels at finding soft spots in zones, though he lacks breakaway gear after the catch. The supporting cast features a number of complementary pieces but no true gamebreaker that scares defenses. It will be critical for Mendoza to play within himself and not give the aggressive Texas Tech secondary any freebies. Morton has already developed strong rapport with Xavier White, his most talented wideout. White averaged a robust 14.6 yards per catch on his way to 495 yards and 1 touchdown during an injury-shortened campaign.
NCAAF Betting Odds: Texas Tech Red Raiders -148, Over/Under: 58
The betting odds slightly favor the Texas Tech Red Raiders, with their moneyline at -148 compared to the Golden Bears’ +128. The over/under is set at 58, indicating expectations of a high-scoring game. However, California Golden Bears expect to come out on top of this match.
California Golden Bears Betting Trends
California are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of California’s last 7 games.
California are 7-13 SU in their last 20 games.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of California’s last 10 games against an opponent in the Big 12 conference.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of California’s last 5 games played in December.
California are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Saturday.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Trends
Texas Tech are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
Red Raiders are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games played in December.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas Tech’s last 5 games played on a Saturday.
Texas Tech are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games when playing as the favourite.
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Texas Tech’s last 12 games played on a Saturday when at home.
California Golden Bears vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Picks
In this high-stakes bowl game, both teams bring distinct strengths and vulnerabilities. The Golden Bears’ passing game, led by Mendoza, could exploit the Red Raiders’ secondary. Conversely, Texas Tech’s balanced attack poses a significant challenge for California’s defense. In terms of betting, while the Red Raiders are favorites, the Golden Bears’ recent ATS trend cannot be overlooked.
Considering the teams’ performances and betting trends, it seems prudent to expect a closely contested game, possibly with a high scoreline. For those looking at top betting sites, exploring prop bets on individual player performances, particularly the quarterbacks and key running backs, could be a lucrative avenue.
Receiving Yards Prop: California 32, Texas Tech 29.
