NCAA Bowl Betting - Holiday Bowl
by Marc Reichertz
The Holiday Bowl is truly a reason to celebrate this season with a load of big-time talent featured on both 9-3 teams. After losing two straight, Cal defense that gives up 122.3 yards a game on the ground, and softened down the stretch.
BCS Bowl Games
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Quarterback Stephen McGee threw for 2,118 yards and runs the option well, as he displayed against Texas, running for 95 yards and a touchdown. The backfield features Mike Goodson and the bruising 270-pound Jorvorskie Lane who pummeled defenses with 19 rushing touchdowns. McGee will need to be aware of Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, Cal cornerback Daymeion Hughes, who has eight interceptions.
California’s offense is built around talented tailback Marshawn Lynch, who has rushed for 1,245 yards and 6.1 per carry. The Aggies defense will certainly focus on stopping Lynch, but he has the ability to break off a big gain any time he has the ball.
Quarterback Nate Longshore has thrown for 2,786 yards and 23 touchdowns, but threw multiple interceptions at USC at the end of the season. Top target DeSean Jackson has 54 receptions and nine touchdowns and Lavelle Hawkins has 42 catches and four scores.
If Cal can mount a balanced attack with a mix of run and pass, they will be able to put some points on the board, and they need to help out their defense against a powerful Texas A&M attack.
Footnote for the Aggies – Cal receiver DeSean Jackson doubles as an elusive punt returner who has already taken four returns to the house, so best to angle the ball away from that special team threat.
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Marc Reichertz is a freelance columnist and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker room and football.com.
