Independence Bowl: California vs Texas Tech Odds, and Picks (Dec 16)

• California enters this game on a 3-game winning streak, after beating UCLA 33-7.
• Texas Tech lost 57-7 to Texas in their last game, but won their three prior games.
• These two teams last met on December 30, 2004, in a game Texas Tech won 45-31.

The college football season has reached the bowl games! Let’s preview the upcoming 2023 Independence Bowl that will take place between the California Golden Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

California heated up down the stretch of the season, surprising many with their appearance in this bowl game. After a 3-6 start, they needed to win out to reach bowl eligibility, and did just that. Their most recent game was the most impressive. They surged past UCLA on the road, dominating them in the 33-7 victory. They’ll aim to build on their momentum and attempt to repeat a similar performance in this game.

Texas Tech was smothered by Texas in their final game, losing 57-7. Fortunately, they managed to win the 3 games prior to that matchup, just barely reaching the 6-win total needed to claim bowl eligibility. The Red Raiders are 5-3 since the first month, but need to bounce back from their brutal result against Texas. RB Tahj Brooks will continue to be the impetus for Texas Tech’s offense as they face a solid Cal defense.

Prediction

As good as California looked down the stretch, I’m concerned about the inconsistency of their offense. Over their last 8 games, they’ve alternated between strong and poor offensive performances, averaging just 21 ppg in their poor showings, but 41 ppg in the good ones. If that pattern continues, they’ll struggle in this game, which will make it difficult to overwhelm Texas Tech. I’m taking the Red Raiders to win this one.

NCAAF Picks:

• Texas Tech 28, California 23 ()