Cal vs Texas Tech Odds, Preview & Prediction – Independence Bowl 2023

Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott (1) runs the ball against the Utah Utes in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY SportsCal plays Texas in the 2023 Independence BowlThis is just the second time in history that these two teams have faced offRead below for Cal vs Texas Tech odds, picks, and predictions for the Independence Bowl

On Saturday, Cal (6-6, 6-6 ATS) battles Texas Tech (6-6, 5-7 ATS) at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA at 9:25 P.M. EST. This is only the second time that these two schools have played each other. Texas Tech was victorious in that game as they defeated Cal 45-31 in 2004.

The latest college football odds have Texas Tech as a 3-point favorite to Cal with a game total of 56.5 points.

Cal Golden Bears vs Texas Tech Red Raiders Odds

This line in this game has not moved much. It has stayed right around 2.5 or 3 since the line opened. The total has moved down slightly since the lines were released. It opened at 58.5 and has moved to 56.5.

As -155 favorites, Texas Tech has an implied probability of 60.78% to win the 2023 Independence Bowl.

Odds as of December 15, 2023, at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to bet on Cal vs. Texas Tech.

Cal Betting Trends

Cal finished the season at the .500 mark both straight up and against the spread. The Golden Bears went 4-5 in Pac 12 play and finished eighth in the conference. They enter this bowl game on a three-game winning streak and have covered the spread in four of their last five games.

Same work, different location 💯#GoBears pic.twitter.com/pqC6ob3AuQ

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) December 14, 2023

The over has also hit in five of Cal’s last seven games. This is thanks in large part to running back Jaydn Ott, who will return to Cal in 2024 and thus play in Saturday’s bowl game. Ott led the Pac 12 in rushing yards per game with 114.5. While the offense has been able to put up points, the defense has struggled to stop opposing teams. The Golden Bears gave up 32.7 points per game this season while allowing teams to pass for 282.5 yards per game.

While the defense has struggled, they have been opportunistic. Cal led the Pac 12 with 17 fumble recoveries and also had 11 interceptions on the year.

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Texas Tech Betting Trends

In the college football betting splits, Texas Tech is slightly getting more of the money and betting percentage. 52% of the bets in this game and 60% of the handle is on the Red Raiders to cover the spread.

Workin’ for the weekend 😤 pic.twitter.com/97xjhKBNA0

— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) December 15, 2023

The Red Raiders were a sleeper team for many to finish atop the Big 12 this year. After a disappointing start to the season and losing quarterback Tyler Shough, Texas Tech finished with a 6-6 record and a 5-7 record against the spread. They went 5-4 in the Big 12 and finished seventh in the conference. Texas Tech averaged 26.8 points per game this season and allowed 27 points per game.

Texas Tech went 3-1 to end the season, but that loss was a 57-7 shellacking to Texas in the last game of the year. They have also covered the spread in just two of their last six games. Their offense has not been the same unit that we are used to this season, and their top two receivers will not be playing in this bowl game.

Cal vs Texas Tech Prediction

Texas Tech has been hit hard by the transfer portal as 15 players have opted out of the bowl game so far. Their offense has already struggled to put up points without the loss of their two top receivers. Luckily, they will face Cal’s pass defense.

Cal’s defense will be the deciding factor in this one as both offenses should score. Texas Tech allowed 167.7 rush yards per game, so Jaydn Ott should be in for a big game.

Cal’s opportunistic defense should thrive against Texas Tech’s offense as the Red Raiders have a -0.9 turnover differential. With less opt-outs, the Golden Bears will play harder on both sides of the ball and keep it close.

Pick: Cal +3 (-115)

 

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