Matchup: California vs Utah Pick: UTAH +3.5 (-110)
The Mountain West continues to be shortchanged in the public eye as the Utes have been installed as the underdog here. Despite the fact that they have won seven straight bowl games including three straight in the underdog role. We all well remember their dominance of Alabama this time last year, the same Tide team playing in this year's national championship game. Utah is traditionally a fantastic underdog cashing 18 of their last 23 in that role. They are 6-1 ATS catching points all-time in bowl action. Utah owns the better defense in this one as they have held nine of twelve opponents to 17 points or less. They should have solid defensive success considering Cal's offensive coordinator was at Utah the past four seasons. The Utes are very familiar with Andy Ludwig's attack and they have plenty of time to prepare. Utah also has a solid edge in the kicking game as the Utes always seem to find one of the country's best place kickers, Joe Phillips is 17 of 19 on the season.
California will be without their best offensive player as Javid Best remains out with an injury. The Cal offense really struggled this season in his absence. The quarterback situation which is normally a Bear's strength has been pedestrian at best. California struggled down the stretch and we really can't see this team being overly excited for this match-up. After all this was expected to be the season that California won the PAC 10 Conference.
Utah and the entire Mountain West Conference have an extra chip on their shoulders this time of year. They are not considered a BCS Conference despite being every bit as good as their western rival PAC 10 opponents. Utah is well coached, has the motivational edge and owns the better defense, a great underdog combination.
Bryan Leonard 12/23
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