Holiday Bowl Preview

Texas A&M vs Cal (-3)
I don't know how to say it more clearly, Cal must win this game! For the sake of the Pac-10, we cannot see the conference get shut out of the bowls. I realize that Tedford has come up short in almost every recent big game, but this is for more than just the Bear faithful, it's for the entire Pac-10. So please Coach, don't prolong the embarrassment.

As for the real preview, this should definitely be an interesting game. Cal's big play offense goes up against A&M's dominant running attack. Going by the numbers, the big difference between the teams is on defense. Where Cal's has good athletes but sub-par performance, the Aggies actually had a good defense. Of course, TAMU didn't play a very tough schedule and Cal did, so that probably distorts the numbers a little. Either way, the fact that the spread is only three points points to how close this game should be. So hopefully Lynch gets running lanes, Longshore doesn't get pressured, A&M throws at Daymeion Hughes and punts at DeSean Jackson. That'd pretty much guarantee a win for the Bears and the Pac-10.

The Pick: Cal (-3)