Texas Tech vs. Cal Prediction, Picks & Independence Bowl Odds

⭐ NCAA Best Bet Today #1:  Texas Tech ML (-155) at ESPN Bet

The Independence Bowl odds favor the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and we’re taking their moneyline at -155. The Red Raiders were 6-6 during the regular season, and the California Golden Bears were 6-6. 

Minus losing big to the Texas Longhorns, the Red Raiders had a three-game win streak, beating TCU, Kansas, and UCF. Still, it was an underwhelming year for a team that should’ve been better in the Big 12. Cal also had a three-game win streak to end the year against Washington State, Stanford, and UCLA. 

This season, Texas Tech averaged about six points less per game than Cal, but Texas Tech allows significantly fewer passing yards per game. They allowed 229.1, and Cal allowed 283.7, which was the fifth-most in the league. 

Cal runs the ball well, averaging 174.4 yards per game (39th), while Texas Tech allows about 170 per game. 

Texas Tech averages 161 rushing yards per game, and Cal allows about 135. 

Here, we’re siding with the Red Raiders as they take on a porous pass defense and will look to load the box against Cal to force freshman quarterback Fernando Mendoza to make plays. 

Betting Pick: Texas Tech ML (-155) at ESPN Bet

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NCAA Best Bet Today #2: ⭐ Behren Morton Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-135) at ESPN Bet

Heading into this Texas Tech vs. Cal prediction, the Golden Bears allow the fifth-most passing yards per game, as mentioned. 

On top of that, they allow 4.3 offensive touchdowns per game.

Behren Morton, in seven starts this year, had two touchdowns or more in four of them. 

Cal held five quarterbacks this season to less than two passing touchdowns, but those included games against Idaho, Arizona State, Utah, Stanford, and UCLA. 

Look for Morton to have a fantastic day passing the ball.

Betting Pick: Behren Morton Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-135) at ESPN Bet

⭐ NCAA Best Bet Today #3: Behren Morton Over 228.5 Passing Yards (-115) at ESPN Bet

For the last of our Best College Football bets on this game, we’re doubling up on Morton. 

We discussed the number of passing yards Cal allows, and Morton has passed for 229 yards or more in just two of his games. 

Cal held just four teams this year—Stanford, Utah, Auburn, and North Texas—to less than 229 passing yards. 

Texas Tech has averaged 223.5 passing yards per game this season, which is 66th in the nation, but they haven’t played a pass defense as bad as California. 

The final stat line for Morton prediction: 247 passing yards, and two passing touchdowns. 

Betting Pick: Behren Morton Over 228.5 Passing Yards (-115) at ESPN Bet

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