Texas has been victorious in all four games vs. Cal, though the last meeting was back in 1970.

The live Holiday Bowl line list the Longhorns as a 3-point favorite, while the total has been listed at 47.5 points.

California

The Golden Bears enter this matchup on a pretty good run, having won three of their last four games, with the only blip a 31-28 defeat to top-10 Stanford. Recently, Cal won at Arizona State, 47-38, to end up fourth in the Pac-12 North (4-5) and post a 2-4 record away from home.

Cal ranks 47th in the country in scoring (30 points per game) while compiling 418 yards per game (252 through the air, 166 rushing). Zach Maynard has hit on 57 % of his passes for 2,806 yards and 17 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. The offensive line has surrendered 22 sacks.

Keenan Allen paces the receiving crops with 89 catches (34 more than anyone else) for 1,261 yards and six scores, while Isi Sofele paces the running game with 1,266 yards and nine touchdowns on 5.5 yards per contest.

Defensively, the Golden Bears rank 52nd in the nation in points given up (24 ppg), surrendering 339 yards per game (209 passing, 130 running) while recording 32 sacks and generating 23 turnovers two of which converted to TDs (Trevor Guyton, fumble; Josh Hill, interception).

Mychal Kendricks paces the defense with 96 stops, adding three sacks, a team-best two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while D.J. Holt adds 81 tackles with two sacks. Guyton and Ernest Owusu have nine combined sacks, pitching in 69 stops, three forced fumbles and two recoveries.

Texas

The Longhorns started 4-0 but have struggled coming into this contest, dropping three of their last four contests most recently a 48-24 defeat at Baylor. Overall, Texas was 3-3 as a visitor this season, but did win its only contest in the state of California a 49-20 win at UCLA.

The Longhorns rank 42nd nationally in points given up (23 ppg), allowing 316 yards per game (212 through the air, 104 running) while compiling 23 sacks and generating 21 turnovers with one being returned for a TD (Carrington Byndom, pick).

Emmanuel Acho anchors this defensive unit with 122 stops (26 more than any other player), chipping in three sacks and a forced fumble, while Alex Okafor has seven sacks, 54 tackles, two forced fumbles and one recovery. Quandre Diggs adds a team-high three picks with 48 stops and two forced fumbles.

Texas rates 53rd in the country in scoring offense (29 ppg), compiling 404 yards per game (210 running, 194 via the pass). Malcolm Brown leads the ground game with 707 yards and five scores on 4.4 yards per attempt.

David Ash and Case McCoy switch off at QB, combining to connect on 59 % of their attempts for 1,971 yards and 10 scores with 12 picks. The offensive line has given up 26 sacks. Mike Davis is the best receiving target with 45 grabs for 609 yards and one score, while Jaxon Shipley has 40 grabs for 593 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.

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This will be the first matchup between the two teams since 1994, when the Cardinals posted a 35-14 win at home.

Our Belk Bowl odds show NC State as a 2.5-point chalk, while the total has been set at 44.5 points.

Louisville

The Cardinals won their final three contests and five of their last six to finish as a three-way conference co-champion (5-2) with Cincinnati and West Virginia. Recently, the Cardinals accomplished two straight road wins at UConn (34-20) and South Florida (34-24) to post a 4-2 mark away from home, including a current three-matchup win streak in such contests.

Louisville ranks a solid 14th in the country in points allowed (19 points per contest), allowing 328 yards per contest (224 through the air, 104 rushing) while generating 32 sacks and generating 18 turnovers with three taken back for scores (Andrew Johnson and M Mitchell, fumbles; Mike Evans, interception).

The defense is paced by three guys Dexter Heyman with 83 tackles (four sacks, team-best three interceptions, forced fumble), Hakeem Smith with 81 tackles (team-best three forced fumbles, one pick, one fumble recovery) and Preston Brown with 81 (1.5 sacks). William Savoy and Marcus Smith each have five sacks, adding a combined 34 stops, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and blocked kick.

On offense, Louisville lists just 100th nationally in points allowed (22 ppg) while racking up 328 yards per game (206 through the air, 122 on the ground). Teddy Bridgewater hits on 66 percent of his passes for 1,855 yards and 12 scores with nine interceptions. The offensive line has surrendered 36 sacks.

Michaelee Harris and Eli Rogers top the receiving threats with 71 combined catches for 855 yards and three touchdowns, while Dominique Brown and Victor Anderson pace the rushing attack with 960 combined yards and seven scores on 4.1 yards per attempt.

North Carolina State

North Carolina State recovered from a slow start, winning three of its final four contests and five of seven to finish fourth in the ACC Atlantic Division (4-4). Recently, the Wolfpack beat top-10 Clemson (37-13) and Maryland (56-41). NC State was 6-1 at home and 6-2 in its home state of North Carolina, where this bowl contest is being played.

NC State ranks 56th in points surrendered (25 ppg), allowing 352 yards per contest (220 via the pass, 132 on the ground) while compiling 33 sacks and forcing 36 turnovers four of which were taken back for scores (Brian Slay and Brandon Bishop, fumbles; David Amerson and C.J. Wilson, interceptions).

Earl Wolfe and Audie Cole lead the defense with 99 and 98 stops, respectively, chipping in a combined seven forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Terrell Manning and Darryl Cato-Bishop have 11 combined sacks to go with 91 tackles, five forced fumbles, three recoveries and three interceptions, while Amerson has 11 interceptions and 54 tackles.

On offense, NC State ranks 58th in points surrendered (28 ppg) while racking up 346 yards per matchup (238 through the air, 108 rushing). Mike Glennon has completed 62 percent of his attempts for 2,790 yards and 28 TDs with 11 interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 32 sacks.

Five guys have caught at least 30 throws this year, led by T.J. Graham and James Washington with 39 receptions each for a combined 941 yards and five scores. Meanwhile, Washington anchors the ground attack with 852 rushing yards and seven scores on 4.0 yards per carry.

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This will be the third meeting between Missouri and UNC. Missouri won the first pair; posting a 27-14 road victory in 1973 and a 24-3 verdict in Columbia during the 1976 season.

According to the current Independence Bowl spread, the Tigers are favored by five points, while the over/under is set for 52.5 points.

Missouri

The Tigers won their last three regular-season matchups to end up fifth in the conference (5-4). Most recently, Missouri posted a 24-10 win against the Kansas Jayhawks. Missouri was 2-4 away from home this season, with three of those losses by less than a touchdown versus bowl teams (Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas State).

The Tigers ranked 33rd nationally in points scored (32 points per contest) while compiling 472 yards per game (236 passing, 236 rushing). James Franklin completes 63 percent of his throws for 2,733 yards and 20 touchdowns with 10 picks, and ranks second on the team in the running game with 839 yards and 13 touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry.

When Franklin hands the ball off, the best ball carrier was Henry Josey (1,168 yards and nine touchdowns on 8.1 ypc in 10 contests), who was hurt at the end of the regular season and makes Franklin the best healthy ball carrier. When Franklin drops back, his top pass catchers are T.J. Moe with 54 receptions for 649 yards and four touchdowns and Michael Egnew with 47 receptions for 484 yards and three scores.

The Missouri defense rates 44th in the country in points given up (23 ppg), surrendering 382 yards per contest (247 through the air, 135 on the ground) while compiling 26 sacks and forcing 20 turnovers.

Andrew Wilson leads the defense with 89 stops, while Jacquies Smith has a school high five sacks and four forced fumbles with 34 tackles. Kenji Jackson has three picks, 71 tackles and one sack, with Like Lambert adding three fumble recoveries, 74 tackles and a pick.

E.J. Gaines has a punt return for a TD, and Trey Barrow averages 45 yards per punt.

North Carolina

North Carolina is another school (Arizona State, Southern Miss) that will be coached by someone who will not return next year, as Southern Miss’ Larry Fedora will take over for North Carolina after this contest. Carolina finished fourth in the ACC’s Coastal Division (3-5) and comes into this game 2-4 in its past six contests after starting the year 5-1. UNC is 1-4as a visitor, with the lone win over East Carolina. However, three of its losses this season have come by a touchdown or less.

The Tar Heels rank 44th nationally in points allowed (23 points per contest), giving up 353 yards per game (237 passing, 106 on the ground) while compiling 25 sacks and forcing 23 turnovers.

Zach Brown leads this unit with 91 tackles (24 more than anyone else) and three forced fumbles, adding 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while Quinton Coples has 7.5 sacks, 51 stops, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Tre Boston paces the squad with three picks and two fumble recoveries, adding 64 stops and a forced fumble.

Offensively, North Carolina ranks 57th in the nation in offense (28 ppg) while compiling 396 yards per contest (249 through the air, 147 running). Bryn Renner hits on 69 percent of his passes for 2,769 yards and 27 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 26 sacks.

Dwight Jones is the best receiver with 79 grabs (36 more than any other player) with 1,119 yards and 11 scores, while Giovani Bernard anchors the running game with 1,222 yards and 13 TDs on 5.4 yards per attempt.

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In this year’s version of the game, the U.S. Air Force Academy will be making its debut in this bowl game as it represents the military against MAC power Toledo.

These two squads have never played before on the gridiron.

The current Miliatry Bowl odds list Toledo as a 3-point favorite, while the total (over/under) sits at 70 points.

Toledo

After a 1-3 start, Toledo came back with seven victories in its last eight games to tie Northern Illinois for the MAC West Division title (7-1). Most recently, the Rockets recorded road victories over Central Michigan (44-17) and Ball State (45-28) en route to a 4-2 record on the road (winning the last four).

The Rocket offense rates a strong eighth in the country in offense (42 points per contest), gaining 493 yards per game (272 through the air, 221 on the ground). Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams lead the running attack with a total of 1,634 yards and 22 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry.

Terrance Owens and Austin Dantin have combined to complete 68 percent of their attempts for 3,210 yards and 30 scores with just six picks. The offensive line has given up nine sacks. Eric Page is one of the national receiving leaders with 112 grabs (76 more than any other player on the squad) for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Toledo ranks just 89th in the nation in points allowed (31 ppg), giving up 401 yards per contest (278 passing, 123 via the run) while compiling 22 sacks and forcing 28 turnovers three of which were taken back for TDs (Dan Molls and Robert Bell, two fumbles; Jermaine Robinson, pick).

Desmond Marrow paces this defense with 78 tackles and three interceptions, while Bell has 70 stops to go with a team-best four forced fumbles, a team-high three recoveries, a pick and a sack. Ben Pike has five sacks, 11 tackles and a forced fumble, with Molls recording three fumble recoveries and 58 stops.

Air Force

The Falcons won four of their final five games to finish fifth in the conference (3-4) and to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for a second straight year with a 2-0 record vs. Army and Navy. Recently, Air Force posted victories over UNLV (45-17) and Colorado State (45-21). The Falcons are 3-2 away from home, winning the last two.

With one of the top rushing offenses in the nation, Air Forced rates 22nd nationally in points (34 ppg) while racking up 459 yards per contest (320 on the ground, 139 passing).

The triple-option offense is led by the three prongs Asher Clark (1,036 yards, six scores, 7.3 yards per attempt), Mike Dewitt (543 yards, 10 scores, 4.9 ypc) and Tim Jefferson (492, 10, 3.5 ypc), while Jefferson connects on 61 % of his passes for 1,478 yards and 12 touchdowns with six picks. The offensive line has surrendered nine sacks. Jonathan Warzeka and Zack Kauth lead the receiving corps with 55 receptions for 935 yards and seven scores.

Defensively, Air Force lists 67th in the country in points allowed (27 ppg), surrendering 391 yards per game (228 on the ground, 163 through the air) while recording 17 sacks and forcing 24 turnovers.

Brady Amack leads the defense with 125 total stops (36 more than anyone else), adding a team-best four forced fumbles, one sack and a fumble recovery. Alex Means has six sacks, 71 stops, three forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries and an interception, while Davis has four interceptions, 89 tackles, a forced fumble and recovery.

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December 30 in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium will re-open for the bowl season, as it plays host to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, which will feature Rutgers of the Big East Conference and the Iowa State Cyclones of the Big 12.

This game will mark the first-ever meeting between the Scarlet Knights and the Cyclones on the gridiron.

Our current Pinstripe Bowl line list the Scarlet Knights as a 2-point chalk, while the total has been listed at 45 points.

Rutgers

Rutgers started the season 5-1, then had a late three-game win streak that was broken with a 40-22 defeat to UConn to close the regular season and end up in fourth place in the Big East (4-3). Rutgers was 2-3 as a visitor this year, and finished with a 1-2 overall record against the three conference co-champions. Two of the four losses came by two points each, and three losses were by 14 points total.

The Scarlet Knights are one of the better defensive squads in the country, rating 12th in the country in points allowed (19 points per contest), surrendering 315 yards per game (168 through the air, 147 rushing) while totaling 33 sacks and forcing 31 turnovers with four returned for touchdowns (Scott Vallone and Marcus Cooper, fumbles; Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan, interceptions).

Khaseem Greene anchors this defense with 127 tackles (56 more than any other player on the team), chipping in three sacks and forcing two fumbles, while Justin Francis has 6.5 sacks to go with 60 stops, two blocked kicks, a pick and a fumble recovery. Harmon has five interceptions with 45 tackles, while Jamal Harrell has three blocked kicks, two forced fumbles, 39 tackles and a fumble recovery.

On offense, Rutgers lists 66th in the country in scoring (26 ppg) while totaling 336 yards per game (245 throwing, 91 rushing). Chas Todd and Gary Nova have combined to hit 54 percent of their attempts for 2,931 yards and 20 scores with 16 interceptions. The offensive line has allowed 30 sacks.

The best receiver is Mohamed Sanu with 109 receptions (78 more than any other player on the team) for 1,144 yards and seven scores, while Jawan Jamison paces the rushing game with 766 yards and seven scores on 3.8 yards per carry.

Iowa State

The Cyclones were streaky this year started 3-0, then lost four straight, then won three straight, then lost their last two contests against Oklahoma (26-6) and Kansas State (30-23). Iowa State was 1-4 versus current top-25 schools, but has an overtime victory over No. 3 Oklahoma State. The Cyclones were 2-4 as a visitor, with three of those defeats versus top-25 schools.

Iowa State lists 82nd in the country in points allowed (30 ppg), allowing 432 yards per contest (237 through the air, 195 rushing) while recording 17 sacks and generating 24 turnovers one taken back for a TD (A.J. Klein, pick).

Jake Knott leads the defense with 107 stops and three forced fumbles, adding two picks and a fumble recovery, while Klein has 101 stops with two sacks and one pick. Patrick Neal has 3.5 sacks, 38 stops and two forced fumbles, while Ter’Ran Benton has three interceptions, 62 tackles and a fumble recovery.

The Cyclones rate 86th in the country in points scored (23 ppg) while totaling 393 yards per game (218 passing, 181 on the ground). Steele Jantz and Jared Barnett have combined to complete 52 percent of their throws for 2,500 yards and 16 scores with 15 INTs.

Darius Reynolds paces the receiving corps with 41 catches for 655 yards and seven scores, while Josh Lenz adds 35 catches for 438 yards and two touchdowns. James White anchors the running game with 701 yards and eight TDs on 4.7 yards per carry.

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This will be the 3rd all-time meeting between the schools, with the previous meeting in 2002. The Boilermakers won both games at home 28-13 in 1993 and 28-24 in 2002.

Checking out the latest Caesars Bowl odds, Purdue is favored by 2.5 points, while the total has been set at 60 points.

Western Michigan

The Broncos won three of their last four games to finish 3rd in the MAC West Division (5-3). The school is coming off a 63-19 win versus Akron. Three of the squad’s five defeats have been decided by a total of 10 points. The team is 5-2 in Michigan, running up a 5-0 home record and dropping games at Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

WMU is one of the more potent offensive teams in the nation, rating 18th in scoring offense (36 points per game) while recording 456 yards per contest (329 via the pass, 127 rushing). Alex Carder leads the offense by hitting 67 percent of his passes for 3,434 yards and 28 scores with 10 picks. The offensive line has given up 22 sacks.

Jordan White is the top receiving target, ranking as one of the national leaders with 127 catches (more than twice anyone else on the squad) for 1,646 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Tevin Drake anchors the ground attack with 570 yards and four TDs with 5.6 yards per attempt.

On defense, the Broncos rank 72nd in points allowed (28 ppg), allowing 434 yards per game (218 through the air, 216 via the run), notching 26 sacks and enticing 27 turnovers with one converted to a touchdown (Doug Wiggins, interception).

Johnnie Simon paces the unit with 103 tackles (19 more than any other player), adding 2.5 sacks and two interceptions, while Drew Nowak has 8.5 sacks, 83 stops, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery.

Purdue

The Boilermakers did not win more than one contest in a row this year, but ended the regular season with a 33-25 win at intrastate rival Indiana to end up third in the Big Ten Leaders Division. The Boilermakers are 1-4 as a visitor, losing the first four games outside of West Lafayette.

Purdue ranks 65th nationally in defense (26 ppg), surrendering 389 yards per game (203 through the air, 186 rushing) while totaling 21 sacks and enticing 14 turnovers two of which converted to TDs (Brandon Taylor, fumble recovery; Ricardo Allen, interception).

Dwayne Beckford paces the unit with 91 stops, adding three sacks, a pick, a forced fumble and a recovery, while Joe Holland adds 85 stops, 1.5 sacks and an interception. Kawann Short has 6.5 sacks, 53 tackles, two forced fumbles and a recovery, while Allen has three interceptions along with 72 stops, a forced fumble and a blocked kick.

Offensively, Purdue rates 69th in the country in points scored (26 ppg), totaling 372 yards per game (197 through the air, 175 on the ground). Caleb TerBush has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,804 yards and 12 touchdowns and six picks. The offensive line has surrendered 27 sacks.

Justin Siller and A Edison are the best receiving targets with 88 combined receptions for 994 yards and four TDs, while Ralph Bolden paces the rushing attack with 674 yards with six TDs on 4.6 yards per attempt.

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—> 12:30pm on FOX: Packers vs. Lions (Expert Picks)

- Packers -6 points
- Lions +6 points
- Over-Under 55

—> 4:15pm on CBS: Dolphins vs. Cowboys (Expert Picks)

- Dolphins +7 points
- Cowboys -7
- Over-Under 44

—> 8:20pm on NFL Network: SF 49ers vs. Ravens (Expert Picks)

- SF 49ers +3
- Ravens -3
- Over-Under 39.5

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