The 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl has an intriguing matchup. We have the 6-6 California Golden Bears taking on the 6-6 Texas Tech Red Raiders at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. California comes in winning three straight games to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2019. The Golden Bears will make their 25th appearance in a bowl game and have a 12-11-1 record in their previous bowl appearances. Texas Tech comes into this one winning three out of their last four games. The Red Raiders will make their fourth straight bowl appearance and Texas Tech has a record of 16-23-1 in their 40 previous bowl appearances. The Red Raiders are 3 point favorites in this one with the over/under set at 56.5. These two teams match up well against one another and with that being said here is my preview for the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
California Golden Bears
The California Golden Bears have won their last three games to become bowl eligible. California’s offense averages 31.6 points per game (t-39th) and average 181.2 rushing yards per game (58th in the nation). The Golden Bears will be without Ben Finley and Sam Jackson V as both of them enter the transfer portal. They let those two go with ease with their starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza playing well enough to help them to three straight victories. A big part of this offense has to be because of running back Jaydn Ott. Ott rushed for 1,261 rushing yards on 5.5 yards per carry and added 11 rushing touchdowns as well. If the Golden Bears are going to win this game, they are going to need their rushing attack to continue to succeed.
Defensively, the Golden Bears are not the best. They allow 32.7 points per game to go along with 428.1 total yards of offense per game. The Golden Bears will be without key pieces of their starting defense as they enter the transfer portal. Their leading tackler in linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr enters the portal as well as cornerback Jeremiah Earby both enter the portal and will be severely missed. California is going to need guys to step up if they want to compete with Texas Tech in this one.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have been a solid offense in 2023. They average 26.8 points per game to go along with just a little over 400 total yards of offense per game as well. Quarterback Behren Morton has been solid for them this season, however the key to this offense has to be running back Tahj Brooks. Brooks has rushed for 1,443 rushing yards (4th in the nation) on 5.4 yards per carry and 9 rushing touchdowns. The Red Raiders will be without two of their starting wideouts in Jerand Bradley and Myles Price due to the transfer portal. They will also be without starting left tackle Monroe Mills who is entering the transfer portal as well. Some key parts of this offense won’t be here, but head coach Joey McGuire will do what he can to get a bowl win here.
Defensively, the Red Raiders were not great in 2023. They allow 27 points per game while giving up 405.7 total yards of offense per game as well. Texas Tech might be without starting safety Tyler Owens who didn’t play in the last game of the season. Stud defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings is out because he had surgery. The Red Raiders will rely on linebacker Ben Roberts and defensive back C.J. Baskerville to be the difference maker in this one. Their defense will need to step up in a big way if they want to win this one.
Betting Trends
-The over is 5-2 in California’s last 7 games overall.
-California is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
-Texas Tech is 15-5 straight up in their last 20 games as a favorite.
-The Red Raiders are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Don’s Best Bet
I like the battle of the quarterbacks here in this Independence Bowl showdown. Both defenses are going to give up points so I for sure am taking the over 56.5 -110 for one unit. I am going to take a side as well in this one. The California Golden Bears are playing well, but I am taking Texas Tech -3 -110 for one unit. I think the Golden Bears are going to keep it close, but I think Texas Tech wins 31-27 in a close hard fought game between these two teams. This is going to be one of the best bowl games for the first full Saturday slate of games.
