Matchup: California vs. TCU
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona.
Date and Time: December, 26th. 9 PM EST.
All-Time Series: First Meeting.
Background Information:
TCU has had to fend off a ludicrous amount of injuries and at one point late in the season, were 2 games behind .500. But by taking down a average Baylor and streaky Oklahoma State, the Horned Frogs were able to gain win number 6. With QB Shaun Robinson likely out for this game and the suspension of WR/KR/PR Kavontae Turpin, TCU has looked very vanilla on offense. For Cal (similar to a lot of Pac 12 schools) has been up and down throughout the year. Cal has had highs like beating Pac 12 Champion Washington. But lows as in losing by 30 to 3 win UCLA at home. Both teams are ironically very similar as both play really stout defense with a couple of guys that will be playing on Sundays. Both teams also have inconsistent offenses with one star player the offenses are revolved around. With Cal and Justin Wilcox inking a new deal that will keep him in Berkley till 2023 shows the school has faith in him. It’s his chance to show what kind of football team he puts out on the field come December, 26th.
Players to watch for:
California:
RB Patrick Laird is a sparkplug out of the backfield for the Golden Bears. Similar to Jalen Reagor, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and run between the tackles. Laird has 935 rushing yards, with 291 receiving yards and 9 total touchdowns. Outside of Laird, the offense is relatively plain and has a limited amount of playmakers. Laird will have to be huge in this game to give Cal a chance to win. Cal has a pair of extremely talented LB’s, but one to watch for is LB Evan Weaver. Weaver leads the team in tackles (141) and is 3rd in sacks, TFL’s, and interceptions. TCU might want to attack Cal by running the football and if that’s the case, expect Weaver to be all over the place in this contest.
TCU:
With the loss of Turpin, It’s Sophomore WR Jalen Reagor’s turn to fill in his role and be the do-it-all receiver. Reagor has 1,053 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while also rushing for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. Michael Collins availability for this game is uncertain, so it might be 3rd string Grayson Muehlstein that will be throwing to Reagor and it’s important to give him the ball and let him make plays because he will make plays. TCU is headlined on defense by a two headed monster along the defensive line led by Preseason All-Big 12 DPOY DE Ben Banogu. Banogu has 17 TFL’s and 7.5 sacks. Banogu also has a couple fumbles forced and recovered. Considering it’s what Cal does the best on offense is running the football, Banogu could be in for a really big game.
Keys to a win:
California:
Ball Security: It could be said to just stop Jalen Reagor but another important aspect is to not give TCU more chances to get points by turning the ball over. Although TCU is stout on defense, TCU is below average on forcing turnovers. Keep the ball out of the Horned Frogs hands which gives you more possessions and a chance at victory.
TCU:
The key for TCU is to make sure none of their receivers get behind them. Cal is not very explosive in the receiving core with only one player over 500 yards on the year (Vic Wharton 502). TCU does have a solid defense but is weak in the secondary due to a numerous amount of injuries, so freshman and sophomores have had to step up in the back end of the season and they have played well so far.
Final Verdict:
Due to the lack of offense, I think Cal keeps it close, but for the most part, TCU shuts out QB Chase Garbers. Reagor catches 2 touchdowns and RB Sewo Olonilua rushes for another as TCU finishes the year 7-6. TCU 24, California 20
Image Credit: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/8/20/17760046/cactus-bowl-cheez-it-bowl-rename-arizona
