Oklahoma State's Best Hope: That Weeden-Blackmon really is the most dominant QB-WR tandem in college football today. However, RG3 has proven to deliver against defensive teams, and Washington was forced into a shootout with the weakest defensive team it played, Arizona. Washington rarely fumbles the ball, but RG3 has a 72 percent completion rate and only six interceptions. With both offenses clicking, it may come down to a few defensive (gasp!) stops or who can out-pace who in points. the 114th defense?Īfter a great start to the 2011 season, the Huskies regressed severely on both offense and defense, but they've had some time off and Steve Sarkisian has proven to be good at preparing for bowl games-at least the one we can pin on him. With Keith Price having a few weeks off to recover from an injury-laden season, and Chris Polk coming off an 11-touchdown, 1,341 ypc season, the Huskies are set to tear through the 114th-ranked defense in the country. Washington's Best Hope: Washington's offense. What does Washington's defensive coordinator Nick Holt really think he can do with his 94th-ranked defense? In the face of strong defenses like TCU (32nd in the nation defensively) and Texas (14th), RG3 directed an offense that still netted 50 and 48 points, respectively. Every game, he is a threat to run and throw for 400+ yards, while managing an offense that is fifth in passing (356.2 yards), 18th in rushing (215.1 yards) and sixth in points per game at 43.5. All of these factors will tip this game in the Bears' favor.īaylor's Best Hope: Robert Griffin III. Do I need to say more? The Heisman-winning scrambler is the current poster child for the Big 12's quarterback-centric league. On top of that, you have many Texas injuries (most of the injured players will be back for the bowl, supposedly, but how ready do you think they will be in their first game after recovery, after several weeks on the sidelines?), youth and lack of QB experience in a game away from home (but in California). as evidenced by their brushes with Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and so on. Cal's Maynard can throw to star receiver Keenan Allen or the solid Marvin Jones to open up the running game for Sofele. Texas has a stalwart defense, true, but their pass defense is hit-and-miss. Prediction: While Texas is currently favored by three points, I don't see this one anywhere near that close. If they can shift their defensive lines, confuse Zach Maynard, and contain Isi Sofele, then they have a very good chance of pushing Cal back enough to give their sputtering offense a chance. At 14th in the nation, their defense will be the only thing to save them, because their offense is in shambles. QB Zach Maynard has thrown for 2,802 yards, and after a shaky start to the season has had completion rates of 58.8, 68.4, 69 and 73.1 percent in his last four games.Ĭonsequently, the Bears have won three of their last four, and came within three points of forcing overtime on Stanford (ranked 25th defensively). Half their rushing yards for the season have come in their last four games, with RB Isi Sofele the main pounder at 1,270 yards. Second, California has developed a potent air-ground assault in the last month. However, Texas was playing at home and had its talented roster at full health for that game-and it won by one point. Now, Texas beat BYU in its second week and BYU is ranked 17th defensively. California's Best Hope: There are actually two: defense and a balanced attack.įirst, California has the second strongest defense (ranked 26th in the nation by USA Today) that Texas has faced.
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