Poinsettia Bowl Preview-Utah vs. California

December 21st, 2009 by Adam Mankuta

Game Info

December 23rd, 8pm, San Diego, California

Game Background

A year ago Utah was playing in a BCS game while Cal early this year had aspirations of a BCS game themselves. The loss of star back Jahvid Best is a huge loss for Cal, but the Utes won’t feel bad, as they have already lost their star back Matt Asiata for the season as well.

Utah Player to Watch

Eddie Wide is a name not known in many football households, however after the season ending injury to Asiata, Wide came on to rush for over a thousand yards and 12 touchdowns. The Cal offense will put up points, so the key for Utah is to handle the ball, control the clock and use Wide all they can.

Wyoming Player to Watch

Shane Vereen is the key player to watch for the Bears. He has already rushed for over 800 yards and 10 scores for the Bears in 2009 and has been a solid contributor to the Bears attack when Best is out of the lineup. He averages 5.1 yards per rush, while also getting 22 receptions out of the backfield. He is explosive and a game breaker. And will be the games MVP.

What Will Happen

Utah is coming off a let down in their rivalry game with BYU while Cal, who had higher expectations than this bowl game, will have to get up for this one. Utah’s offense is not as explosive as in years past, while their defense is always solid. The Cal rushing attack will provide the difference, as Vereen will break off 2 long runs en route to a 28-23 win.

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