California (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
December 31, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN)
After rising to No. 2 in the country, the Bears lost six of their final seven games. You read that correctly.
Despite having weapons such as DeSean Jackson and Justin Forsett on offense, the unit ranked No. 59 in the country in total yards and scoring. Why? Well junior quarterback Nate Longshore was terrible after missing the Oregon State game (Cal's first loss). In his final six games this season (1-5), he threw for nine touchdowns and 11 picks. I told you it was bad.
Air Force, on the other hand, is playing in its first bowl in five years. The Falcons are the No. 2 rushing attack among service academies this season, which might not seem like an important stat. But, the top 2 rushing teams in the country are service academies, so there you go.
Senior Chad Hall is a beast and is ranked third in all-purpose yards. At just 5'8", 180, he averages almost seven yards per carry. Numbers DeSean Jackson should be bragging about -- he's not even the team's leading receiver (an honor reserved for Lavelle Hawkins).
Despite all of that, Cal is still the favorite in this game and I'm inclined to pick them. But why should the Bears care about winning this game? Pride is long gone.
The line: California -3.5
The pick: Air Force