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California (8-4)
vs.
Miami (7-5)
Date: Dec. 27
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: San Francisco
Television: ESPN
Payout: $850,000
Last result: Oregon State 21, Maryland 14
2008 results: California; Miami
2008 statistics: California; Miami
Tickets: Buy them here
Coaches: Jeff Tedford (California); Randy Shannon (Miami)
Bowl history/last appearance: California 9-8-1 (won 42-36 over Air Force in '07 Armed Forces); Miami 18-13 (won 21-20 over Nevada in '06 MPC Computers)
Series: Miami leads 2-1 (California 9-7 in '64; Miami 31-3 in '89, 52-24 in '90)
What California must do to win: Disappointed that their bowl trip only consists of a drive across the Bay Bridge, the Golden Bears need to shake that off and focus properly on the dangerous Hurricanes. Going up against inexperienced quarterback Jacory Harris — Robert Marve was suspended for academic reasons — means California should be in prime position to add to its hefty total of 23 interceptions.
With QB problems of their own, the Golden Bears are best when they throw as little as possible. Cal attempted only 11 passes in a 37-16 victory over archrival Stanford on Nov. 22.
What Miami must do to win: After allowing nearly 700 rushing yards in their last two games, the Hurricanes have to improve their run defense in a hurry. Golden Bears sophomore speedster Jahvid Best is coming off a 311-yard, four-touchdown performance in the regular-season finale. It would have been more impressive if it came against a team other than woeful Washington, but Best needed only 19 carries to do all that damage.
On offense, Miami needs some of its younger players who now have a full season under their belts to start playing like upperclassmen.
Who the NFL is watching: Cal’s Alex Mack is regarded as the best center in the draft; The youthful Miami roster is filled with pro prospects, but they’re still a year or two away.
Opening point spread: California by 7.5 (49.5)
Prediction: California 31, Miami 20
MVP: California RB Jahvid Best
Live vote: Who will win?
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