Holiday Bowl Breakdown: Why a Golden Bear Victory Would Be No Surprise

After a disastrous 2010 campaign that culminated with an end to the University of Texas' 12-year bowl appearance streak, the Longhorns are back in a bowl.  However, the team is still searching for its identity, as most of the Longhorns' troubles have been caused by their inability to settle on a quarterback.

The incumbent starter, Garret Gilbert, decided to transfer after two brutal games.  Their defense is the main reason they were able to finish 7-5.  This year could have been much worse.

California, on the other hand, has settled on a quarterback who is coming into his own: Zach Maynard.  After starting off 4-4, the Golden Bears won three of their last four, with the only loss being a close contest against their bitter rivals, the Stanford Cardinal.  

Another reason for the Golden Bears' success is the new-found running game, led by Isi Sofele.  Sofele has run for 1,266 yards and nine TDs this season and averaged over 141 yards in the last four games.

The Longhorns are stumbling into the Holiday Bowl after losing three of their last four, including a defeat at the hands of Baylor and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III.  The only Texas victory of note came against Texas A&M.  

As bad as the season started off for California, their players are probably pretty excited to have drawn the most profitable football program in the nation in a game played in San Diego.

Mack Brown's control of this talent and his team, who have been anything but consistent, will set the stage for 2012.  This is one of the better bowls and could lead to an increase in exposure for the team next fall.

Cal has never beaten Texas in their four previous meetings, but don't be surprised if their first victory comes this evening in the Holiday Bowl.