Holiday Bowl 2011: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The 2011 edition of the Holiday Bowl will feature the Texas Longhorns and the California Bears. Both teams enter the game at 7-5 looking for a positive end to their up and down seasons. 

This is the first Holiday Bowl appearance for Cal and Texas since 2006 and 2007 respectively. 

Here’s a look at what you need to know about this year’s Holiday Bowl matchup. 

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

When: Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3

Listen: ESPN Radio

Betting Line: Texas -3.5 

Key Storyline

After winning 13 games in the 2009 season, the Texas Longhorns have won a combined 12 games in the past two seasons. This has led some to question how much Mack Brown has left in the tank. 

Another season of mediocre play won’t be accepted, and it’s important that the Longhorns build positive momentum heading into this off-season. 

Who Might Not Play For Texas

Fozzy Whittaker—out (knee): Whittaker tore ligaments in his knee against Kansas State and will not be available to play in the Holiday Bowl. 

Malcolm Brown—probable (knee): Brown struggled with a turf toe injury earlier in the season but it was a tweaked knee that kept him out against Baylor. He was considered questionable for that game, so he should be ready to play in the Holiday Bowl. 

Joe Bergeron—probable (hamstring): Bergeron missed the final two games of the regular season after injuring his hamstring against Texas Tech. With time to rest, he should be ready for the bowl game. 

Who Might Not Play For California

Chris McCain—probable (concussion): McCain hasn’t played since suffering a concussion against Washington State on Nov. 5th. He should be ready for the bowl game. 

Dave Wilkerson—probable (knee): Wilkerson sustained a knee injury on Nov. 5th and hasn’t played since. He is expected to return for the Holiday Bowl. 

What It Means For California

The Bears have been up and down in 2011, but eight wins would be a solid season. Anytime you have a chance to play a program like Texas it’s a big deal.

Even though the Longhorns are down it will be a major source of pride if Cal can win this game in their home state. 

What It Means For Texas

This game is significant for Texas because it begins a bowl streak. For the first time in 12 years the Longhorns missed a bowl last season. 

Beyond that though, this is a chance for Mack Brown and his players to show that they are building on something.

The last two seasons have been sub-par, but bowl games can be building blocks for potential success in the next season. 

What They’re Saying

You might think that the Holiday Bowl is a downer for a program like Texas, but apparently the players are excited. Mack Brown made reference to his redshirt seniors who have been to the Holiday Bowl before. “When we heard about where we were going, there was excitement by the older guys who told the younger guys about the Red Coats and the hospitality and the water and the game, which historically has been good.”

California quarterback Zach Maynard may have a little extra motivation to play well against the Longhorns. When asked about Texas, Maynard said, "That was my dream school growing up. I loved Texas.” We’ll see if Maynard can put on a show against the school he once dreamed of playing for. 

Texas Player To Watch: Malcolm Brown

In the 2011 season Brown has established himself as the next star in the Texas backfield. He was on pace for 1,000 rushing before missing games due to turf toe and knee injuries.

Brown should be healthy in time for the bowl game and, if so, the Longhorns offense will lean on him heavily. 

California Player To Watch: Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen may not get the attention of a Justin Blackmon or Ryan Broyles, but he has had a very good season himself. The sophomore wide receiver has reeled in 89 catches for 1,261 yards and six touchdowns, despite inconsistent quarterback play.

This game is a chance for Allen to put himself on the map going into next season. 

Key Matchup: Texas Running Game vs. Cal Run Defense 

Texas is at its best on offense when they are pounding the ball on the ground. Much of the trouble with the Longhorn’s offense this season has been due to injuries at the running back position.

California has an above average rush defense and must slow down Texas on the ground to force their quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. 

Prediction: Texas 27, California 17

The Longhorns have struggled at times this season, but with their top two running backs expected to return the Texas offense should be strong.

Additionally, Mack Brown will be looking to build momentum for a 2012 season that is very important for his future.