2011 Holiday Bowl

Teams

Entering the contest, both teams shared a few similarities. Each had an identical record (7–5) and last played in a bowl during the 2009 season, which they both lost (Texas lost the BCS National Championship Game to Alabama and Cal lost the Poinsettia Bowl, also in San Diego, to Utah.) Both teams also identical posted losing records (5–7) during the 2010 season. Their respective records in Holiday Bowl were also split. Texas lead the series with Cal 4–0, and was ranked in the nation’s top 10 in each of the series' games. Both teams were strong on defense with the Longhorns standing at No. 14 in total defense (315.33 ypg) and the Bears No. 26 (339.42 ypg).

Texas

Texas began the season with a four-game winning streak which included a defeat of UCLA in Pasadena. Following a loss to then #1 Oklahoma, the Longhorns only managed to put together three more wins for the rest of the season, although three of their losses during this period came against higher ranked opponents. Texas finished with a 7–5 record following the program's first losing season since 1997. This was Texas' fifth trip to the Holiday Bowl, the most recent being in 2007, and their prior record was 2–2. The Texas offense came into the game with the nation's No. 19 rushing team (210.42 ypg) but only No. 85 in passing (193.58 ypg), while the defense had been stingy against the run at No. 11 (103.67 ypg) and No. 47 in pass defense (211.67 ypg).

California

California began the season with a three-game winning streak, during which head coach Jeff Tedford became with the winningest coach in program history. The Bears then had three straight losses, including their sole home loss of the season. They were able to get four more wins, improving to a 7–5 mark following the first losing season in Tedford's tenure as head coach. This was Cal's third Holiday Bowl, the most recent being in 2006, and their prior record was 1–1. Coincidentally they had faced Texas teams in all of their Holiday Bowl matchups, with Texas Tech in 2004 and Texas A&M in 2006. Notably, the 2004 appearance resulted after Texas head coach Mack Brown had lobbied for an invitation to the Rose Bowl over Cal. Tedford said the incident "was a long time ago. I felt bad for our team because I really felt like we deserved to be in the Rose Bowl that year, but we're in 2011 now and it is a whole different situation." Cal has a balanced offense, which is No. 37 in total offense (418.67 ypg), No. 38 in passing (251.50) and No. 48 in rushing (167.17 ypg).

Game summary

First quarter

Texas received the ball to start the game but was unable to move the ball past midfield despite a fourth down conversion in their own territory. Cal was able to drive 70 yards on its first possession for a 47-yard field goal. After a three and out, Texas got the ball back when Zach Maynard was picked off by Quandre Diggs, but in turn went three and out. However Maynard was then sacked for a fumble in Cal territory.

Second quarter

Texas' attempt to capitalize on the turnover failed when a 38-yard field goal missed. Two possessions later the Longhorns started in Cal territory and were able to drive down to the Cal 4-yard line on a 30-yard reception by tight end Blaine Irby. They then set up a trick play in which receiver Jaxon Shipley threw a pass to quarterback David Ash for the first touchdown of the game.

Third quarter

Cal opened the half with a 69-yard drive that was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by Isi Sofele. However Texas came right back with a 47-yard scoring reception by receiver Marquise Goodwin to take hold of the lead. The Cal defense held following a Sofele fumble on the ensuing drive, but Maynard was sacked on the final Cal possession of the quarter. Goodwin then had a 37-yard run to put the ball on the Cal 7-yard line.

Fourth quarter

This set up a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Cody Johnson for the game's final score. Late in the quarter the final Cal turnover occurred when receiver Marvin Jones fumbled after making a reception.

Scoring summary

Statistics

Game notes

• This was Cal's second bowl loss in a row, going back to the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl, and Texas' second straight Holiday Bowl victory, following a win in 2007 over Arizona State. Cal is 1–3 in its bowl trips to San Diego.
• Texas' record against Cal improved to 5–0.

Notes

References

References

1. "College Football Betting Lines and Spreads – AccuScore".
2. "Texas vs UCLA (Sep 17, 2011)".
3. [https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025547/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303290251 Cyrus Gray scores 2 long TDs, carries Aggies to win over Longhorns], ESPN, November 25, 2010.
4. (2011-12-04). "Cal, Texas to Meet in Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl". The Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.
5. (2011-09-17). "Zach Maynard powers Cal as Jeff Tedford sets school wins mark". ESPN.com.
6. Miller, Ted. (December 6, 2011). "Revenge? Cal to face Texas in Holiday Bowl". ESPN.com.
7. Wilson, Bernie. (December 4, 2011). "California, Texas to play in Holiday Bowl". [[The Brownsville Herald]].
8. "California Golden Bears vs. Texas Longhorns – Box Score". ESPN.
9. "California Golden Bears vs. Texas Longhorns – Drivechart". ESPN.