BYU's strength is its passing attack. QB John Beck led the Mountain West Conference in passing, but Cal's pass rush gives the Bears an edge in the Pioneer Pure Vision Las Vegas Bowl.
BYU Offense vs. California Defense
BYU it is still a pass-heavy offense and QB John Beck has thrown for over 3,000 yards as well as 24 touchdowns this year. Beck is accurate and he generally takes what the defense gives him. But, like most quarterbacks, he will make some mistakes when forced to get rid of the ball quickly. That doesn't bode well for Cougar fans because California's pass rush has recorded 31 sacks and it should have some success getting to Beck.
One of the best ways to keep the Bears' pass rush on its heels is to establish an effective running game. The problem is that's a lot easier said than done going up against a Bears' run defense that is giving up an average of just 3.3 yards per carry. Although RB Curtis Brown has rushed for over 1,000 yards, the Bears have the size at defensive tackle and the range at linebacker to limit his production. However, it's important to note that Brown excels at cutting back and BYU runs out of a number of different formations so California's talented front-seven must play with discipline.
California Offense vs. BYU Defense
After dropping two games in a row, the Bears benched QB Joe Ayoob, who had been playing in place of the injured Nathan Longshore, in favor of backup Steve Levy for the Stanford game. Levy played well enough for California to end the two-game slide and he is expected to start this bowl game. However, it's important to note that he lined up at fullback last year and this will be just the second start of his career so he will make some mistakes. Expect the Cougars to try to exploit this weakness by blitzing frequently and throwing some different looks at Levy on downs with run-heavy tendencies.
Unfortunately for BYU, its run defense has been average at best so putting Levy in situations with pass-heavy tendencies will prove difficult. The Bears are averaging 5.9 yards per carry and are ranked No. 10 in the nation in average rushing yards per game. They have two productive backs in Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett, which helps keep both fresh late in the game.
Special Teams
While BYU PK Jared McLaughlin is accurate, (he connected on all eleven of his field goal attempts inside 40 yards) he has been far less consistent from outside that range. P Derek McLaughlin, who isn't related to Jared, has had two of his punts blocked but he has good leg strength and he is accurate enough to pin California deep given the opportunity.
Bears PR Tim Mixon is a dangerous open-field runner that is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. If there are any breakdowns in the Cougars' punt cover units he's capable of taking advantage. PK Tom Schneider has the leg strength to connect on some long distance field goal attempts but he lacks ideal accuracy. P David Lonie has had a strong year, averaging 42 yards per punt and placing 18 of his 57 punts inside the opponents' twenty-yard line.
Three Key Individual Matchups
1. BYU RB Curtis Brown vs. California MLB Desmond Bishop
2. California RB Marshawn Lynch vs. BYU MLB Cameron Jensen
3. BYU WR Johnny Harline vs. California Rover Donnie McCleskey
Scouts' Edge
Inconsistent quarterback play has hindered California for much of the season but Lynch and Forsett should be productive enough to keep the chains moving and take most of the pressure off Levy. Defensively, the Bears' front seven is capable of limiting Brown's production on the ground, effectively forcing Beck to move the offense with his arm. While Beck will have success moving the offense at times, California's pass rush will force him to hurry some of his throws resulting in drives stalling and/or turnovers. That will ultimately be the difference in this game.
Prediction: California 24, BYU 14
BYU Offense vs. California Defense
BYU it is still a pass-heavy offense and QB John Beck has thrown for over 3,000 yards as well as 24 touchdowns this year. Beck is accurate and he generally takes what the defense gives him. But, like most quarterbacks, he will make some mistakes when forced to get rid of the ball quickly. That doesn't bode well for Cougar fans because California's pass rush has recorded 31 sacks and it should have some success getting to Beck.
One of the best ways to keep the Bears' pass rush on its heels is to establish an effective running game. The problem is that's a lot easier said than done going up against a Bears' run defense that is giving up an average of just 3.3 yards per carry. Although RB Curtis Brown has rushed for over 1,000 yards, the Bears have the size at defensive tackle and the range at linebacker to limit his production. However, it's important to note that Brown excels at cutting back and BYU runs out of a number of different formations so California's talented front-seven must play with discipline.
California Offense vs. BYU Defense
After dropping two games in a row, the Bears benched QB Joe Ayoob, who had been playing in place of the injured Nathan Longshore, in favor of backup Steve Levy for the Stanford game. Levy played well enough for California to end the two-game slide and he is expected to start this bowl game. However, it's important to note that he lined up at fullback last year and this will be just the second start of his career so he will make some mistakes. Expect the Cougars to try to exploit this weakness by blitzing frequently and throwing some different looks at Levy on downs with run-heavy tendencies.
Unfortunately for BYU, its run defense has been average at best so putting Levy in situations with pass-heavy tendencies will prove difficult. The Bears are averaging 5.9 yards per carry and are ranked No. 10 in the nation in average rushing yards per game. They have two productive backs in Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett, which helps keep both fresh late in the game.
Special Teams
While BYU PK Jared McLaughlin is accurate, (he connected on all eleven of his field goal attempts inside 40 yards) he has been far less consistent from outside that range. P Derek McLaughlin, who isn't related to Jared, has had two of his punts blocked but he has good leg strength and he is accurate enough to pin California deep given the opportunity.
Bears PR Tim Mixon is a dangerous open-field runner that is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. If there are any breakdowns in the Cougars' punt cover units he's capable of taking advantage. PK Tom Schneider has the leg strength to connect on some long distance field goal attempts but he lacks ideal accuracy. P David Lonie has had a strong year, averaging 42 yards per punt and placing 18 of his 57 punts inside the opponents' twenty-yard line.
Three Key Individual Matchups
1. BYU RB Curtis Brown vs. California MLB Desmond Bishop
2. California RB Marshawn Lynch vs. BYU MLB Cameron Jensen
3. BYU WR Johnny Harline vs. California Rover Donnie McCleskey
Scouts' Edge
Inconsistent quarterback play has hindered California for much of the season but Lynch and Forsett should be productive enough to keep the chains moving and take most of the pressure off Levy. Defensively, the Bears' front seven is capable of limiting Brown's production on the ground, effectively forcing Beck to move the offense with his arm. While Beck will have success moving the offense at times, California's pass rush will force him to hurry some of his throws resulting in drives stalling and/or turnovers. That will ultimately be the difference in this game.
Prediction: California 24, BYU 14
