Both the Cougars and the Bears have been tough to predict this year, punching above their weight in some games, and stunningly below it in others.
Nonetheless, here they are in the postseason.
Wazzu plays Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Monday, and California takes on Hawai’i in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl on Wednesday.
The Aggies and Rainbow Warriors from the Mountain West figure to provide solid end-of-season tests.
I preview both matchups here and provide my straight-up picks with projected scores.
Washington State vs. Utah State
Monday, December 22
11:00 AM PT, ESPN
Albertsons Stadium (Boise, Idaho)
Washington State must find a way to stop Bryson Barnes, who has had a phenomenal year, helping lead Utah State to the 37th nationally ranked offense in points per game.
Barnes has thrown for 2,687 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions. But the Cougars have held four out of their last five opponents under ten points.
They’ve also performed well against reputable schools, keeping Ole Miss, Virginia, and James Madison to under 24 points.
Another factor working in favor of the Cougs is that the Aggies’ best receiver, Braden Pegan, opted out of the contest. His absence could prove decisive because USU struggles to win when they throw for less than 200 yards.
Flipping the potato, Washington State’s offense is pretty bad, but they may be able exploit a Utah State defense that ranks 89th nationally in points allowed per contest.
WSU also needs to find a way to extend drives, as they rank 94th in the country in third-down conversion percentage. Zevi Eckhaus is a hot-and-cold passing quarterback, but has a dependable target in Josh Meredith, he Cougars’ best wideout.
The Cougar defense is pretty vicious, and Pegan’s opt-out is a big loss.
The Cougs steal the funeral potatoes.
Washington State 28, Utah State 17
Cal vs. Hawai’i
Wednesday, December 24
5:00 PM PT, ESPN
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex (Honolulu)
One interesting thing to watch in this matchup is how Nick Rolovich performs against his former squad. Rolovich pulled the upset against SMU, but they’ll need to continue to score points against Hawaii.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is from Ewa Beach, so he’ll look to play well in his home state. As long as Sagapolutele gets support from the run game, the Golden Bears should be able to move the ball.
But there are no guarantees. Cal ranks last in the nation in rushing yards per game.
The Bears do feature a solid wideout duo in Trond Grizzell and Jacob De Jesus. Mason Mini also has also added 387 receiving yards and four touchdowns at tight end.
The Rainbow Warriors have a decent secondary, ranking 62nd in pass yards allowed per contest, but the Bears have seen better in the ACC.
Flipping the island, UH has the ninth best passing attack nationally.
That aerial attack led by Micah Alejado, who has had an excellent freshman campaign, throwing for 2,832 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
But he will be without Jackson Harris in this contest, and Cal’s secondary is ranked 37th nationally in passing yards allowed per game.
Alejado will need to avoid Hezekiah Masses, who is tied fifth nationally with five interceptions.
The Golden Bears have a lot of connections on the island and they’ll look to impress.
Ewa takes over.
Cal 35, Hawai’i 21
