California Golden Bears vs TCU Horned Frogs Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 11 (9/11): NCAAF

California Golden Bears vs TCU Horned Frogs Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 11 (9/11): NCAAF

Credit: photo by Jerome Minon-USA TODAY Sports

 
Odds
Time 3:30 p.m. EST
Golden Bears money line +340
Golden Bears spread +11.5 (-110)
Horned Frogs money line -450
Horned Frogs spread -11.5 (-110)
Over / under 47

 

Preview

The TCU Horned Frogs will welcome the California Golden Bears for an early season non-conference battle. TCU and Cal have only met once on the gridiron, with the Horned Frogs winning a 10-7 slugfest at the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl.

Offensive matchup
California

California struggled to move the ball after the quick start, barely amassing over 100 yards after the first quarter. Redshirt senior Chase Garbers was managed the game well, until a pair of redzone falters and a untimely turnover would derail Cal's comeback efforts. He went 25-38 for 177 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Damien Moore got off to a good start, but he was phased out down the stretch. Moore got 15 carries, caught three passes, gained 79 rushing yards and scored on Cal's opening possession of the season. The receivers didn't do much in the passing game in Week 1, but slot receiver Nikko Remigio did have seven catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.

TCU

Max Duggan looks prepared to take the next step this season. The third-year starter was effective through three quarters, going 14-19 for 207 yards with a touchdown and a pick. Duggan also scored the 15th rushing touchdown of his career in the opener.

 

The Horned Frogs displayed a balanced rushing attack against Duquesne. 2020 leading rushers Zach Evans and Kendre Miller both got ten touches and scored touchdown. Quentin Johnston caught four passes for 38 yards, while Nebraska transfer JD Spielman caught a touchdown.

Defensive matchup

As expected, TCU came out and shut down Duquense in their opening contest, but the Golden Bears should represent a tougher test. The Horned Frogs impressively held the Dukes to just 137 yards of total offense and return most of their starters from last season. Junior Dee Winters led the team with seven tackles in the opener.

Cal contained the run last week, but they had no answers for Nevada through the air. They were shredded for over 400 yards at home, and they have some questions to answer in Fort Worth this weekend.

Prediction

There's nothing like good, early non-conference football. This could be a physical, run-heavy game with the winner in the trenches gaining the upper hand. After picking up where they left off last season, that should be the Horned Frogs at home. If they can get things going on the ground early, look for Max Duggan to be ultimate difference maker in this game. The spread could be more generous, but it could also be worse. Take TCU's game spread.

PICK: TCU -11.5 (-110)

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