The media on the Holiday Bowl

Opinions are mixed, but everyone says it should be close.

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks: Texas rolls past Iowa; Cal wins Holiday shootout”

Cal 38, Texas A&M 35: Lots of dangerous skill talent on display in a bowl that always seems to be entertaining. I’m expecting a big show from the tailbacks on both sides, but in the end look for DeSean Jackson to take over.

Scout/CFN: “Mr Pac-10’s Bowl Picks”

This one is a bit tough to pick. While I definitely believe that Cal won’t lay the egg here that they did two years ago, I’m just not sold on them being all that great, especially after three straight lousy performances. A&M seems to be peaking, and while bowl games are always a crapshoot, I think that they’re the slightly better team here. Texas A&M 31, Cal 28

ESPN’s Pat Forde: “Dashing through the bowl season”

The important information: This is an intriguing game between two teams looking for a springboard to a potentially big season in 2007. A&M coach Dennis Franchione got his credibility boost by upsetting Texas to end the regular season. Cal is still looking for one. …

The pick: Cal 30, Texas A&M 26.

USA Today’s Erick Smith: “Weekend Forecast”

This is one of the better non-BCS matchups of the bowl season. Both teams should produce a lot of offense as the Holiday Bowl continues its tradition of entertaining matchups. California 34, Texas A&M 28.

FOXSports/CFN: “Fearless Prediction: Holiday Bowl”

Texas A&M struggled all year against the nastier passing offenses and doesn’t have enough of a pass rush to throw the Bear passing game off, so expect a big day from Longshore. Cal isn’t physical enough to handle the nasty A&M offensive line and the pounding of the ground game, so expect a big day from Lane. When in doubt, go with the better running game. …

Fearless Prediction: Texas A&M 24 … California 23