Line: California by 3.
Series record: California leads 4-2.
Last meeting: Sept. 11, 2003, Utah 31-24.
What's at Stake
Utah has won eight straight bowl games, best current streak in the country. The Poinsettia is a big step down for the Utes, who are coming off their second BCS appearance, a 31-17 win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Utah played in the Poinsettia Bowl two years ago, beating Navy 35-32. Cal is in a bowl for a school-record seventh straight season. The Golden Bears are making their third appearance in a San Diego bowl in six years, having played in the Holiday Bowl in 2004 and '06.
Key Matchup
Cal offense vs. Utah defense. Sounds simple, but if Cal scores a lot of points, it should win. The Golden Bears have averaged 40.1 points in their eight wins, while averaging only 7.5 points in their four losses. Cal has had more than 400 yards of offense seven times and been over 500 three times. Cal had blowout losses to Oregon (42-3), USC (30-3), Oregon State (31-14) and Washington (42-10).
Players to Watch
Utah: QB Jordan Wynn. The true freshman is from nearby Oceanside, Calif., and has played high school championship games at Qualcomm Stadium. He graduated from high school last December and enrolled right away at Utah, allowing him to go through spring ball. He is 2-2 as the Utes' starter.
California: QB Kevin Riley. Cal's fortunes ride with Riley. In the team's eight wins, Riley has completed 129 of 20 passes (61.7 percent) for 1,899 yards and 15 TDs, with four INTs. In the four losses, Riley is 60 of 137 (43.8 percent) for 737 yards and two TDs, with two INTs.
Facts & Figures: The teams haven't played each other since Utah won 31-24 at Salt Lake City on Sept. 11, 2003. ... Cal has won five of its last seven games. ... Utah is 11-3 in bowl games.
