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College Football: 10 best under-the-radar games in 2016

By Michael Collins

Nov 14, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls fans celebrate on the field after beating the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls won 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls fans celebrate on the field after beating the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls won 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson (7) runs with the ball as California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson (47) attempts to make the tackle during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson (7) runs with the ball as California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson (47) attempts to make the tackle during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Game Date: Saturday Oct. 1, 2016
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Ca.
Series Record: Tied, 5-5
Last Meeting: Oct. 10, 2015 (Utah 30, Cal 24)
Why it’s intriguing: Both on the way up in the Pac-12

Last season both Utah and Cal surprised many by coming out of the gate strong and making a push for Pac-12 dominance. Both programs are on the upswing, and both have a shot at toppling the favorites in their respective divisions.

The Golden Bears will be without former quarterback Jared Goff, who was a big part of last season’s success. But Cal has a nice stable of running backs who divide up the load well, and are an effective group out of the backfield.

Utah is coming off arguably their best season since joining the Pac-12, and finished the year with a better overall record than division winner USC. They too are losing an experienced quarterback in Travis Wilson, as well as losing leading rusher Devontae Booker. Both sides will be fielding a lot of youth in this potentially big Pac-12 matchup.

Next: Game Number Six

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