Sac Bee: Friday's college football game

No. 13 Cal (3-0) at New Mexico State (0-3)

By Ryan Lillis

When: 7 p.m. Where: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, N.M.

TV: ESPN

Radio: KGO 810

Who has the edge?

Cal offense vs. New Mexico State defense - This might be the weakest defense the Bears face the rest of the season. The Aggies are giving up 214.7 rushing yards a game and 199.3 yards through the air, and have allowed at least 34 points in each of their three losses. Tailback Marshawn Lynch officially is available but will not start; Justin Forsett will replace him. If Lynch plays, he won't get many carries. Edge: Cal.

Cal defense vs. New Mexico State offense - New Mexico State often will go with four receivers and try to spread the field against Cal. The offensive scheme is similar to the one Texas Tech used against the Bears in last year's Holiday Bowl (a 45-31 Tech victory) but not nearly as potent. New Mexico State is averaging fewer than two touchdowns a game. Edge: Cal.

Cal special teams vs. New Mexico State special teams - Cal punt returner Tim Mixon was named the Pacific-10 Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 79 yards for a touchdown in Saturday's victory over Illinois. With a sputtering offense, New Mexico State does plenty of punting, and Brad Evans has averaged 43.9 yards on 18 punts. Edge: Cal.

Players to watch

Cal - The tailbacks. Lynch hasn't played in two weeks, and Forsett and Marcus O'Keith have filled in nicely, combining for 514 yards this season. Cal coach Jeff Tedford likely will be careful with Lynch as the Bears start the meat of their conference schedule next week against Arizona.

New Mexico State - Paul Dombrowski. Fifteen Aggies have caught passes this season, but Dombrowski has been the main target, hauling in 22 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns.

Quote - "I don't put anything past any team, but I do see myself doing pretty well this game. We've been practicing nonstop since Saturday, and I'm pretty confident I'm going to do well." - O'Keith, on facing New Mexico State