Who: Cal (2-0) vs. Maryland (1-1)
Where: College Park, Md.
When: 9 a.m.
TV/Radio: ESPN/810
What's on the line
National prestige. Cal, which looked good in two regional broadcasts, gets a chance to shine in the national spotlight, and tailback Jahvid Best may legitimize his Heisman candidacy.
What to watch for
Maryland's best moves: Shake things up. Coach Ralph Friedgen backed off making wholesale changes, but that might be just what the Terrapins need. They scored only 14 points each against Delaware and Middle Tennessee State.
Cal's counter: Be prepared to see both Maryland quarterbacks, Chris Turner and Josh Portis, who have shown distinctively different styles. Having defensive coordinator Bob Gregory on the sideline, instead of in the coaches' box, should help Cal with in-game adjustments.
Cal's best moves: Don't give up on the running game. Best, who had 80- and 86-yard runs last week, has proven that it takes only one mistake by an opponent for him to be a game-changer. The Bears need to find touches for Best, even if he is slowed in the early-going.
Maryland's counter: Play assignment-based football. Maryland will probably stack the box since the Bears are averaging 297 rushing yards a game.
Who's hurting
Cal: Kendrick Payne (knee) won't play, weakening a defensive line that has gotten decent pressure but has no sacks. ... Fullback John Tyndall, who has three kick-coverage tackles, will miss the game with a foot injury. The kick-coverage unit has been inconsistent.
Maryland: Free safety Terrell Skinner (high ankle sprain), who had the game-clinching interception against Delaware, is out and is being replaced by Antwine Perez and Jamari McCollough. ... Quarterback Jordan Steffy's thumb injury allows fans to debate whether Turner or Portis should become "the guy."
Note of note
Cal has never played Maryland in football, coach Jeff Tedford has never faced an ACC team and the Bears haven't played on the East Coast since a 20-10 win at Rutgers in 2001.
Final word
"Right now, we're just a bunch of hype."
Jeremy Navarre
Maryland defensive tackle
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