Ron Kroichick
Cal jump-started its night by sending Jahvid Best dashing downfield and staggering into the end zone. No great surprise there. But quarterback Kevin Riley also got involved, flinging four touchdown passes as the Bears rolled in Saturday night's season opener against Maryland. Riley's effort - with ample help from his wide receivers - probably counted as the most significant element of Cal's 52-13 rout before 62,367 spectators at Memorial Stadium. If the Bears want to turn rampant preseason optimism into tangible results, they need Riley and the passing game to click.
It sprung to life on this night as Cal, ranked 12th in the nation, cruised to an impressive victory. Best ran for 137 yards (on 10 carries), Riley threw for 298 more and Cal's defense smothered the Terrapins, not allowing a touchdown until the win was safely in hand. "I thought Kevin was really sharp," coach Jeff Tedford said. "He made good decisions and didn't force passes. He played really solid tonight."
The victory provided emphatic payback for Cal's demoralizing defeat at Maryland last season. That game was memorable mostly for the jarring hit Best absorbed from then-Terps cornerback Kevin Barnes, prompting Best to vomit on national television. Best joked about wanting to re-claim his name in Maryland on Saturday night, with another national audience watching. He also did nothing to hurt his Heisman Trophy campaign, scoring two touchdowns - one on a 73-yard run - and reminding the Terps about the value of speed.
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