When: 10 p.m. EST
• Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif. (71,799).
• Forecast: Partly cloudy, mid 60s.
• TV: ESPN2.
• Coaches: Ralph Friedgen (64-36, ninth season); Jeff Tedford (59-30, eighth season).
When Maryland Has the Ball
Keep your eyes on the line of scrimmage because the big question is how Maryland's inexperienced offensive line will hold up. The line's right side -- with guard Andrew Gonnella and tackle Paul Pinegar -- includes two former walk-ons. Quarterback Chris Turner, starting his 21st game, has vowed to offer more consistency. The senior has several capable options at wide receiver, including Adrian Cannon, the most impressive offensive player in camp. The Terrapins also have at least two strong options at running back with returning first-team all-ACC performer Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett. Moving the ball will be difficult against a California defense that returns its entire defensive line and secondary. Tyson Alualu, who had 62 tackles last season, is one of the best defensive linemen in the Pacific-10, and cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson is expected to be an all-American.
When California Has the Ball
No need to watch anyone other than Cal running back Jahvid Best, the nation's most electrifying player. Best averaged 8.1 yards per carry last season and has had three runs for 80 yards or more. Fellow running back Shane Vereen, who rushed for 715 yards last season, is also dangerous. One question is whether quarterback Kevin Riley can be consistent after a season in which he completed just 50.7 percent of his passes. Another question: How much will the departure of all-American center Alex Mack, now with the Cleveland Browns, affect the offense? Maryland will be blitzing with abandon. In the secondary, strong safety Kenny Tate and cornerback Nolan Carroll have been among the biggest playmakers throughout camp. The concern is along the line, but Travis Ivey, who battled injuries last season, should give the Terrapins some stability on the interior.
Special Teams
The game will feature two of the nation's best punters in California sophomore Bryan Anger, a preseason all-American in several publications, and Maryland junior Travis Baltz, who led the ACC in punting last season at 41.1 yards per punt. California has two outstanding return men, Best on kickoffs and Thompson on punts. Maryland is in good shape returning kickoffs with Torrey Smith, who set the ACC's single-season record for kickoff return yards last season. Maryland will make a game-time announcement on its starting place kicker, even though Coach Ralph Friedgen has said he already has made his decision. True freshman Nick Ferrara, who had a particularly strong week on long kicks, and redshirt freshman Mike Barbour are the two in contention.
Coaches
California Coach Jeff Tedford has won 59 games in seven seasons in Berkeley and has led the Golden Bears to four consecutive bowl victories. Many believe this could be the season when they upend Southern California, win the Pac-10 and challenge for the national championship. Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen has struggled to match the success he had in his first three seasons in College Park, when he won 31 games. Friedgen is comfortable in his second season without offensive coordinator duties, likes the character of this team and believes they can surprise those who have already counted out Maryland. In his ninth season in College Park, Friedgen has rarely been this positive entering September.
No comments:
Post a Comment