You are reading this while I am on a plane headed to Oakland. I am probably somewhere over Ottumwa, Iowa, (home to Indian Hills JC) by now. My thoughts on the game are as follows: I think it will be closer than what the folks in Las Vegas believe.
I first thought this was a two-touchdown game. The more I learned about Maryland’s defense, the more I thought the Terrapins would hang in there. I believe California is the better team, and the team with fewer weaknesses. Some, but not all, the youngsters on Maryland will have the deer-in-the-headlights look come 10 p.m. Eastern on Saturday.
I think some Maryland receivers will make big plays, but I also think California’s defensive backs will win some of the battles, as well. There will be big plays and turnovers. Jahvid Best will have his moments, but there won’t be a need to hand him the Heisman on Saturday night. Kevin Riley and Chris Turner will play well enough, but nothing special from either.
The difference, in my view, will be Maryland’s offensive line. I have a hard time believing it can consistently hold up against a Cal defensive line that returns all of its starters, including a stud by the name of Tyson Alualu.
Prediction: 35-21, California.
No comments:
Post a Comment