Game On!

Maryland at #12 California
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA (71,799)
Time: 10:00 PM
TV: ESPN2.
Radio: WJZ 105.7 FM, 1300 AM, WJFK 106.7 FM, WFMD 930 AM
Records: Season opener for both teams
Coaches: Ralph Friedgen (64-36, 9th season); Jeff Tedford (59-30, 8th season).

A lot of questions for the Terps such as how will the young offensive line respond to Cal's defense which returns its entire starting defensive line. This is the first season in which Chris Turner is the uncontested #1 QB. How will he fare? Terps are solid at RB with first-team all-ACC Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett and Coach Friedgen has several options at WR, most notably Adrian Cannon, who has been the most impressive WR in training camp.

On defense, the Terps need to stop RB Jahvid Best. They did so last year in College Park but Best averaged over 8 yards per carry last season and had three runs for 80 yards plus. Scary good. How consistent will Cal QB Kevin Riley be? He completed 50 percent of his passes last season and nearly authored an incredible 2nd half comeback last year (58 passes, completed 33 for 425 yards and 3 fourth quarter TD's) vs the Terps. If Riley's throwing like he did last year, the Terps hope safety Kenny Tate and cornerback Nolan Carroll will come up big.

Not sure who will handle the kicking duties for the Terps as Coach Friedgen said it will be a game time decision. It's going to be a great game despite the Bears being 21 point favorites. Cal believes it can unseat USC at the top of the Pac-10 and contend for the National Championship. Maryland is out to prove they are better than a pre-season last place pick in their division. Go Terps!