California Maryland Odds
Written by Jack Jones - Google +
The California Golden Bears will look to continue to build on their fast start and No. 23 ranking when they head to Byrd Stadium in College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, September 13th at 12 PM EST. Jack Jones breaks down the odds on this game, which currently sits at California -15 over Maryland.
California’s offense has had no troubles moving the ball and putting up the points so far this season, outscoring Michigan State 38-31 in the opener and then routing Washington State 66-3 a week ago. The two victories have pushed Cal into the rankings, but Maryland has not been so successful. They came out with a close win over the lowly Delaware, 14-7 in week 1, then were shocked on the road last week by Middle Tennessee State, 24-14.
The Golden Bear offense has relied heavily on the ground game, rushing for 297 ypg. The team is led by Jahvid Best, who has 311 rushing yards and four touchdowns while gaining 8.2 yards per carry. Against Washington State, Best had 200 yards and three scores on just 14 carries. With Best and the rest of the Golden Bear tailbacks doing so well, it has taken the pressure off of quarterback Kevin Riley. Riley rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown, while throwing for another score and 51 yards through the air. He hasn’t done much else but manage the game with 253 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 61% of his passes.
The Golden Bears defense was a lot better against Washington State then they were against the Spartans. The Cougars had just nine first downs overall and picked up just one out of 13 third down attempts. The Bears gave up just 167 total yards, including 57 rushing yards on 1.6 yards per carry. Cal also picked off four passes a week after being torched for 321 yards via the pass against the Spartans.
Maryland’s offense was pretty average against a less Middle Tennessee State team last wekeend, putting up only 357 total yards and committing three turnovers. Chris Turner was just 13-of-28 with his passing for 207 yards, but the most costly statistics were the three interceptions that he threw and the three times he was sacked. He needs to find star wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey, who isn’t going to get a chance to shine if he never gets the ball. The ground attack is gaining 208.5 rushing ypg and is led by Da’Rel Scott. Scott had 11 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown, moving his season total up to 320 rushing yards.
The Terrapin defense also needs to find some more consistency. MTU had 284 passing yards and two passing touchdowns last week, and in the red zone they were a perfect 3-for-3 on getting into the end zone. With only one turnover forced and 21 first downs allowed, one has to wonder what to expect with the more talented Golden Bears offense takes the field.
Predictions: California 31, Maryland 17
Got something to say?
