Associated PressCOLLEGE PARK, Md. ó After returning to its customary place in the Top 25, California went through an unusual week before taking a rare cross-country flight to face an unfamiliar foe.
The 23rd-ranked Golden Bears (2-0) take on Maryland (1-1) for the first time today. It’s California’s first trip to the East Coast since 2001, and the 12 o’clock EDT start translates to a 9 a.m. kickoff on the West Coast.
Advantage, Maryland.
“Flying across the country provides challenges,” California coach Jeff Tedford conceded in midweek. “But we’re going to try to get our body chemistry acclimated to East Coast. We are going to do it while we stay here. We’re playing on grass, we’re going to practice on grass. There are a few things that we have to pay attention to, no question.”
That doesn’t even begin to address the possibility of overconfidence. After a 66-3 rout of Washington State last weekend, the Golden Bears climbed back into the Top 25 for the first time since last Nov. 3. California has had a place in the Top 25 for 53 of the last 63 rankings.
And Maryland? Well, the Terrapins are coming off a 24-14 loss at Middle Tennessee State and are a 141/2-point underdog.
“We are not going to take anyone lightly,” Cal defensive lineman Tyson Alualu said. “We’ve watched a little film on Maryland, and they look like a great team ó especially their running back.”