Keys to the Game: Maryland

I seem to be doing well with this whole Keys to the Game thing. I think I’ve had a pretty good gauge of what’s going to be most important for Cal to focus in on in their upcoming matchups.

Let’s see if we can keep it going though:

3 Keys to the Game


1) FOCUS!
Really, this is probably really the biggest key. One paper, Maryland doesn’t stand much of a threat to the current Cal team. BUT…

Cal will be jetlagged. And sleepy.

And they might be flying high after scoring 66 points last week.

And the Terrapins, are like, super pissed after losing to a Sun Belt team.

So Cal needs to like, totally focus and stuff.

…

Just don’t stub your toe, Cal. Get your heads in the game, focus and execute. Remember what Coach Eric Taylor says: “Clear eyes, full hearts, CAN’T LOSE!”

(Friday Night Lights – Best sports show ever.)

2) Do unto Da’Rel you have done unto Javon
Cal’s test against Maryland running back Da’Rel Scott will likely be the Bears’ best and final prognosticator of how well they will defend the run before they face premier Pac-10 offensive lines and backs.

And what a test it will be.

For as much hype as Jahvid Best attention has received with West Coast media pundits, Da’Rel has received the same on the East Coast, and rightly so. Scott has already amassed 320 yards on the season on only 37 attempts, breaking out a long run of his own, in a 63-yard against Middle Tennessee State. The guy is the real deal. Like Best, he’s an explosive back who can make opposing teams pay dearly for taking the wrong angle on him.

If the Bears can shut down the run as they have been able to do the last two weeks, they will force QB Chris Turner into passing situations on third down. Considering the inconsistencies the Terrapins have had in the passing game the last two games, containing Scott will allow the defense to focus the rest of their attention to the Terrapins’ only other offensive threat…

3) Key in on Darrius Hayward-Bey
Imagine Desean Jackson, but bigger. And stronger. That’s what you just might have in wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Sporting impressive measurements, (6-3, 206 lbs), the preseason All-American just might be one of the most physically talented wide receivers in the country, and potentially one of the first receivers taken in next year’s draft. Blah blah blah. All you need to know is the guy is dangerous.

If Cal can contain the run, AND get pressure on Chris Turner, who struggled in last week’s game against Middle Tennessee, it will help to negate the level of talent on the split end. Quite frankly, I feel okay with SQT pairing up with Darrius Heyward-Bey. SQT may not completely shut DHB down, but may be able to break up a few key passes.

If Maryland shuffles their receivers enough to match DHB against Darian Hagan however, I expect a few big plays, and perhaps a few more points.

And if I see Chris Conte across from Heyward-Bey in any situation other than a goal-line jump ball situation, I’m going to freaking blow a gasket and kick the closest puppy I see.

Beware the screen pass. Beware the hitch-n-go. And watch the end arounds. Don’t arm tackle the guy. Other than that, Cal’s defenders should be fine.

(The man is dangerous I tell yers.)

In Closing…
To be quite honest with you all (as I always am), it’s very difficult for me to see us losing this game. It would be a shocker and would be bitingly painful to lose to a team that has exhibited the level of inconsistency Maryland has the last two weeks.

While Maryland certainly has some talent on both sides of the ball, Cal should have too much offensive firepower for the Terps to handle. Case in point: Cal scored more points in less than two quarters against Wazzu (42) than the Terrapins have in their entire first two games (28). Just think about that.

With the Terrapins hungry to redeem their season, and Cal coming into the game both elated and jetlagged, there’s always the chance for an upset. But even if Maryland gets everything clicking offensively, I don’t see them keeping up with Cal in a shootout.

Prediction? Geez, if I HAVE to, I’m going to say 41-17, Cal (of course). I’m sure you’ve seen that somewhere before.