California @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Colorado 7, California 52

THE STORY: California’s new quarterback is probably the last thing Colorado needs to deal with right now. After the Buffaloes were thrashed by Hawaii dual-threat Bryant Moniz, here comes Zach Maynard. He had a 43-yard run last week and threw for two touchdowns in his Bears' debut. The Buffaloes, who last had a winning season in 2005, must find a way to protect their quarterback and establish a running game. California, trying for its fifth consecutive 2-0 start, whipped Colorado 52-7 last year.

TV: FCS Pacific, CS California. LINE: California -6.5.

ABOUT COLORADO (0-1): The Buffaloes’ offensive line must improve, or it will be another long season in Boulder. Quarterback Tyler Hansen was sacked seven times and leading rusher Rodney Stewart carried 18 times for 52 yards in the 34-17 loss at Hawaii. Hansen threw two touchdown passes – both to Paul Richardson in the third quarter – as Colorado tried to rally from a 17-0 halftime deficit. Richardson has eight TD catches in 13 career games. Colorado had trouble containing Moniz, who rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (1-0): Maynard, a transfer from Buffalo, went 16-for-35 for 266 yards in last week’s 36-31 victory over Fresno State. Maynard is the half-brother of wide receiver Keenan Allen, who had eight catches for 112 yards. Allen, a sophomore, was prepared to play for Alabama in 2010, but switched to California when he found out Maynard was coming. The Bears also received a promising performance from junior Isi Sofele, who rushed for two touchdowns and 88 yards after winning the starting tailback job. California finished 35th against the run and 21st against the pass nationally in 2010.

EXTRA POINTS

1. California receivers Marvin Jones (five catches, 118 yards, two touchdowns) and Allen became the first Bears duo to top the 100-yard mark in the same game since DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins did it in 2006 against Minnesota.

2. This is not a Pac-12 Conference game, even though both teams are members. It was originally scheduled as a non-conference game before Colorado joined the Pac-12.

3. The Bears, who had 34 sacks last year, opened with six sacks against Fresno State.

PREDICTION: California 24, Colorado 17 – Until the Buffaloes’ offensive line develops, teams like Cal should have an easy time stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.