Presbyterian @ California preview

THE STORY: When California announced last February that it was adding Presbyterian College to its 2011 schedule, it was called “one of the most puzzling football scheduling decisions in school history” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Seven months later, it still doesn’t make much sense. After confidence-building wins over Fresno State and Colorado to open the season, California will prepare for its Pac-12 opener on Sept. 24 at Washington with this Saturday’s home game at AT&T Park. Presbyterian, an FCS school from the Big South, finished 2-9 last year and has an enrollment of 1,200 students.

TV: None LINE: N/A


ABOUT PRESBYTERIAN (1-1): The Blue Hose snapped North Greenville’s 10-game winning streak with a 38-21 victory on Saturday in Clinton, S.C. Lance Byrd led Presbyterian with 20 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown to move just 52 rushing yards away from becoming the school's career Division I rushing leader. Senior offensive lineman Max Travis and senior defensive back Justin Bethel were selected to the preseason all-conference team. Presbyterian was picked to finish last in the Big South, but the Blue Hose aren’t even eligible for the regular-season title because of their transition to Division I.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (2-0): Coming off their worst season since 2001, the Golden Bears appear rejuvenated with junior transfer Zach Maynard at quarterback. Maynard is 34-of-70 passing for 509 yards and six touchdowns, with two interceptions. His favorite target has been his half-brother, sophomore wide receiver Keenan Allen, who caught five passes for 97 yards against Colorado. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks leads California’s stout run defense, but the Golden Bears struggled against the pass last Saturday. California gave up 474 yards passing and allowed Colorado’s Paul Richardson to set a school record with 284 receiving yards. In two games, the California defense has given up an average of 27 points.

EXTRA POINTS

1. California is playing its home games at AT&T Park this season while Memorial Stadium is being renovated.

2. The Golden Bears couldn’t schedule this non-conference home game until both the Pac-12 and the San Francisco Giants released their 2011 schedules. By that time, there weren’t many options available, which explains how Presbyterian landed the spot.

3. Presbyterian has not been shut out in its last 54 games. The Blue Hose were last shut out on Sept. 16, 2006, when they lost 28-0 loss at Elon.

PREDICTION: California 52, Presbyterian 3. The Golden Bears will empty their bench early against the Blue Hose, giving their reserves valuable playing time heading into Pac-12 action.