Southern Utah @ California preview

After stumbling in its season opener at home last week and knowing what lies ahead in the next couple weeks, California faces a must-win situation when its hosts Southern Utah on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Golden Bears rallied from an early 14-point deficit to tie Nevada in the fourth quarter, only to lose in the final 36 seconds 31-24. Southern Utah is coming off a 34-3 loss at Utah State in its opener last weekend. After hosting Southern Utah, California plays Ohio State and former No. 2 USC on the road.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Off

ABOUT SOUTHERN UTAH (0-1): The Thunderbirds are playing their first Pac-12 opponent. Like California, Southern Utah dug itself a big hole in the first quarter, falling behind Utah State 21-0 and could not recover. Southern Utah allowed 569 yards while gaining only 209, including 56. The Thunderbirds committed only one turnover and four penalties in their opener. Southern Utah, a new member of the expanded Big Sky Conference, was picked to finish eighth in the preseason coaches poll.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (0-1): Last week's loss to Nevada was the first home-opening setback under coach Jeff Tedford. Quarterback Zach Maynard came off the bench to pass for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Standout wide receiver and All-America candidate Keenan Allen led the Bears with six receptions for 67 yards and also scored on a 39-yard TD run off a reverse. Both of Maynard's TD passes went to freshmen (Bryce Treggs and Chris Harper). On defense, the Bears had 12 tackles for loss, the most in a game in the nation last week. California allowed 450 yards, including 220 on the ground. The Bears have led the Pac-12 in total defense the past two years.

EXTRA POINTS

1. California is 5-0 all-time against FCS schools, outscoring those opponents 257-41. Last year, the Golden Bears pounded Presbyterian 63-12.

2. As of earlier this week, California had 30 players on NFL roster, second only to USC among Pac-12 schools. The Bears have had 40 players drafted in the 10 drafts since Tedford took over in 2002.

3. California will be looking for its first home win at newly renovated Memorial Stadium since October 2010. Last year the Bears play at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

PREDICTION: California 48, Southern Utah 10