Maryland at Cal: First quarter update

Prior to the game, Cal did their stretching.  The entire team was led by Syd'Quan Thompson, Kevin Riley, Mike Tepper, and Tyson Alualu.  The Terp's have looked very confident leading up to the game and have enjoyed the boo's that Bear Backers have given them.  That's not to say that the Bears haven't looked confident as well, but that's expected when you're playing at home.

Those same Bears that led the team in stretches also came out for the coin flip, which they won.  Cal defered--meaning they can choose to receive in the second half.  Cal will kick to begin the game.

The stadium still isn't full, but the student section is.

Maryland's first drive was a three and out, marred by two flags.  The first flag was thrown on Cal for pass interference on second and nine, but the pass was uncatchable so the flag was picked up.  On third and nine, it looked as though Cameron Jordan was offsides, but an illegal snap penalty moved the ball back five yards.  A third and fourteen resulted in a QB-keeper for seven yards.  Maryland punted to Syd'Quan Thompson who fair caught the ball at the Bears' 29-yard line.

Cal came out shifting their offense around, keeping the defense off-balance and then they handed the ball to Jahvid Best who ran it up the gut for five yards.  On second down, Riley threw a good strike downfield to Best who was open and had nothing but paydirt in front of him--but the ball bounced off his chest for an incompletion.  Riley, on third and five threw low to Nyan Boateng for an incompletion.  Anger punted it to Maryland's 20-yard line, but a good return of 18 yards sets them up on their own 38.

Maryland started off the possession with a quick pass to the left sidelines for eight yards.  On second and two, they attempted to run for the first down, but Tyson Alualu held up the run and Darian Hagan and Marcus Ezeff stopped the runner a yard short of the first down.  After that, Maryland was called for a delay of game and a holding before gaining eight yards and being put in a fourth and eight--in which they punted to Thompson again.  The punt was 33 yards and downed at Cal's 27-yard line.

It took one play for the Bears to score.  Jahvid Best ran off right tackle and streaked 73 yards for the score.  The touchdown was Best's ninth 60+ yard touchdown run of his career.  Cal up on top 7-0.

Tavecchio kicked off to the Maryland 15, but Chris Little stripped the ball carrier and Cal recovers at the 22-yard line.  Kevin Riley threw a nice strike to Marvin Jones for 20 yards and the next play Best went over the top for another touchdown.  Cal up 14-0.

The next kickoff was very different.  Tavecchio kicked it to Maryland's 15-yard line and it was returned 47 yards to Cal's 38.  It was poor coverage and Tavecchio missed a valiant attempt at a tackle on the play.

Maryland began to move the ball by throwing quick routes and using the quarterback keeper.  With it third and goal from Cal's four, Turner rolled right and threw an apparent touchdown to Matt Furtsenberg, but the play was called back on an inelligible man downfield penalty.  Marland settles for a field goal and Cal is still up 14-3.

Cal began their next possession from their own 24, but was unable to move the ball after getting one first down.  Bryan Anger came on and punted from his own 34 to Marylands 17-yard line.

Maryland starts using a no-huddle offense with some success.  They move the ball from their own 17 to Cal's 36-yard line before the end of the quarter.

At the end of the first quarter, Cal leads 14-3, but they aren't necessarliy dominating.