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California vs. Maryland is a noon time game that was getting plenty of action heading into Saturday morning with most of the bets coming in on California. In fact, this was one of the top 5 bets of the morning Saturday.
California had 85 percent of the betting action with a line of -14.
Gambling911.com had this line right at -14 so the odds makers have this one on the money to be certain. We won't dare try to predict an outcome. The bookmakers will be hoping for a Maryland cover. They are probably assuming a few variables will contribute to that outcome we suspect.
California went through an unusual week before taking a rare cross-country flight to face an unfamiliar foe.
The 23rd-ranked Golden Bears (2-0) take on Maryland (1-1) for the first time Saturday. It's California's first trip to the East Coast since 2001, and the 12 o'clock EDT start translates to a 9 a.m. kickoff on the West Coast.
Advantage, Maryland.
"Flying across the country provides challenges," California coach Jeff Tedford conceded in midweek. "But we're going to try to get our body chemistry acclimated to East Coast. We are going to do it while we stay here. We're playing on grass, we're going to practice on grass. There are a few things that we have to pay attention to, no question."
California played well in a 38-31 win against Michigan State at home, then did just about everything right in its Pac-10 opener against Washington State. Playing on the other coast against an Atlantic Coast Conference team, however, could bring the Bears out of their comfort zone.
"I've never gone across the country to play," said quarterback Kevin Riley, who is from Portland, Or.
And what about that early wake-up call?
"We practiced in camp at 8:00 a.m. a couple of times, but it's more of a mental thing. We just have to be mentally prepared," Riley said.
Did you know that California is 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games on grass? That might not matter much. Maryland is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
BetOnline.com was offering betting on this and all other Saturday college football games. Ask about their 20 percent signup bonus OR reduced juice on favorites.
