Fresno State @ California preview

THE STORY: All eyes will be on the quarterbacks when Fresno State faces California in the season opener for both teams. California’s Zach Maynard will be making his first start since transferring from Buffalo in 2009, while the Derek Carr era begins at Fresno State a decade after his brother David led the Bulldogs to national prominence. Since 2000, the Bulldogs own a 17-15 record against BCS automatic qualifiers, including a 17-3 win over California in Fresno in 2000.

TV: CS California. LINE: California -10.

ABOUT FRESNO STATE (8-5 in 2010): Fresno State coach Pat Hill will never abandon the run game, but he has talked about opening up the offense with Carr behind center. Receivers Devon Wylie and Jalen Saunders are capable deep threats, and the ground game should remain strong behind Robbie Rouse, who was second in the WAC in rushing last season. Defensive tackle Logan Harrell had 10 1/2 sacks last year, but the defense could be exposed by a mobile quarterback such as Maynard.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (5-7 in 2010): The Golden Bears are coming off their worst season since 2001, and they’ll be without a true home this season while Memorial Stadium is renovated. While the offense may take time to develop, the defense could excel behind linebacker Mychal Kendricks, the Bears’ active leader in tackles (152), tackles for loss (152) and sacks (10.5). California’s defensive line is unproven, but the rest of the defense could present problems for the untested Carr.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Fresno State is starting its last season in the Western Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs will join the Mountain West Conference next year.

2. Fresno State ranked 110th in the nation in turnover margin last season with minus .86 per game.

3. With three victories this season, California coach Jeff Tedford will have the most wins in school history (75).

PREDICTION: Fresno State 27, California 26 - Bulldogs special teams coach Pete Alamar held the same position at California before being fired two years ago, and his unit could be the difference in a close game.