The Ohio State University trots on to the field for the third straight week at noon for a game.
This week’s opponent is California from the Pac-12. It is the marquee non-conference game for OSU in 2012.
The Buckeyes, who lead the series 5-1, will go out to Berkeley in 2013.
The Bears are 1-1 on the season, opening with a 31-24 loss to Nevada, but rebounding to top Southern Utah 50-31.
Cal plays at Southern California Sept. 22.
WHO TO WATCH: Quarterback Braxton Miller has led the way offensively. He rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns and went 18-of-24 for 155 through the air against Central Florida.. Miller, who is fourth in the nation at 302 yards. ... The defense picked off three passes from the Knights, who were an upgrade from Miami University. ... Running back Carlos Hyde went down with an MCL sprain. If he can’t go, that leaves OSU with sophomore Rod Smith and freshman Brio’nte Dunn to shoulder the load at running back. Wide receiver Corey Brown also might also see time in the backfield. Smith has the talent, but also the penchant to fumble the ball. Fullback Zach Boren, who also fumbled against Central Florida, is another option to run the ball... Bears senior quarterback Zach Maynard is fifth in the Pac-12 with a 154.2 passer rating. He has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 474 yards to go along with three touchdowns and one interception. ... Cal 80-49 under coach Jeff Tedford since 2002. ... They’ve won seven or more games nine times with a high of 10 in 2004 and 2006. ... The Bears also won four straight bowl games from 2005 to 2008. .. But, Cal just 12-13 in the last two seasons.
PREDICTION: OSU 35, Cal 17: The Buckeyes had another B- performance against Central Florida... They did some things well, but also had some glaring problems... The most significant were turnovers and penalties. ... Coach Urban Meyer hasn't been pleased with the pass rush. ... OSU also couldn't cash in on another 4th and 1 play... Also, Both the RedHawks and UCF exploited the Buckeyes for long gainers. They’ve allowed seven passing plays of more than 20 yards in the first two games. ... Still, OSU is 2-0 and will make it 3-0 after Saturday.
