FACTS & STATS: Site: Memorial Stadium (72,516) -- Berkeley, California. Television: ABC. Home Record: MSU 0-0, California 0-0. Away Record: MSU 0-0, California 0-0. Neutral Record: MSU 0-0, California 0-0. Conference Record: MSU 0-0, California 0-0. Series Record: Michigan State leads, 2-1.

GAME NOTES: The Big Ten will collide with the Pac-10 in a season-opening thriller, as the California Golden Bears host the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. The Spartans are coming off their first winning season since going 8-5 back in 2003. Last season Michigan State won its last two regular season games to earn a bowl bid, but unfortunately coach Mark Dantonio was unable to win his first postseason game at MSU, as the Spartans fell to Boston College, 24-21, in the Champs Sports Bowl. As for the Golden Bears, this will be their 113th season of football. California posted its sixth straight winning season last year, finishing with a 7-6 ledger. Coach Jeff Tedford's squad grabbed its third straight bowl win to close out the 2007 campaign, defeating Air Force, 42-36, in the Armed Forces Bowl. California is an impressive 69-39-4 in season-opening matchups, and while under coach Tedford, the Golden Bears are 4-2 to start the year. This will be the fourth meeting between Michigan State and California on the gridiron. Michigan State won the first two matchups back in 1957 and 1958, but the Golden Bears were able to grab a 46-22 win in the most recent gathering back in 2002.

The Spartans used a two-headed running attack last season, and that led to a whopping 198 rushing yards per contest. Javon Ringer returns for Michigan State, giving the Spartans their home run threat out of the backfield. However, the team will surely miss Jehuu Caulcrick, who finished last year with 872 yards and 21 touchdowns. Brian Hoyer will once again be under center for the Spartans, but the senior signal-caller must improve on his numbers. Making positive strides could be tough for the erratic QB, especially since he will be without his main target from last season in Devin Thomas. Mark Dell is the most experienced receiver returning for MSU, as the sophomore grabbed 20 passes for 220 yards. At the other wideout spot will be redshirt freshman B.J. Cunningham, but also expect to see Deon Curry on the field at times.

The defensive backfield looks to be the strongest part of the Spartans' defense in 2008. The team returns three starters, including Kendell Davis- Clark. Clark is a tenacious safety who finished last year with 72 tackles and eight PBUs. Linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon combined for 140 stops last year as freshmen, and both are poised to open the 2008 season on the right foot. Defensive tackle Justin Kershaw is slated for a big senior season, while he is flanked by a pair of ultra-talented ends. Junior Trevor Anderson, who recorded six sacks and 13 tackles for loss while starting at Cincinnati in 2006, is now eligible after sitting out during his transfer season. Also looking to make a splash in the season opener will be senior Brandon Long.

Last season Nate Longshore struggled at times and was eventually hurt, and his absence opened the door for Kevin Riley, who performed well while under center. After a long battle in the spring, Riley was given the nod to start, and will be under center in the opener. Unfortunately Riley will need plenty of help, as the top four receivers from a year ago are gone. Senior Sean Young will probably be the main target downfield, but expect big production from standout freshman Michael Calvin. The 6-2, 202-pound wideout will definitely be a downfield threat for Riley. Another issue will be the ground attack, which will have to replace Justin Forsett, who has moved on to the NFL. Jahvid Best will take over in the backfield for Cal, and while the running back has tremendous speed, the sophomore is also a bit undersized (5-10, 193 pounds), and might not be able to withstand the pounding of a full college season.

For California to be successful this season the team will rely heavily on a very tough defensive unit which is returning eight players. The strength of Cal's defense will be at linebacker, as three starters are back in the mix. Anthony Felder and Worrell Williams both collected over 100 tackles last season, while Zack Follett finished with 5.5 sacks and seven TFLs. The front line will be the biggest question mark in the opener, as the team needs to improve against the run. Tyson Alualu will anchor the defensive line and should be in for a strong season. With all the strength in the front seven, the defensive backfield, which is a tad inexperienced, will rely on pressure on the QB. Syd'Quan Thompson returns to his cornerback position, while the team is hoping sophomore Darian Hagan can fill in on the other side. Marcus Ezeff and Bernard Hicks are both solid safeties and should improve on their numbers from a year ago.

This should be one of the more exciting games in the first week of the season, as both squads have some new blood on offense. California will have plenty of kinks to iron out offensively, but expect the Golden Bears to use an impressive defensive performance to slip past the Spartans.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: California 24, Michigan State 17

Saturday, August 30th, 8:00 p.m. (et)