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The Utah Utes aren't the only ones breaking in a new quarterback, Cal's offense has been inconsistent as Zach Maynard, a transfer from Buffalo, continues to find his way.

The junior is averaging 264 passing yards to one of the league's best receiving corps, but has thrown six interceptions alongside 11 touchdowns — three of them in a 30-9 loss to USC last weekend, along with a lost fumble.

"He's shown flashes of being really really good," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.

"And other times, like last week, made a couple of poor decisions."

Tedford is preaching patience, believing Maynard will continue to develop as he relaxes and stops forcing things.

"He just has to understand that there are certain times to eat the ball or throw it away and allow us to punt," Tedford said. "And that comes with experience as well. … He's going to continue to grow with the experience he gets and become a real fine quarterback."

Remember when

Utah's only experience playing in San Francisco's AT&T Park was the 38-10 win over Georgia Tech in the 2005 Emerald Bowl.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the most memorable note about that game was the setup in which the teams shared the same sideline.

"I've heard that won't happen this week, they've got it settled where each team has its own sideline, but that was bizarre," he said. "It just had a very different feel with both teams on the same sideline. We have good memories. We played a great game that afternoon, it was a good day."

More praise for Shelby

Utah defensive end Derrick Shelby, who was a national and league player of the week after his performance against Pitt, has the attention of the Bears with the Cal coach singling him out in discussing Utah's defense.

"He's one of the top defensive linemen in our conference for sure, that I've seen on tape," Tedford said. "I think he really stands out as one of the best we've seen."

Tedford praised Utah's defense several times for its physical style.

Tickets available

Oregon State has returned 700 of the 2,000 tickets it requested for the Oct. 29 game against the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The tickets can be purchased by calling 801-581-UTIX, online at UtahUtes.com or by visiting the Rice-Eccles Stadium box office.