The Sports Network
DATE & TIME: Saturday, October 22nd, 3:30 p.m. (et)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Doak Campbell Stadium (80,000) —
Maryland scored a season high 45 points against Clemson a week ago, and gobbled up 291 yards rushing in the process. Running back Davin Meggett and quarterback C.J. Brown have emerged as two of the Terp’s best offensive players, combining for nearly 800 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Meggett is seventh in the ACC in rushing, averaging 80.3 yards per game. Overall, the offense ranks 64th in the country in total yards (392) and is respectable in scoring (26.5), but clearly its passing game has faltered the past two weeks. Danny O’Brien, who started the season with a 348 yard performance against Miami, only threw six times against Georgia Tech and didn’t play last weekend against Clemson.
Brown earned his first career start against the Tigers, and while he was run- oriented (22 carries, 162 yards, one TD), he also completed 17-of-35 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Kevin Dorsey has been the most productive receiver midway through the season, averaging nearly five catches per game for 60.1 yards.
The Maryland defense has been hit hard by injuries as of late, and played against Clemson without starting linebackers Kenny Tate, Demetrius Hartsfield and Darin Drakeford. A week after holding the powerful Georgia Tech offense to its worst performance of the season, the unit gave up 39 second half points to Clemson. Maryland allows 435.3 yards per game (214.6 rushing, 220.6 passing) and is 87th nationally in scoring defense (29.8).
The Terps have done well in the turnover margin, ranking 11th nationally with 15 turnovers created in six games. Cameron Chism, Kenny Tate and Dexter McDougle have recorded two interceptions apiece this year, with Chism running both back for touchdowns. Joe Vellano, who is second in team-tackles with 49, has also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
E.J. Manuel found his groove last weekend against the Blue Devils, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns, and added another 62 yards rushing and two scores. Manuel has been an efficient quarterback when he has played for the Seminoles, completing 65.8 percent of his passes this season, complementing his 1,191 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Manuel is also second in the ACC in total offense with an output of 264.6. Rashad Greene and Rodney Smith have been really productive at receiver, with Greene catching 26 balls for 457 yards and six touchdowns through six games, while Smith has contributed 22 catches for 386 yards and three scores.
Florida State is 28th nationally in scoring offense at 35 points per game, and post 422.6 yards per outing despite a rushing average of 111.6 yards per. The Seminoles get 37.6 yards per game from freshman Devonta Freeman, who had his best game of the season last weekend against Duke (19 carries, 109 yards, One TD). Florida State is also near the bottom in the country in turnover margin, with 13 turnovers against six takeaways.
The Seminole defense has continued to be one of the best units in the country through six games, at least on paper. Florida State is 11th in total defense (284.6), 9th in rushing defense (86.8), 30th in pass defense (197.8), and 22nd in scoring defense (19.8). The hallmark of the unit has been pressure, however. Florida State is third in the country in tackles for loss per game with 8.6, and is 11th in sacks with 19 through six games. Bjoern Werner ranks third in the ACC with five sacks, and Mike Harris and Nigel Bradham lead the team with 34 tackles apiece.
Maryland’s defense is opportunistic, but has been hit hard by injuries, and Manuel should expose its weaknesses much like Boyd did a week ago. Teams have proven that it can score on Florida State, who wont redeem three losses with a win over Duke last week. It can continue to get back to playing up to its capabilities this weekend against a tougher opponent in Maryland.
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