Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

Under Coach Ralph Friedgen, the Maryland Terrapins have never lost three home games in a row. A Florida State victory on Saturday (3:30PM, ABC) will do just that. Although the Seminoles have consistently played down to their competition all season, expect a breakthrough game for the offense which is slowly maturing along with quarterback Wyatt Sexton. The ‘Noles are overdue for a good road game. Even if Florida State’s offense continues its consistently mediocre play, the Seminole defense, combined with an anemic Maryland offense is going to give FSU the win.’,'Florida State has won all fourteen previous meetings with the Terrapins. That trend will continue on Saturday. Against the lackluster Seminole defenses of the last few years, Maryland has turned the ball over 11 times. Expect this year’s dominant Seminole defense to continue that tradition. Some will point to the fact that FSU has lost 5 ACC games over the last three years, thus giving Maryland a chance this weekend. Let’s not forget that those loses were during the Chris Rix era, which, barring injury, is over.

Granted, the Seminoles have had their up and down moments on offense this season, but that is to be expected with a sophomore quarterback that is still learning his way. Two things that can’t be doubted after last Saturday’s game against Wake Forest, Wyatt Sexton has the guts and heart to lead this team and a strong running game is a huge plus for the Seminoles. This weekend FSU will be without one half of the dynamic running back duo, Leon Washington, according to Coach Bobby Bowden. #28 Lorenzo Booker will have an opportunity to showcase his skills, while freshman Lamar Lewis and Jamaal Edwards will see some action. Coach Bowden also stated that Willie Reid would have been an option if fully healthy.

Maryland has struggled for the last three games. They too, are an offense searching for an identity. Unlike the Seminoles, they don’t appear to be getting better anytime soon. Quarterback Joel Statham has lead the Terrapins to only 17 points over that span. If the Terps want any chance of winning, they had better figure out the Seminole defense quickly. Perhaps their best route is attacking the injury Seminole secondary, that so far this season has given up a couple of big plays. With Eric Moore and Broderick Bunkley healthy for the ‘Noles, the running game should be shut down.

What can the Seminoles expect from the Terrapin defense? If the Terps are smart, they are going to follow Wake Forest’s lead and blitz, blitz, blitz! Wyatt Sexton showed that if he does not have time to throw, then life for the Seminole offense can be pretty miserable. If Maryland can stop the running game, and pressure Sexton, look for this to be a low-scoring and close ballgame. However, if the Seminoles can get the running game going early, and open up the passing attack, the ‘Noles win big.

I’m banking on the latter scenario.

‘Noles 31 Terps 9