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September 5 Sheet
Maryland at Florida State
(Under 52) - 4:15pm Pacific
When the Seminoles return 10 starters
on defense it is something to take notice of. That is just the
case this season. With 6 seniors and 5 juniors starting this has
to be one of the most talented and experienced defenses in the
country. DT Darnell Dockett (two time all-ACC, projected top 20
NFL pick last year) gave this unit a big lift when he opted to
return for his senior season. He is one of the nations best. The
LB corps features three seniors in Michael Boulware (2nd team
ACC), Kendyll Pope (defensive MVP, 131 tackles last year), and
Allen Augustin. As a group, they have to be considered on of the
nations best as well. Seven players return with starting
experience in the secondary. There is just no weakness on this
side of the ball. In season opener last week, FSU logged its
first shutout since early in the 2000 season vs a very capable UNC
offense and talented QB Darian Durant. Several young 2nd & 3rd
stringers saw significant action in the second half. As good as
they looked last week, DC Mickey Andrews said they can be much
better.
Maryland also features an experienced
defense with 9 starters back from last season. The Terps only
allowed 16.3ppg last year and dominated Tennessee in the Peach
Bowl allowing just 3 points. They held opponents scoreless in 30
quarters which was 2nd best in the nation. They did lose start LB
E.J. Henderson to the NFL, but with so many returning players they
should have similar success this season. While FSU features 11
upperclassmen starters on defense, Maryland starts 10.
Offensively, FSU returns only 4
starters. QB Chris Rix is back as the starter by default after
losing his job near the end of last season. The Seminoles feature
two outstanding backs in senior Greg Jones and freshman Lorenzo
Booker. These two will be the focus of the offense and should run
plenty of time off the clock. FSU does not want to put too much
pressure on Rix at this point in the season.
Maryland returns 6 starters on offense
but did not look very sharp in season opening loss at Northern
Illinois. QB Scott McBrien had missed some practice time due to
injury prior to the game and did not look very comfortable in the
pocket, often scrambling or rushing throws unnecessarily. WR's
did not make any plays to help him out. The running backs did not
look ACC caliber although former standout Bruce Perry may return
to action this week. The offensive line has battled the injury
bug all offseason. This unit just looked very sluggish and it is
hard to imagine them scoring many points vs FSU this week.
In last years meeting, FSU won 37-10
(total of 47) but there were eight turnovers in the game (six by
Maryland). The five touchdown drives in the game (46, 4, 51, 18,
44) averaged 32.6 yards in length. They still did not surpass
this years posted total. Maryland is 4-0 ATS off a straight up
loss under Ralph Friedgen and having played in a Thursday game
gives the Terps added preparation time. FSU meanwhile is playing
their home opener and looking to reassert themselves as ACC
kingpin. I look for both teams to play well. With defense being
the strength of both teams, and possible rain in the forecast, do
not expect this total to surpass the forties.
Under 52 1 UNIT
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