Play for Saturday:
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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Good luck,
Edward
Right Angle Sports
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
Visit our website & join our FREE mailing list to receive all of our plays with analysis.
Good luck,
Edward
Right Angle Sports
