Let's keep it real, shall we?

Maryland is a better football team than Villanova and should win tomorrow.

Prediction: Maryland 27, Villanova 10.

At least.

Villanova's quarterback, sophomore Antwon Young, is making his first career start. He redshirted last season, but played in five games as a true freshman. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 76 yards.

"I don't know where they got this kid from, but he's pretty impressive," Ralph Friedgen said.

He might be, but he's also only as good as the guys blocking for him. Villanova's offensive line includes three players - the center and both guards - who are game-time decisions because of injuries.

Maryland's defensive linemen (Jeremy Navarre, Carlos Feliciano and Dre Moore) are bigger and have more experience. Mack Frost, who is Navarre's backup, might be playing the best of them all right now, Friedgen said. He won't hesitate to move Navarre inside and put Frost in the game. He has also been pleased with Rick Costa as a pass rusher. That should be an area of improvement for the Terps this season.

Friedgen said Villanova's defense is similar to West Virginia's scheme. That should get the Terps used to some fronts they might see on Sept. 13.

"They play a little bit more four-deep secondary, where West Virginia is pretty much committed to an eight man front unless it's third down, then they'll go four deep," Friedgen said.

Villanova plays with three safeties (strong, weak and free), and is like a nickel defense. 

That should be a strength for them, along with senior running back Matt Dicken, who scored 11 rushing touchdowns and gained 432 yards on 104 carries. (39.3 ypg). 

This is one of two games Maryland needs to wrap up in a pretty little bow before the Thursday night game against WVU. Only then will we really find out what this team - and its quarterbacks are made of.

Nonetheless, it's game time. Happy September.