Predictions, anyone?
A number of “trends” favor the Terps against North Carolina this weekend.
*Maryland has won five straight against nationally-ranked teams over the past two seasons, and the Tar Heels enter at No. 17.
*Maryland was won all five of its games at Byrd Stadium.
*The Terps have demonstrated a penchant for rebounding after tough road defeats – and the nationally-televised loss at Virginia Tech certainly qualifies.
But here’s the thing: At some point the Terps are going to have to stop living dangerously. If they managed to win their easier games (Middle Tennessee, for example) there would be less pressure to beat the top teams. On some level, the Terps must enjoy having their backs against the wall. It seems to motivate them.
North Carolina has won five of its past six, beating three ranked teams in the process.
“Maybe the best team we’ve faced so far,” Fridge said of the Tar Heels.
A key to the game will be whether Maryland’s reconfigured defensive line can stop Carolina running back Shaun Draughn, sixth in the conference in rushing.
The Terps will need to force a turnover or two since it’s likely that Carolina – which is tied for the nation’s most interceptions with 18 – will claim a couple turnovers themselves. The Terps have had zero picks the past few games.
Carolina is a dangerous team, but I’m going to stick with recent history and pick the Terps in another “rebound” game at home. I picked their points total right last week (a paltry 13) and maybe I’ll get lucky again.
When it comes to predicting ACC football, luck is about the best you can hope for. I'll make a score prediction in my "matchup" box a bit later.
Comments
The odds of the streak continuing are so against the Terps I predict a slaughter rule will be enforced.
Posted by: mark trail | November 14, 2008 9:24 AM
I think that UNC is slowly becoming the best team in the ACC. They have talent all over -- and Maryland just doesn't have the size upfront defensively - and wear down.
This could get ugly, but hopefully Turner, Heyward-Bey and Scott keep it close.
UNC 38-24
Posted by: Shawn | November 14, 2008 10:50 AM
terps get on track offensively and win
27-17
Posted by: Anonymous | November 14, 2008 12:29 PM
"On some level, the Terps must enjoy having their backs against the wall." I wouldn't say they enjoy it. I would agree with your next sentence, it seems to motivate them. Or better yet, get them to focus.
Posted by: ckstevenson | November 14, 2008 12:30 PM
Terps 27....UNC 21.
Posted by: UMDFAN | November 14, 2008 1:20 PM
Funny thing is MD is actually averaging more yards per game than UNC, but UNC is scoring way more points. I guess Jeff's statistic about interceptions means UNC gets better field position. This being the case, I sure hope our offensive line is ready to blow them off the line. UNC's 2 losses were to two teams MD lost to as well, VA and VT. Both games were really low scoring affairs. It would seem the best way to improve our chances of winning would be to control field position to take advantage of our higher yards per game. We have some holes in our defense. We can't just play hat on hat and win this thing. We're going to have to take some chances on D when UNC is in their end to keep them there. VT's strategy of blitzing non stop worked against UNC. UVA blitzes a lot as well. We'd be wise to heed their examples. Cosh had better get rid of his gimmick 3 man front. Just apply Franklin's rule. If in the four plays (games) you try it dosn't work, then you'd be a fool to keep trying it.
On offense, we'd better have a great ground game. If we throw it should be long more than short to reduce the impact of an interception. For instance, if we throw a 30 yard pattern from our 40, then if it is intercepted it would be at their 30 + run back. Of course this means the offensive line has to hold for 4 - 5 seconds. The fullback needs to be perfect. He can't let guys get around the end to the QB like last game. That's alot that has to happen, and our defense hasn't shown any ability to control field position. However, I'd never have imagined we beat Cal's high octane offense either.
Go Terps
Posted by: Pterp | November 14, 2008 3:20 PM
If the offense can't hold the ball for awhile it could be a long second half.Sorry,I'm feeling NC in this one,21-17.
Posted by: Dan R. | November 14, 2008 10:22 PM
I have zero confidence in our coaching but hopefully the players can overcome it and pull this one out.
Terps - 26
The Dog Butted Heels - 24
Go Terps
Posted by: Straight Shooter | November 15, 2008 6:29 AM
Terps 23-20, Chris Cosh finally calls more than 2 blitzes in a game & our defense comes up w/ 2 big turnovers! Heyward-Bey 8 rec 94 yds TD, & Turner 215 yds 2 TDs, Scott 86 yds rushing. Go Terps!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jeff | November 15, 2008 2:19 PM