Week 12 – Florida State at Maryland

Week 12 Fearless Prediction – Florida State at Maryland

Florida State (9-1) at Maryland (4-6) Nov. 17, 12:00

Here’s The Deal: After surviving its toughest challenge in a month, Florida State stands a win this weekend away from wrapping up the ACC Atlantic.

The Seminoles were on the brink last Thursday night in Blacksburg, but in championship fashion, rallied in the final two minutes to defeat Virginia Tech on a Rashad Greene 39-yard streak to the end zone. While Florida State can punch its ticket to the league championship game in College Park, it’ll also be working for more respect. The team is stuck at No. 10 in the BCS standings behind three two-losses SEC teams, and is getting no respect from the computers.

Poor Maryland. The Terps have fought so hard through adversity all year, but the weight of so many critical injuries has been too much to endure. The team has dropped four straight games, the last two by at least 20 points, putting one-time realistic hopes of the postseason on life support. Calls for Randy Edsall’s head are inevitable, but he’s actually overachieved under impossible circumstances this fall.

Why Florida State Might Win: If you can’t score, you can’t win. And Maryland is primed to be shutout this week.

So bad is the situation at quarterback for the Terps that true freshmen occupy the first two spots on the depth chart. And backup Brian McMahon, No. 87, is actually a tight end. Quality teams can’t move the ball consistently on the Seminoles, which lead the country in total D. Rag-tag bunches will be fortunate to get beyond midfield. Maryland is also starting a pair of rookies up front, including true freshman LT Mike Madaras. Wide-eyed QB Shawn Petty would be wise to have a quick trigger on Saturday, because ends Cornellius Carradine and Bjoern Werner will have squatter’s rights in the backfield by the end of the first quarter.

Why Maryland Might Win: Florida State has Virginia Tech in the rear view mirror and a much-anticipated visit from Florida a week from now. There’s absolutely no way it’ll be motivated by a trip to face struggling Maryland.

The ‘Noles are not above mailing in games, as evidenced by their second-half slumber at NC State on Oct. 6. They’ve got an obvious edge in talent this week, but focus should be a concern. The Terrapins will have to dig deep on defense, especially since LB Demetrius Hartsfield has been lost for the year, and DE Joe Vellano is banged up. They’ll have to lean on the unit’s veterans, such as DE A.J. Francis, LB Kenneth Tate and S Eric Franklin, to force punts and create turnovers.

What To Watch Out For: Seminoles QB EJ Manuel has to do a better job of getting Greene in space, because his jets and separation speed are as explosive as any in the ACC. He leads the team in receptions, but has had five games with two or fewer catches. Greene is young and still a little raw in his route-running, but has the physical ability to warrant more touches, even if it means the staff has to invent new wrinkles to get the ball into his hands.

What Will Happen: Having been sufficiently spooked at Lane Stadium, Florida State will take nothing for granted at Byrd Stadium this Saturday.

The Seminoles are well aware of what’s at stake, and will operate accordingly. They’ll get no resistance from the depleted Maryland offense, building a quick lead and coasting to a lopsided victory. Shortly after halftime, Jimbo Fisher will get his starters to the bench, and begin thinking about next Saturday’s prove-it visit from Florida.

CFN Prediction: Florida State 41 … Maryland 0
ATS Consultants Line (Click for more lines and picks) Florida State -31 O/U: 45.5
Must Watch Rating (5 – Killing Them Softly, 1 – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2): 2