Byrd Stadium is going to be packed tonight and the student section of the Terps will be in all black ready for the border war game vs West Virginia. And I just have a small hunch the Terps are going to come out firing versus the explosive offense of the Mountaineers led by Pat White.
In the past five meetings at Byrd Stadium Maryland has only failed to cover and that was their last meeting when White and RB Steve Slaton were freshman. West Virginia ran for 301 yards that night but tonight Erin Henderson and a sturdy Terps defense will not allow White and Slaton to run anywhere they want.
In Maryland's first two games this year they have held their inferior opponents (Florida International and Villanova) to a combined 93 yards rushing. Obviously the Fridge has told them something about defending the rush this year especially coming into this game.
On the other hand last week the Mountaineers gave up 121 rushing yards to a not so great Marshall running game. They must step up that part of the game to defend running backs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore. And they must worry about QB Jordan Steffy running the ball every once in a while.
West Virginia definitely won't have to worry about Steffy's inferior passing game though. Steffy is a first time starter for the Terps this year and has been less then stellar. If the Mountaineers can contain Steffy then the Terps may be in for some big trouble. If Steffy can roll out of the pocket and look for small to intermediate routes the Terps can succeed in the passing game.
Still with below average passing game the Terps should be able to keep this game close. If they can control the clock and use their running game there is no reason they can not stay within a shout especially at a noisy Byrd Stadium. Home game for the Terps equals a competitive fight out of a stout defense and determined offense. Expect the Terps to stay close but end up losing in the end.
Lock: Maryland (+17)
Final Score: WVU 27 Maryland 23
PS: My heart tells me the Terps are going to shock the college football world tonight and win!
FEAR THE TURTLE tonight!
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