Not Dead Yet: Maryland 24, Clemson 21

Posted by SuckaFish

Clemson kicker Richard Jackson (19) reacts after missing a field goal against Maryland during the fourth quarter. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Terps Go From “Season Over” to First Place in 3 1/2 Hours

With about four minutes to go in College Park Saturday Clemson kicker Richard Jackson drilled a 48-yard field goal to tie the game. Only he didn’t. Just before the snap Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen had called timeout. After the break Jackson missed wide right.

The Terps fumbled the ball on the next play and with 2:43 left on the clock Jackson had a shot at redemption. Another 48-yard attempt, another one wide right.

Bullets dodged.

It was a rare afternoon this fall. The breaks went Maryland’s way and they held on for a 24-21 win over Clemson.

Maryland’s defense played their best game of the year not giving up any points in the second half and not allowing Clemson to reach the end zone after the first quarter. The Tigers only second-half points came on a C.J. Spiller kick-return touchdown. The Terps limited Spiller to only 79 yards from scrimmage on the day.

Torrey Smith had three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown and added 100 yards on four kick returns.

The bad news for Maryland, Da’Rel Scott had three carries for zero yards and was carted off the field with his left wrist in an air-cast.

With the win Maryland is now in first place in the ACC Atlantic division. The Terps travel to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest next Saturday at 6:30 pm.

Terps vs. Middle Tennessee: Five Reasons to Feel Good

Posted by SuckaFish

Before each game we’ll give Five Reasons to Be Concerned, Five Reasons to Feel Good, and The Absolutely 100% Guaranteed Prediction.* We gave you the bad stuff. Now here’s the good stuff.

1. A Dish Best Served Today
The revenge factor sure worked for Cal in week one. Now it’s the Terps turn to play the “we owe them” card. Last year in Murfreesboro, TN the Blue Raiders’ spread baffled Maryland from the start and MTSU got the 24-14 upset. No one would call it an upset if they did it again. Maryland has to play with a chip on their shoulder, and they will.

2. History 101
While the Terps have had their issues against smaller schools in the Ralph Friedgen era (Northern Illinois, MTSU), they haven’t lost home games. Under the Fridge Maryland is 19-2 against non-conference opponents with both losses coming against West Virginia.

3. Unless He Has H1N1 …
Early in last year’s game against MTSU, Da’Rel Scott ran for a 63-yard TD to tie the game 7-7. He finished with 123 yards and averaged more than 11 yards per carry. But he only got the ball 11 times. Last week he only had 72 yards against JMU but played the game with strep throat. If Scott is closer to 20-25 carries then things should be going well for the Terps.

4. They Get Hurt Too
Middle Tennessee State will play today without their top RB, Phillip Tanner.

Maryland should get an emotional boost from one of their injured players when Nolan Carroll plays the role of Willis Reed. Carroll, a senior captain who broke his leg last week against JMU, will join his fellow captains at midfield for the coin toss.

5. We’re in First Place in the ACC Atlantic
OK, we’re tied for first at 0-0 but still. Here are the standings entering today’s games.

B.C.                     0-0 .000 2-0 1.000
Maryland         0-0 .000 1-1 .500
NC State           0-0 .000 1-1 .500
Wake                  0-0 .000 1-1 .500
Clemson           0-1 .000 1-1 .500
Florida State    0-1 .000 1-1 .500

* Guarantee not valid in Murfreesboro or anywhere else