Maryland @ Miami preview
Hard Rock Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 11, 2006 ) Miami 13, Maryland 14
Riding a four-game winning streak, Maryland (6-2, 3-1 ACC) heads into its road matchup against Miami (5-3, 3-2 ACC) with a surprising amount of momentum while the Hurricanes try to deal with a dicey quarterback situation.
The big story out of the Hurricane camp this week concerns the health of quarterback Jacory Harris, who suffered a concussion in the second quarter of last week's 24-19 loss to Virginia. True freshman Stephen Morris finished the game, throwing for two touchdowns on 162 total yards, and rushing for another score during Miami's failed second-half comeback attempt.
At midweek, Miami was indicating that Morris would be the scheduled starter. He practiced with the first team and coach Randy Shannon indicated he would start regardless of any surprise changes in Harris' health. Harris did sit in on film sessions, but did not practice in the week's early runs, according to the university.
Meanwhile, Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen told the media earlier this week that he is moving forward with his game plan expecting Harris to start.
While Miami has questions at quarterback, Maryland has solidified that position thanks to the season-long development of freshman Danny O'Brien. Over the last five games the newbie quarterback has established himself as the Terps starter, earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors this week after completing 12 passes on 20 attempts for 168 yards and a career-high four touchdowns during a 62-14 drubbing of ACC opponent Wake Forest last Saturday. The win pushed Maryland into the bowl-eligible category and kept it in second place in the ACC's Atlantic Division.
Thanks to his strong game management and efficiency, O'Brien has compiled a 4-1 record in five starts. His touchdown to interception radio (4.33 to 1) is the most proficient among freshmen quarterbacks among Football Bowl Series teams and his 13 total touchdowns are tied for second in the country among freshmen at his position.
The Terps' offensive line has also done its part, allowing just two sacks over the last two games.
With questions surrounding the offense, Miami will look to its defense and running game for victory. Running back Damien Berry is currently averaging 86.2 yards per game for the Hurricanes, scoring four touchdowns and putting up 93 receiving yards over the season's first eight games.
Defensively, Miami linebackers Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence have dominated, combing for 128 total tackles. The 'Canes also have he ACC's best passing defense, allowing just 152.2 yards per game. They attack the quarterback aggressively, averaging 3.1 sacks per game, good for sixth in the FBS. Miami's blitzing defense versus Maryland's suddenly-jelling offensive line will be a key matchup to watch.
Maryland holds a slight 8-7 lead in the series, though the two teams have met just once – a 2006 Miami victory — since 1987.