Florida State @ Maryland preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 21, 2009 ) Maryland 26, Florida State 29

The University of Maryland will host Florida State in a prime-time affair Saturday evening, with the top spot in the ACC's Atlantic Division and conference championship implications dangling in the balance.

ACC title implications hover over this game. Maryland (7-3, 4-2 ACC) is currently tied for first in the Atlantic Division with N.C. State. Florida State (7-3, 5-2 ACC) can slide into the ACC championship game with a win Saturday and a Wolfpack loss Saturday. Maryland stays alive in the race with a win.

The Terps' offense is coming off a strong performance against Virginia on the road, finding their offensive footing at the right time thanks to timely and mostly mistake-free play.

Rookie quarterback Danny O'Brien earned ACC Player of the Week honors after going 18 for 28 for 289 yards and two touchdowns in Maryland's 42-23 victory over the Cavaliers. He also rushed for a third touchdown. O'Brien currently ranks fourth among all FBS freshmen in passing efficiency (133.5).

Running back D.J. Adams rushed for three touchdowns against Virginia, while receiver Torrey Smith finished with 157 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Maryland scored three of its touchdowns in game in the fourth quarter.

Florida State, which is coming off a tough 16-13 win over Clemson, has leaned on its defense this season. FSU is 10th in the nation and second in the ACC in rushing defense at 110.8 yards per game. Among the stars is sophomore defensive end Brandon Jenkins, who is averaging 1.55 tackles for loss per game and a sack. Freshman corner Xavier Rhodes has also been effective and is tied for fourth in the NCAA in passes defensed (1.4 pg). He also has three interceptions and seven solo tackles.

It will be another tough test for Maryland's offensive line, who are still dealing with the loss of two starting offensive tackles. The Terps have allowed just seven sacks in their six ACC games which is the fewest in the league.

Historically FSU has dominated this series, winning 18 of 20 meetings. The Terps have been more competitive as of late though, with five of their last six contests coming down to an average 4.2 points for the winning margin.

Also on their side, the Terps two wins over the Seminoles have come at home. Maryland's last victory came in 2006, when Jeremy Navarre blocked a field goal attempt at the end of the game to hold on to a 27-24 victory.

On the injury front, Florida State running back Jermaine Thomas is expected to miss this game with sprained knee. He currently is the team's second leading rusher.