Maryland @ Florida State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2010 ) Florida State 30, Maryland 16

THE STORY: It’s not entirely surprising that Maryland is struggling under first-year coach Randy Edsall. Florida State, meanwhile, was expected to be in a much better position at this point. The Seminoles hope a visit from the Terrapins will jumpstart their season.

Florida State, which began the season ranked fifth, ended a three-game slide – its longest losing streak since 2009 - with a 41-16 win over lowly Duke last week. Maryland, meanwhile, has dropped four of its last five games. The Terrapins haven’t had much luck against Florida State either, losing four straight and 19 of the 21 meetings.

TV: ABC, ESPN 2. LINE: Florida State -16.5

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (3-3, 1-2 ACC): Florida State took advantage of a weaker opponent and gained some much-needed confidence last week. The Seminoles’ sputtering rushing attack racked up a season-high 242 yards and E.J. Manuel threw two touchdowns in his first start since suffering a sprained shoulder in Week 2.

ABOUT MARYLAND (2-4, 1-2 ACC): Maryland twice led ACC front-runner Clemson by 18 points last week before suffering a 56-45 home loss. Five freshmen started for the injury-ravaged Terrapins’ defense. Sophomore QB C.J. Brown was sensational in place of Danny O’Brien last week and has earned another start. Brown ran for a school-quarterback record 162 yards and a touchdown, and passed for 177 yards and three more scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Florida State is ranked 12th in the nation in passing offense (311 ypg), but just 100th (111.7 ypg) in rushing.

2. Maryland’s only two wins over Florida State have come in College Park. The Terps are 0-10 in Tallahassee.

3. Florida State has eight passing plays of at least 50 yards. It had only one last season.

PREDICTION: Florida State 38, Maryland 24 – Manuel seems to be healthy and he should help the Seminoles exploit the banged-up Terrapins’ defense, which is ranked 104th in the nation.