Virginia @ Maryland preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Maryland 42, Virginia 23

THE STORY: First-year coach Randy Edsall hasn’t been able to help Maryland much in the win column. But at least they look different every week. Perhaps a turn for the traditional will improve the Terrapins' fortunes, as they have opted for the classic white helmets and red jerseys in Saturday afternoon’s home game against Virginia. The uniforms have been the most notable thing about Edsall’s tenure so far, with Maryland having dropped four straight. The Terrapins made a move to secure last place in the ACC Atlantic Division last week, when they fell to fellow bottom-dweller Boston College, 28-17. The Cavaliers look like they are on the way up. Virginia won at Miami last weekend and has a victory over then-No. 12 Georgia Tech on its resume as well. The Cavaliers will be looking to become bowl eligible on Saturday.

TV: ACC Network. LINE: Virginia -2.5

ABOUT VIRGINIA (5-3, 2-2 ACC): The Cavaliers have won only once -- a 40-3 drubbing of FCS foe William & Mary on opening weekend -- by more than a touchdown. But have shown an ability to hit the big play when needed. Virginia used a fake field goal to gain a chunk of yardage last week, and running back Perry Jones threw a touchdown pass and caught a 78-yard score in the 28-21 win at Miami. The Cavaliers are strong in the trenches, averaging 186.4 yards rushing while holding opponents to 131.6.

ABOUT MARYLAND (2-6, 1-4 ACC): While the Terrapins could explain away losses to Georgia Tech, Clemson and Florida State, last Saturday’s setback to the Eagles is a little tougher to take. Maryland turned the ball over twice, missed two short field goals and allowed Boston College to rush for 372 yards. The Terps are the third-worst FBS team against the run, surrendering an average of 234.8 yards. They have yielded 23 touchdowns on the ground.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia has won its last two trips to Byrd Stadium, 20-9 in 2009 and 18-17 in 2007.

2. Terrapins defensive lineman Joe Vellano leads the FBS in tackles by a lineman with an average of 7.8.

3. Cavaliers WR Kris Burd needs 29 receiving yards to move into sixth on the school’s all-time list.

PREDICTION: Virginia 35, Maryland 24 -- The Cavaliers will run all over the Terps and stay in the Coastal Division hunt.