Clemson vs Maryland Preview and Prediction |
Just one year ago, the Maryland football program seemed to be on the rise,
with the Terrapins boasting a 4-1 record as they prepared to take on Clemson in College Park in a game that had bowl implications for both schools. Since that time, head coach Ron Vanderlinden and the Terps have managed to compile a dismal 3-8 record and only one victory against Atlantic Coast Conference competition. Needless to say, things don't look good for the ACC's northernmost school as it heads into Death Valley. QUARTERBACKS- Heisman Trophy Candidate Woodrow Dantzler effectively burst on the college football scene last season with 435 yards of total offense against the Terrapins in College Park. Considering that the then anemic Maryland defense has become even more generous in 2000, a repeat performance by Dantzler wouldn't be too surprising. Quarterback Calvin McCall has struggled in 2000 for the Terps, passing for a mere 971 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Advantage: Clemson RUNNING BACKS- Heading into the season, Maryland's LaMont Jordan was touted as a Heisman candidate and the premier tailback in the ACC. At present time, the senior isn't even among the top-four rushers in the league, averaging only 75 yards per-game with six touchdowns, down from 148 yards per-game and 16 touchdowns one year ago. Strange as it may have sounded in August, Clemson' Travis Zachery has been far and away more effective than Jordan has thus far. Regardless, Jordan is a big, athletic back who is sure to break loose before season's end. Advantage: Even CLEMSON RECEIVERS VS. MARYLAND SECONDARY- Maryland's passing defense has been virtually non-existent in 2000, with the Terrapins giving up a whopping 284 yards per game so far. Should Maryland try and load up the line in hopes of stopping Dantzler and Zachery, then look for the Tiger air attack to explode. Advantage: Clemson MARYLAND RECEIVERS VS. CLEMSON SECONDARY- After a rocky outing against NC State, Clemson looks to rebound against a Maryland passing attack that averages just over 200 yards per game. Wide receiver Guilian Gary and tight end Jeff Dugan lead a Terrapin receiving corps that is short on both depth and talent. Advantage: Clemson CLEMSON OFFENSIVE LINE VS. MARYLAND DEFENSIVE LINE- Clemson leads the ACC in rushing with a nearly 300-yard per game average. Maryland is next to last in the league at stopping the run. Enough said. Advantage: Clemson MARYLAND OFFENSIVE LINE VS. CLEMSON DEFENSIVE LINE- The simple fact that a talented back like Jordan has managed to rush for only 378-yards in five game does not reflect well on the Terrapin offensive line's run blocking. On the positive side, Maryland has allowed only two quarterback sacks all season. After a solid performance against a pass-happy NC State squad last week, the Tiger defensive line will shift its focus to stopping Jordan. Considering that the Maryland tailback shredded the Clemson defense for 177 yards a four touchdowns one year ago, motivating the Tiger defensive front shouldn't be too much of a challenge for defensive coordinator Reggie Herring. Advantage: Clemson LINEBACKERS- It will be critical for the Tiger linebackers to help attack the gaps and stop Jordan. Solid tackling and disciplined play should force Maryland to resort to the passing game, which is a risky proposition for Vanderlinden. Sophomore E.J. Henderson leads the Terrapins with 52 tackles, including six stops behind the line of scrimmage. Advantage: Clemson SPECIAL TEAMS- Maryland kicker Brian Kopka is among the best in the country, with the accurate senior converting on 4-5 attempts thus far, including 2-3 from 40+ yards. Terrapin punter Brooks Bernard is equally adept, averaging 45.4 yards per kick, including an astonishing season-long punt of 85 yards. Tony Lazzara will take over the kicking duties for Aaron Hunt as the Tigers continue to search for consistency in their special teams. Advantage: Maryland COACHING- A horrible defense and inconsistent offensive productivity has cursed Vanderlinden, now in his fourth year at Maryland. While recruiting has dramatically improved under the amicable coach, the Terrapins' on-field performance most certainly has not, leading one to question how much longer Vanderlinden will remain in charge in College Park. As for the Tigers, the spotlight on Tommy Bowden and the rest of the coaching staff becomes brighter with every win, and deservedly so. The turnaround that the Clemson program has made in just one year has been nothing short of miraculous. Advantage: Clemson Clemson- 56 Maryland- 7
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