Charlie Whitehurst's engine looks to be sputtering to a start after the last

couple of weeks. Maryland's Joel Statham almost lost his job to freshman

Jordan Steffy this week.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

RUNNING BACK

The tandem of Duane Coleman and Reggie Merriweather looked good against Utah

State. The question is can they step it up against better competition? The

Terps are looking for playmakers at this spot.

ADVANTAGE - Clemson

WIDE RECEIVER

Is Michael Collins an emerging story, or a one-time thing? Again, Maryland

needs playmakers here, but some of that is due to poor quarterback play.

ADVANTAGE - Even

OFFENSIVE LINE

The legend of Barry Richardson is beginning to grow. Folks are getting called

out of offices to see blocks he's made on tape.

RUN DEFENSE

Clemson held Utah State to minus 20 yards rushing last week. But consider the

competition. They've stopped very little else so far this year.

ADVANTAGE - Maryland

PASS DEFENSE

If recent history holds true, expect the Terps to play press man coverage

combined with a lot of blitzes. For Clemson, Statham's struggles could lead to

turnovers.

ADVANTAGE - Even

SPECIAL TEAMS

This category is virtually even. The one difference here could be at place

kicker, where Jad Dean has one official career attempt, while Maryland's Nick

Novak is among the nation's best.

ADVANTAGE - Maryland

THE PICK

Hard to pick against the Fridge until the Tigers beat him once...

Maryland 17, Clemson 13

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