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Another game where Miami's offense has better numbers in two of the three major offensive statistical catagories, and is barely behind in the third, but trails in total points per game. That has been the story of the year for Miami. Decent production but an inability to finish the drive. Their other penchant is for turning the ball over, putting the defense in a difficult position, and amassing so many penalties it would be impossible for Troy Smith to drive the ball down the field.
Kirby Freeman will get the start, with Kyle Wright on the bed with a fracture on his throwing hand, but it will be seen if this is to make any difference in the overall production of the offense. On the field against Virginia Tech Kirby ran for over 30 yards then threw an interception which led to a Hookie touchdown. Kyle also threw an interception of his own, leading to the Hookie's other touchdown.
The defense should again be supurb against a struggling Maryland offense, who is no better then 71st in any offensive statistical catagory. They have instead relyed on a good defense and played in more close games then anyone else, their last six games having been won or lost by a touchdown or less.
Again, look for one of the ugliest games ever. I'm going to, for the last time this season, give Miami the benefit of the doubt, allowing the emotion of a recent loss on the team, Brian Pata, to unite them and raise them up offensively to another level. Neither team is really that good, but Miami definitely has the edge on defense, despite playing 2 of the top five offenses in college football.
Last year the defense only allowed 4 teams to score over 15 points against them, to be honest only 2 have done so this year, but the number stands at three. Pride should be a motivating factor for the defense, as it always is. If not for the turnovers, Miami could have posted a shutout against VaTech, they only gave up 139 yards. It's truly sad to lose when giving up such paltry numbers. Final Prediction:
Miami-10
Maryland-9 |
