Maryland (3-1) vs. No. 18 Georgia Tech (4-1)
Maryland
Maryland has yet to play an ACC game but will play eight in a row to finish the season. The Terps' tough schedule has the team facing their most difficult challenges on the road, starting this weekend. Their balanced rushing and passing attack has kept defenses off balance. Maryland hopes to avenge its loss to Tech in 2004, where Tech was the underdog to a ranked Maryland team on the road in College Park, Md. This year, the roles are reversed.
Georgia Tech
Tech's convincing wins against Virginia and Virginia Tech have put the team atop the ACC Coastal division. Tech must continue dominating ACC opponents to maintain hopes of being in Jacksonville come December. The offense has started to click, providing threats both through the air and on the ground with Calvin Johnson leading the aerial attack and Tashard Choice, Reggie Ball and Rashaun Grant providing the ground attack.
Four Key Questions
- Is Tech able to finish games?
Tech has led after the first half in every game this year, holding opponents to an average of 6.6 points before half time, but the team has been inconsistent in the second half. Notre Dame pulled ahead and Troy tied the game early in the third quarter of their respective games. The Jackets were able to stop the Hokies' offense in the third quarter of last week's game, but allowed Virginia Tech to score twice in the fourth quarter.
- Will Maryland be able to get past Tech's defense?
In 55 under defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta, Tech's defense has held the opposition to under 100 yards rushing 28 times, going 21-7 in those games. The linebacking corps, led by Philip Wheeler, has created turnovers, pressured quarterbacks and closed running gaps for all opposing rushers. Though relatively young, the defense has stepped up and become an integral part of Tech's success.
- Has the Tech team "arrived"?
With the special teams performing well last Saturday, all three phases of the team have recently played well. The defense has consistently come out and executed, but the offense only recently started to show more explosiveness. It remains to be seen if Tech can be consistent in each phase all season long.
- Has Reggie Ball done enough to silence critics?
Ball has been criticized throughout his career for his inconsistent play and sometimes erratic throws. This season however, he has stepped up and led Tech to four straight wins. He has contributed with both his feet and his arm, scrambling for first downs and touchdowns when necessary. While he is still making mistakes, he has demonstrated his mastery of the Tech offense and has emerged as the true leader of the team. If he can lead Tech to an ACC title, he will certainly have silenced his naysayers.
