#16 North Carolina visits Maryland in ACC Showdown

Florida State, Wake Forest, and even Boston College (that’s right, only in the ACC can a team with a 2-3 conference record still make it to the championship game) are the other teams still in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title.

The Coastal Division is even more of a mess as Miami, Virginia Tech, and UNC all have 3-2 records. Tech and Miami play this evening with the winner capturing sole possession of first place in the Coastal, until Saturday of course.

The Tar Heels have a chance to capitalize on the parity of the conference when they travel to College Park this Saturday in what will be the conference’s biggest game of the weekend.

UNC already knocked Georgia Tech out of contention after their 28-7 victory last weekend. Quarterback Cameron Sexton threw for two touchdown passes while running back Ryan Houston racked up another two scores on the ground.

Expect Carolina to use Houston tactically after Maryland’s horrid run defense made a star out of Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans last week. The freshman RB collected a school-record 253 yards last Thursday, which has caused some major reshuffling on the Terrapin defensive line.

Maryland hopes to regroup after last week’s loss and playing in the comfy confines of Byrd Stadium can only help the Terrapins. The team is undefeated at home this season and has consecutively beaten five ranked opponents dating back to last year.

Saturday’s matchup will prove to be the Terrapins most difficult opponent yet, that is until a resurgent Florida State comes to town the following week.

Because the Maryland defense is not one of the team’s strong suits this year, they will have to rely on the offense to put up as many points on the board as they can in order to have a chance at victory. It certainly won’t be easy as UNC leads the nation in passes intercepted with 18 INTs.

Maryland’s offensive line also needs to improve its run blocking in order for running backs Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett to accrue some positive yardage. Quarterback Chris Turner will have to find ways to get wide receiver Darius Heyward-Bey the ball more often, because as evidenced last week by the junior’s 63 yard touchdown, dude is a playmaker.

Prediction: 35-24 North Carolina. Unless the Terrapins start being aggressive on defense and stop giving up the big plays, then the Tar Heels will leave Byrd Stadium victorious. While Carolina doesn’t have nearly as balanced an offense as the Terrapins do, it’s their defense that will ultimately win this game for UNC. Florida State will be watching closely, that’s for sure.

Saturday’s game takes place at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium in College Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ABC. Tickets are $43 and can be purchased through the Terrapin Ticket Office.