College Park — It has been a rather humbling September for the Atlantic Coast Conference, whose football teams have lost this month to Rutgers, Akron, Western Michigan and Division I-AA Richmond, just to name a few.
Tonight, Maryland is hoping Florida International isn’t added to that list.
Florida International@Maryland Saturday, 6 p.m., 1300 AM, 105.7 FM Line: Maryland by 18
Tonight’s game
Matchup — Florida International (0-3) at Maryland (2-1)
Time — 6 p.m.
TV/Radio — Tape delay on Comcast tomorrow at 7:30 p.m./105.7 FM,1300 AM
Line — Maryland by 18
Series — First meeting
Maryland offense vs. Florida International defense — The Terps will be wary of Florida International’s complex defense, which will present some challenges they haven’t seen in the first three games. At the top of the list are Keyonvis Bouie, who leads the team with 30 tackles, and Antwan Barnes, who is among the best in the country with four sacks for a loss of 26 yards. Maryland’s running game is averaging 156.7 yards per game and quarterback Sam Hollenbach threw his first two interceptions of the season at West Virginia.
Maryland defense vs. Florida International offense — Coach Ralph Friedgen wants to see the Terps’ defensive line securing its gaps and putting more pressure on the quarterback. Golden Panthers senior quarterback Josh Padrick has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions this season. Maryland also will be looking to stop running back A’mod Ned, whose 80-yard run against Bowling Green last week tied the game at 7. Possibly the most important tackles, though, will have to be made on special teams. Chandler Williams is averaging 28 yards on punt returns, and Lionell Singleton is averaging 44.7 yards on three kickoff returns. Both have scored this season on returns.
Heather A. Dinich
