Homecoming for the Terps

In a little over an hour, the Maryland Terrapins will take the field against the N.C. State Wolfpack. At 2-5, N.C. State looks like a team that the Terps should handle just fine. The Wolfpack have lost to South Carolina (34-0), Clemson (27-9), USF (41-10), BC (38-31), and Florida State (26-17). Their only wins have come against William & Mary and ECU, who was exposed as a flash in the pan early on. They are not the pushovers of a couple of years ago, but they are also not as talented as the Terps - on paper.

But knowing this team, that does not come anywhere near a guarantee for victory. Each week seems to present a new team to Terps fans, and the fans' frustration is clear. Losses to Middle Tennessee State and the University of Virginia have prevented the team from a possible top 10 BCS ranking. After all, the Terrapins have beaten three top 25 teams.

Today is just another trap game for the Terps. Luckily, it is a home game. Byrd Stadium should be packed with fans ready to cheer the Terps to victory. Weather conditions are less than idle, but regardless, the stands will be loud for the Homecoming game.

There are three questions facing the Terrapins this week:

1) Which Chris Turner will show up? The epitome of the team's Jekyll and Hyde play, Turner has been mediocre in the two losses, a combined 33-62 with one touchdown and 4 interceptions. He has played so well, however, in the other 4 wins (Jordan Steffy played the majority of the Delaware game), that he is now the top-rated passer in the ACC. If Turner plays well (and is protected), the Terps usually win.

2) Will Da'Rel Scott break out of his funk? The sophomore running back struggled last week, fumbling 3 times (two of which were recovered by Wake Forest). He did, however, average 4.1 yards a carry and has been outstanding all season. The offensive line has to open holes for him and he has to prove he has recovered from his injury. If he struggles early on, expect a large dose of true freshman Davin Meggett.

3) How will the defense play? Last week, the ACC's leading passer was held to less than 200 yards passing and 50% completions. The Maryland defense was suffocating all game long and made plays on third down. If the Terps are going to win today, the defense has to step up and play like it did last week. They have pressure N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson and force turnovers. The offense should be able to take care of the rest.

Prediction: Maryland 28, N.C. State 13. The game will remain close until the 4th quarter, but Maryland will eventually pull through and take a crucial victory before heading Blacksburg in a big matchup against Virginia Tech.

(Photo credit: Washington Post)