Postgame Report Card: Maryland 24, Clemson 21

The word of the game is…..redemption. Maryland was in major trouble after very bad non-conference play. But the Terps showed they are not out yet. Thanks to some tremendous defensive and special teams play, Maryland pulled out a huge victory and started their ACC schedule off right. There were obvious problems during the game, and Clemson had opportunities. But Maryland was causing the Tigers trouble everywhere they went.

With the victory, Maryland improves to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the ACC. They will hit the road next week to take on Wake Forest. The win did have a price: Da’Rel Scott broke his wrist and is likely done for the season.

Offense – Overall Grade: C+

Quarterbacks: A-

Chris Turner did everything you could ask of him today, throwing very solid passes and not making a major mistake. 19/26 with 211 yards including two scores and no picks. He also had a few decent runs. Only thing I question is his run to the left on 4th and inches in the fourth quarter, but otherwise he got the job done when Maryland needed it most.

Running Backs: D-

The name on the jersey was irrelevant. Da’Rel Scott, Davin Meggett, and Gary Douglas all were ineffective against the Clemson defense. Meggett took the bulk of the carries and nearly cost Maryland the game with his fumble in the 4th quarter. Those three combined: 21 rushes for 44 yards. Meggett did get a one-yard touchdown at least.

Wide Receivers: B

The depth of wide receiver is finally starting to show, as Maryland had three effective targets today. Torrey Smith continued to be the real threat but Adrian Cannon and Ronnie Tyler got into it as well. Tyler had some issues though holding onto the ball, including dropping a catch that would have been a first down easily, but the unit did well against a solid Clemson secondary.

Tight Ends: B-

Tommy Galt had a couple of nice catches and was a helpful short passing target for Turner. However, a holding penalty on Lansford Watson was very costly on a run.

Offensive Line: D-

There was nearly no containment on the harsh blitz attack by the Clemson defense, and subsequently no running game could be established. Worse, Bruce Campbell might be hurt again, which would be a serious problem for Maryland.

Defense – Overall Grade: A-

Defensive Line: B+

The fact is it is difficult to contain C.J. Spiller, and the line did enough to do just that. Plus when the heat was on for the defense to hold the lead, the line got good penetration to pressure Kyle Parker and cuase him problems. Not a perfect day, but a solid one.

Linebackers: A-

A couple of forced fumbles and effective running on the blitz was a sight for sore eyes for Don Brown. Clemson was trying to throw tricks at Maryland and mostly they did not work. The unit had to deal with Spiller and Jacoby Ford, and although both had their opportunities, neither got a lot done against the unit.

Secondary: A-

Jamari McCollough’s return to the Maryland secondary is huge, as he was making sure Clemson had no deep threats at all. The Tigers had to adjust to put Jacoby Ford in the short field to give him the ball. They had an interception late in the second quarter, but the great play came from coverage all day. Kenny Tate was all around the field today, sacking the quarterback and having good coverage.

Special Teams – Overall Grade: B-

Kicker/Punter: A

Nick Ferrera must have injected some of Travis Baltz’s DNA. He converted his only field goal attempt, a 43-yarder, all three extra points, and had four punts downed inside the 20. He even had a punt where he faked to throw off a would-be tackler and got the punt off a second later. This kid is just a freshman and it is already looking like he could have NFL Draft potential.

Returners: B

A mixed grade, especially on the punt returns. Anthony Wiseman’s lost fumble in the first quarter completely reversed the momentum of the game to Clemson, and he will likely not get his job back. Tony Logan took over and had an excellent punt return to near the goal line in the fourth quarter. Torrey Smith was fine on kickoff returns.

Coverage: D

Most of the time the unit was helped by either Ferrera’s excellent punting skills or the fact that kickoffs were mostly away from Spiller. But after Maryland went up by 11 and kicked the ball to Spiller, he broke a couple of tackles when the Terps clearly should have had him and let him break loose for a score. Spiller is great, but when you have him wrapped up, you need to make the tackle.

Coaching – Overall Grade: B

Offensive: C-

The playcalling looked better this week and drives were sometimes finished off, but the fact is once again the offense did not look great and nearly cost Maryland the game at times. Playcalling is often not judged by the good but often by the bad. When Maryland had chances to finish the Tigers in the second half, strange plays were called. Having a possible pass by LaQuan Williams, a 4th and inches run to the left that failed, etc. Turner’s good day spared James Franklin today some problems, but Franklin nearly cost Maryland the game at certain times doe to bad playcalling.

Defensive: A

The players look like they were finally catching on to the Don’s defense. The defense did not allow any touchdowns in the second half and showed some great blitzes, especially when Maryland needed big plays. The team kept Spiller and Ford in check during the game, and despite some very tough situations in the fourth quarter, the defense delivered by holding their ground. For the first time this year, Don Brown had a great day all game.

MVP: Nick Ferrera

This game was about special teams and defense, and Ferrera’s play was invaluable, especially downing the Tigers inside the 20 four times plus converting his extra points and his only field goal. Pretty good for a freshman.

LVP: Anthony Wiseman

His fumble on the punt in the first quarter completely changed the momentum from Maryland to Clemson. All he had to do was catch the ball and Maryland would have been inside Clemson territory on offense, instead the Tigers got the ball back and got a field goal.

(Photo credit: AP)

Pregame: Maryland vs. Clemson

ACC play begins today for Maryland after a very rough out-of-conference time. The Terps came up just 1-3, with no wins against the three FBS teams they played, capped by a 34-13 embarrassment from Rutgers at home. Chris Turner may be overly-optimistic, but he is right on something, if they do well enough in the ACC, they could go to the Orange Bowl. The "first game to the Orange Bowl" will have to start against the orange team, the Clemson Tigers.

The Maryland Terrains (1-3) host the Clemson Tigers (2-2) in their fourth home game in a row. Maryland begins conference play while Clemson will play their third game against the ACC, going 1-1 with a win over Boston College and a loss to Georgia Tech. The last four times these two have played, the road team was the victor. Clemson leads the overall series 30-25-2. So far this season the two have only had one common opponent: Clemson defeated Middle Tennessee 37-14 while the Terps lost to them 32-31.

In Maryland's current state at 1-3, they will need to go at least 5-3 in conference play to have any chance at a bowl game.

Scouting the Competition: Clemson Tigers

Clemson has changed a lot since Maryland last saw them. Dabo Swinney took over as head coach and got the job after leading the Tigers to a win over South Carolina plus a bowl game. He has had a slow start with his squad thus far, but both losses were to ranked teams and only by a score.

The Tigers are led on offense by senior C.J. Spiller (pictured), an explosive running back that also runs track for the Tigers. He is the primary running back and primary returner, averaging 214.3 all-purpose yards a game, though so far just 4.3 yards per rush. Passing the ball is redshirt freshman Kyle Parker, who has only a 47% completion rate. He does have a prime receiving threat, senior wideout Jacoby Ford, who has 20 catches on the season.

Clemson has a solid defense, but not an invulnerable one. The line is led by senior defensive end Ricky Sapp, who has two sacks and six tackles for loss. The linebacker core is led by redshirt senior Kavell Connor with 26 tackles and a player who has been important for years at Clemson. In the secondary, the Tigers are tied for #4 in the country in interceptions with eight, led by junior safety DeAndre McDaniel's four. McDaniel is also the leader in tackles with 34, which means he is all around the field.

Things to Look For:
1. Can Maryland rely on Da'Rel Scott?
The way to beat Clemson is hitting them hard and often with the rush. Maryland has only one running back, Scott, that can effectively run the ball, as any other backups, including Davin Meggett and others, apparently have not shown enough to James Franklin. Scott has had success when he's held onto the ball, but Maryland has suffered problems due to his fumbling the last two games. With the strong play from the Clemson secondary, the Terps need their best runner to play well. This may depend on how much patience Friedgen and Franklin have with Scott, as they have taken him out on occasions due to the fumbling.

2. Will Maryland show some defense?
The Terps have allowed 38.3 points per game, which is the sixth-worst among FBS teams. Three of the games were against teams without BCS rankings. Injuries to the secondary have been very problematic for Maryland. The fact is the defense needs to show their strength soon. Against Rutgers for three quarters the defense looked solid, but the fourth was a mess due to two long rushing touchdowns. Don Brown's defense cannot allow the same to happen with Clemson, as C.J. Spiller has the potential to be a dangerous weapon if not kept in check.

3. Can Maryland bounce back?
It has been a terrible start for Maryland. Everyone, including Friedgen, Franklin, Chris Turner and the rest of the squad are all coming under fire. In recent history the Terps have been able to bounce back in troublesome situations, but this team may not have what it takes to do that. The fact is Maryland needs a comeback, and it may be too late if they don't win today. With the season possibly on the line and everyone criticizing Maryland's players and personnel, can Maryland get on track?

4. Will the loss of Travis Baltz hurt Maryland?
Baltz, Maryland's reliable punter, is out for the game, and Nick Ferrera will kick and punt for the Terps. Baltz has been amazing for Maryland and has been very helpful in pinning down opponents, and with him out, the Terps need a freshman to be effective. Without Baltz, a key part of Maryland's special teams is gone, and it may hurt Maryland's chances.

Prediction:
This game can be won by Maryland, and if they play everything right they have a chance. But Clemson is physically a stronger team and has done better against better competition. When it comes down to it, I don't believe Maryland has enough to stop Clemson. C.J. Spiller might be the difference-maker with a problematic Maryland defensive line.

Clemson 24, Maryland 13

(Photo credit: Baltimore Sun (Terps), SI (Spiller))

Tommy Bowden Officially "Fired" From Clemson

Rivals.com and WYFF4 in Greenville have both reported that Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden has been fired. Later, it was reported by ESPN.com that he resigned.

After starting the season as the ACC favorites and #9 in the nation, Clemson has started the season 3-3 after losing their first game against Alabama and two ACC contests to Maryland and Wake Forest.

Bowden deserved this "firing" (I'd bet anything it was forced). After a national audience saw Alabama completely obliterate on national television, then Maryland comeback on them in Death Valley, then Wake Forest beat a Clemson team that looked pathetic again on national television, Bowden had this coming.

The fact is there is no excuse with a great combo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller, who were called by some the most talented running back duo in college football, a fast and crushing defense, and the weakness of this year's ACC, Clemson with their talent should have run away with this conference and been in contention for the national title. Instead, once again they choke and/or don't show up against inferior or equal opponents. Again.

For Maryland, it is perfect, cause they've already beaten Clemson this season. For the ACC, it is good as well, Clemson can probably get back to form in a few years. This conference needs its powerhouses to play well, especially Virginia Tech and Clemson.

I'm surprised it took them this long. Last year Clemson extended his contact to the dismay of many Clemson fans, so a big buyout could be in order (Rivals.com says reportedly $4 million). But nonetheless, he is gone. No more Bowden Bowl, not that it has been interesting in the last few years. One Bowden gone, and we'll see how long the other Bowden has too. Goodbye Tommy Bowden, and have fun wherever you go. You won't be back in the ACC.

UPDATE: Sophomore starting quarterback Cullen Harper said of Bowden's departure from ESPN.com: "It's what he deserved," Harper said. "Dabo Swinney is a fine man and will do an excellent job."

Wow. Not that I believe Harper is one to talk, with four touchdowns and six interceptions, but when your underachieving quarterback says your departure was "deserved," that says something. Though, I would argue Cullen Harper being benched is "deserved," if it ever happens.

(Photo credit: ESPN)

Tommy Bowden is Finished at Clemson

Many a Maryland fan may hate Ralph Friedgen, but I guarantee he's better than Tommy Bowden, who should be fired at the end of the season from Clemson.

A coach that had the only team in the conference with sure-fire talent to win the ACC and a #9 ranking to start the season. A killer combo rushing attack with C.J. Spiller and James Davis. Now, after two losses on national television combining for 14 points in those contests plus a 3-3 record for a Clemson team that has done nothing but underachieve year after year, most recently with a pathetic loss on national television to Wake Forest 12-7.

Obviously as Maryland fans, this is great because they've won twice in Death Valley against ranked-Clemson squads, and believe me I love it.

But Clemson is one of the few teams in the conference that should be able to play well year after year, and now when they aren't doing well the ACC looks terrible, again. With Florida State in decline and Miami in rebuilding mode, the ACC needs teams like Clemson and Virginia Tech to play well to legitimize the conference. Time and time again, ACC squads look just pathetic on national television. Could the Mountain West with BYU and Utah be better? Right now they could be.

The ACC will be much better once the Bowden family leaves the coaching ranks. If only Maryland could aim for a conference title in the mean time.........

(Photo credit: Charleston Post and Courier)

Pregame Thoughts: Maryland-Clemson

So here we are, the start of the ACC schedule in a season that has already been a roller coaster in classic fashion. The Terps come into this game with the confidence that they can beat anyone (Cal) when they focus themselves and the knowledge that they can lose to anyone (MTSU) when they let their guard down for a moment. This game is a classic litmus test, where the identity of this team could be revealed. Over the past two weeks Maryland has accomplished what they’ve needed to, in (1) beating a major power and (2) flexing offensive dominance over an inferior team.

Make no mistake; Clemson needs this game to establish their identity as much as the Terps. The only significant competition Clemson has faced was Alabama, where they were entirely dominated from the opening kickoff which resulted in their only loss this year. Since then Clemson has dominated creampuff competition; which one is real? For Clemson fans that might be answered this weekend. As for a few questions Maryland looks to have answered…

Can Chris Turner step up on the big stage?

Terrapin fans wanted Turner to put up back-to-back solid games and he did just that. Now, Turner will be asked to put up not just a solid but a great game. Clemson will score a good number of points; that’s an assumption that this offense has to make. It will be up to Turner to make sound decisions and to effectively go through his progression. He must be capable of finding his second, third options, as Clemson will key in on Heyward-Bey and try to scheme him out of the game. This should open up opportunities for Isaiah Williams, Danny Oquendo, Torrey Smith, and Dan Gronkowski among others.

Will the secondary be able to hold down Clemson’s passing game? The big question mark on this defense is the poor performance and lack of depth in the secondary. The secondary was torched against Cal in the fourth quarter and struggled with EMU’s passing game. As a related question, Terp fans have to wonder which pass rush will show up. Will it be the one that put on consistent pressure against Cal, or the one that has struggled to get even mild pressure against any other team? That, more than anything else, might be the key for the secondary’s success or failure. One name to watch: Cameron Chism, freshman cornerback – fantastic athlete who Friedgen wanted to redshirt but has been put into duty because of the need for cornerbacks, and is expected to see some playing time. How much is yet to be determined.

Will the Terps continue their dominance in the ground game? The Terrapins have shut down every rushing offense they have faced, and the Da’Rell Scott-led running corps has been nothing short of outstanding. The problem is that none of the Terrapin’s opponents have had the sort of neither two-headed running attack that Clemson has, nor the superior size on the defensive line that Clemson has. The Cal Bears sported a top running game and was shut down by this front seven, but whether the Terps will be able to do the same to CJ Spiller and James Davis (who have historically had significant success against Maryland) is still a big question. The running game offensively for the Terps last week was lackluster against EMU, but the loss of Da’Rell Scott clearly hurt as Davin Meggett was shown to be clearly not ready for the starting role. With Da’Rell Scott coming back from injury, I expect Meggett to still thrive as a secondary back to come in after Scott has worn the defense down. Also keep in mind that Josh Portis led the Terps in rushing last game against EMU, so he could be yet another wildcard in this game.

Can Egekeze make them when they matter? Egekeze finally has made a field goal. Check. He has made multiple field goals. Check. He has made a clutch field goal. Not yet. If Maryland is going to win by this game, it will almost certainly come down to a very small margin and Egekeze very well might be the difference. Now that he has some confidence maybe, just maybe, he can become the hero and not the goat.

Those are just a few points that are important to look out for. While both teams sport excellent running attacks, I expect this game to be decided on the arms of both quarterbacks and this game to become something of a shootout. Call it a hunch.

The Terps have a chip on their shoulder and know that they have a real shot of entering the mix for the ACC title this year. That being said, it’s hard to call the upset with such overwhelming firepower for Clemson against a banged-up Maryland defense.

Prediction: Clemson, 35-21

Photo Credit: (Baltimore Sun:Doug Kapustin), (AP: Richard Shiro)

ACC: The Laughingstock of College Football, Again

Per usual, the ACC is just embarrassed after this weekend in the world of college football. After NC State got shutout by South Carolina on Thursday, two ranked teams got upset.

#17 Virginia Tech blew a 9-point lead in the 4th quarter to lose to East Carolina, giving up the final touchdown on a blocked punt. Coach Frank Beamer, who specializes in special teams, couldn't get scores in the first two red zone attempts and got beaten at his own game.

But the real disappointment is with #9 Clemson. The Tigers once again proved that they can't handle any expectations by getting destroyed by #24 Alabama 34-10. ESPN color analyst Kirk Herbstreit was ripping the Tigers most of the game, which was well deserved. Nobody showed any energy, and at times you wondered if they even cared. The offense couldn't pass or run, the defense kept getting run over, and Tommy Bowden once again looked like he couldn't coach football. Frankly, if Clemson doesn't win the ACC, Bowden doesn't deserve to keep his job. He has had teams that could have been great and Clemson consistently underachieves. Nick Saban's Crimson Tide played a great game, but they were the only ones to show up at the Georgia Dome that night.

To add insult to injury, UNC had arranged for a parachutist to land in the middle of the field with the gameball. When the plane found the stadium they jumped, and landed, in Duke's football stadium before their game. They had to rush off the field and UNC's athletic director apologized later for the mishap.

When the conference added Miami, Boston College, and Virginia Tech, it was supposed to improve the football play. But still, the ACC continues to be the joke of the BCS. Top-25 wins are almost non-existant, they have very few BCS bowl victories, and not many solid teams. It is a shame that a conference that tries to put so much attention into college football just looks like an absolute disaster.

(Photo credit: ACC)