The Hokies travel to College Park, MD this week to face a struggling Maryland Terrapins squad, Tech's first opponent this year with a losing record. The 2-7 Terps have lost four straight ACC games after upsetting Coastal Division leader Clemson, and Ralph Friedgen's tenure at Maryland appears to be coming to an end. Virginia Tech will be scoreboard watching, as the Hokies need Duke to knock off Georgia Tech to have a chance at a fourth ACC title. Will VT be focused against a Maryland team that has nothing to lose?

Frank Beamer and Ralph Friedgen are best friends and former coaching associates, and the two coaches are open about not liking to play one another. Friedgen is contracted through the 2011 season, but rumors are rampant that coach-in-waiting James Franklin could take over the Maryland program as early as next year. As offensive coordinator, Franklin has implemented a west coast passing system supported by a physical running game, but the offense has been erratic this year behind a young offensive line. Multiple injuries have impacted the offense, with first-team all-ACC running back Da'Rel Scott (#23, 5-11.5, 200, 4.48, r-Jr.) going down in the third game with a wrist injury and veteran quarterback Chris Turner (#10, 6-3.5, 220, 5.09, r-Sr.) doubtful against Tech with a knee injury suffered last week in the second quarter against N.C. State.

Friedgen brought in new defensive coordinator Don Brown from UMass to implement a more aggressive, attacking defense, but the defense has also been erratic. Brown relies on a zone blitzing strategy, and Maryland has been considerably more aggressive this year, but shoddy tackling has plagued the Terps and allowed too many big plays. Injuries have also impacted the defense, with starting cornerback Nolan Carroll (#14, 5-11.5, 202, 4.44, r-Sr.) being lost for the season in the second game with a leg injury and promising weak-side linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield (#59, 6-1, 230, 4.74, r-Fr.) injuring his hand four weeks ago. Projected starting defensive tackle Dion Armstrong (#99, 6-0.5, 303, 4.98, r-So.) transferred after academic eligibility issues were raised.

Ultimately, this game, when broken down into its simplest components, should come down to which team is the most physical and can control the line-of-scrimmage. The Hokies have won the battle up front with Maryland in their previous ACC meetings. In 2004, the Hokies rattled the Terps' quarterbacks into numerous mistakes and a rout ensued. The 2005 game was much tougher, but a stout defense and some timely quarterback scrambles pulled out a solid win. Last year, Tech's offensive line dominated the Maryland defensive front as Darren Evans broke the single-game rushing record, and the Hokies rolled to a 23-13 win. If Virginia Tech can win the battle in the trenches again this year, then the Hokies should dominate the Terps once more.

So, what should we expect from this young Maryland squad?

With QB Chris Turner likely not playing, Maryland will need to stress the running game more than normal this week. For the Terps to have a chance against the Hokies, Maryland must win the battle up front, an area that has been a major concern this year, and establish the running game. Bud Foster, of course, will look to stop the run first and dominate the relatively inexperienced offensive front of Maryland.

Maryland has a large, physical offensive line and relies on a power blocking man-on-man scheme. However, the offensive line is not exceptionally athletic. The Terps' o-line tends to engage defenders rather than drive defenders off the ball, often playing too high in their blocks. Maryland will pull their guards and center, but generally the offensive line is focused on containing pursuit. However, do not get the idea that the offensive line is devoid of talent.

Maryland has an NFL talent at left tackle in Bruce Campbell (#74, 6-6.5, 310, 5.02, Jr.). Campbell is an excellent talent with great potential, who has worked exceptionally hard in the off-season to gain strength (480 pound bench press). He is still a fairly raw in technique, often struggling with combination moves by defensive ends, but Campbell may be the best pure offensive line talent in the ACC. Nekos Brown will have his hands full against the impressive left tackle for Maryland.

Center Phil Costa (#72, 6-2.5, 300, 5.15, r-Sr.) is the other returning starter on the offensive line. Costa started at right guard last year, but he has returned to his more natural center position. Costa is a strong, aggressive blocker who is solid in his overall game. Maryland's offensive line problems this year have come at the other three positions. The Terps have only started the same combination on the o-line in consecutive games once this year.

Former walk-on Paul Pinegar (#71, 6-3.5, 290, 5.31, r-Jr.) has started at three different positions this year - right tackle (four games), left tackle (three games for an injured Campbell), and left guard (last two games). Pinegar is tough and works hard, but his limited athleticism exposed him at tackle; his best position appears to be guard. Another walk-on, Andrew Gonnella (#77, 6-5.5, 305, 5.40, r-So.), starts at right guard backed up by Justin Lewis (#78, 6-4, 320, 5.52, r-Fr.). Lamar Young (#70, 6-4, 320, 5.51, r-So.) and former Tech recruit Maurice Hampton (#66, 6-2.5, 295, 4.95, r-So.) will also see action at guard. Overall, the guards are tough and physical, but lack quickness off the ball and have limited mobility.

Right tackle has been a problem spot for the Terps, and rookie R.J. Dill (#76, 6-6.5, 320, 5.51, r-Fr.) has taken over the starting job. Like the other newcomers on the offensive line, Dill is tough and physical, but he is limited athletically. Speed rushers can present Dill a lot of problems, so Jason Worilds should be looking at a big day playing in the Maryland backfield. True freshman Nick Klemm (#61, 6-6.5, 275, 5.39) backs up Dill, and former Tech recruiting target Justin Gilbert (#75, 6-6, 300, 5.18, r-Fr.) provides depth at left tackle.

The Hokie defensive line needs to be quick off the ball to disrupt the o-line of the Terps. Tech needs to avoid a "pushing and shoving" match in the trenches, instead relying on penetration and better leverage to disrupt the running game. The defensive tackles, in particular, need to match the effort of last week against East Carolina. The Hokies need to be especially effective stopping the run on first down to force Maryland into passing situations with their new quarterback.

With rookie Jamarr Robinson (#11, 6-0, 190, r-So.) likely to take over for Chris Turner, Bud Foster will surely bring the heat and look to harass the inexperienced quarterback. Robinson is much more mobile than Turner, but obviously is still new to the west coast passing system. James Franklin will keep the offense simple for Robinson, relying on easier reads and basic play-calling, while taking advantage of Robinson's athleticism. Before the injury to Turner last week in the second quarter against N.C. State, Maryland had gained nearly 200 yards of total offense, but the Terps gained less than 100 yards for the remainder of the game behind Robinson.

The backups to Robinson will be two true freshmen, Danny O'Brien (#18, 6-3.5, 205, 4.84) and C.J. Brown (#16, 6-3, 195, 4.84). Both quarterbacks are pocket passers with potential, but neither QB is ready to play yet. Franklin will have a big challenge ahead of him to devise an offensive game plan against the Hokies with virtually no experience at quarterback.

Look for Foster to employ a scheme similar to the 2004 game in which Maryland started an inexperienced quarterback. Tech used a variety of zone blitzes to confuse the quarterback and mixed coverages to create turnover opportunities. The Hokies may blitz more in this game than any game previously this year, not only to harass the QB but also to limit the running game.

Davin Meggett (#8, 5-8, 215, 4.65, So.) will get the majority of the carries at running back. He is the son of former NFL running back Dave Meggett and is a very strong runner with good vision and the ability to break arm tackles. Meggett will often follow the blocks of fullback Cory Jackson (#38, 6-1, 245, 4.76, Sr.). Jackson is a throw-back, hard-nosed blocking fullback, who could be the best at his position in the country. Jackson will lead the vast majority of running plays for Maryland, and he is effective inside or outside, often leading the back around the corner. Tech's linebackers cannot allow Jackson to seal them inside on running plays. Keep an eye on #38 because most running plays will follow him.

True freshman Caleb Porzel (#40, 5-7, 180, 4.45) provides a change-of-pace at running back, and he is a big-play threat on the outside. However, the biggest threat outside for the Terps is wide receiver Torrey Smith (#82, 6-0.5, 200, 4.46, r-So.).

Torrey Smith is clearly Maryland's biggest playmaker on offense, ranking third in the nation in all-purpose yards per game (200.7). Smith has developed into a dangerous receiver, who is especially effective gaining yards after the catch. He is elusive in space and strong enough to break arm tackles. Smith has developed into a good route runner with the ability to beat man-to-man coverage deep. Tech will need to keep a safety over the top to limit the big-play potential of Smith. Obviously, containing Smith will be a major key in limiting the Maryland offense.

Maryland's other receivers have been effective as well. Ronnie Tyler (#24, 5-10.5, 190, 4.48, r-So.) is a quick slot receiver with good running ability, and Adrian Cannon (#7, 6-2.5, 204, 4.68, r-Jr.) is a quality possession receiver with very good hands. The Terps have good depth as well in injury-prone LeQuan Williams (#3, 6-1, 195, 4.64, r-Jr.), Oscar Smith product Kerry Boykins (#13, 6-0.5, 200, 4.55, r-Fr.), exciting playmaker Tony Logan (#85, 5-10.5, 180, 4.45, r-So.), and speed merchants Quinton McCree (#17, 6-1.5, 190, 4.40, r-So.) and Emani Lee-Odai (#83, 6-2.5, 200, 4.41, r-Jr.).

The Terps also have good receivers at tight end in Lansford Watson (#80, 6-3.5, 260, 4.77, r-So.) and Devonte Campbell (#34, 6-2, 250, 4.69, r-Fr.). Both tight ends have the ability to get deep and stretch a defense, so Tech's secondary needs to stay alert.

Maryland will try to get the ball in the hands of the playmakers outside as much as possible. Watch for reverses, quick screens, and option passes to keep the Hokie defense off-balance. Torrey Smith was a quarterback at Stafford High School (actually attended Tech's camp as a QB), so he could be used on reverse passes as well. With Maryland having nothing to lose in this game, look for James Franklin to reach into his "bag of tricks" against Virginia Tech.

Last year Virginia Tech dominated Maryland with the power running game, effectively using the inside and outside zone running plays. The Hokies' ability to control the line-of-scrimmage last year against the Terps forced Maryland to insert their two largest defensive tackles, Dion Armstrong and Travis Ivey (#90, 6-4, 325, 5.21, r-Sr.), and move their best d-lineman, Jeremy Navarre, to defensive end after the Tech game. Maryland's run defense improved dramatically after the Tech game last year, and the Terps appear to have taken a similar strategy this year.

Ivey returns and teams with A.J. Francis (#96, 6-4.5, 315, 5.57, r-Fr.) to form one of the largest defensive tackle tandems in the nation. Neither player gets much penetration, but they are very hard to move. True freshman Zach Kerr (#98, 6-2.5, 330, 5.00) provides another large presence as depth.

The defensive ends, Jared Harrell (#57, 6-5, 265, 4.87, r-Sr.) and Deege Galt (#56, 6-4, 264, 4.91, r-Sr.), are also primarily run stoppers. Massengo Kabongo (#55, 6-1.5, 275, 5.09, r-Fr.) moves from defensive tackle to provide depth along with converted linebacker Derek Drummond (#44, 6-3.5, 250, 4.86, r-So.).

The biggest weapon against the run for the Terps is tackling machine Alex Wujciak (#33, 6-3, 255, 4.80, r-Jr.) at middle linebacker. Wujciak was second-team all-conference last year, and he is fourth nationally in tackles per game (11.3) this year. Wujciak could be the most physical middle linebacker in the college game this year. Running up the middle can be very difficult against Wujciak and the massive defensive tackles.

Maryland has obviously emphasized stopping the run, and the Terps actually lead the ACC in allowing the fewest yards rushing per game in conference games (92.4 yards per game and 2.6 yards per carry). However, California gained 246 yards on the ground behind Jahvid Best, James Madison gained 268 yards via an option attack, and Rutgers ran for 207 yards. The weakness for Maryland has been tackling at the second level.

2. Pick Up the Zone Blitz

To counter the inability of the defensive line to produce a consistent pass rush, defensive coordinator Don Brown relies on the zone blitz. Maryland's best pass rushers are the outside linebackers, Adrian Moten (#54, 6-1.5, 230, 4.60, r-Jr.) and Ben Pooler (#59, 6-1.5, 235, 4.74, r-So.). Moten has battled injuries in his career, but he has been healthy and very effective attacking from the strong-side. Pooler has taken over for injured Demetrius Hartsfield and provided aggressive play from the weak-side. The linebackers are clearly the strength of this defense.

With the emphasis by Maryland on attacking the line-of-scrimmage, Tech will need to keep the Terps honest by picking up the blitz and hitting the short to intermediate passes. Maryland's secondary is quick and effective in coverage, but all of the defensive backs have had issues tackling.

Maryland starts Anthony Wiseman (#6, 5-9.5, 185, 4.49, r-Sr.) and Cameron Chism (#22, 6-0.5, 185, 4.53, So.) at the corners. Wiseman is quick and aggressive in coverage, but he can struggle with bigger receivers. Chism is a promising youngster, but he lacks the experience of his predecessor, Nolan Carroll.

The starting strong safety is Jamari McCollough (#4, 5-11, 200, 4.56, r-Sr.) and the free safety is Terrell Skinner (#1, 6-2, 215, 4.57, r-Sr.). Both fifth-year seniors are solid against the pass, but not overly physical against the run. The backup safeties are Kenny Tate (#12, 6-4, 225, 4.54, So.) and Antwine Perez (#2, 6-1.5, 200, 4.69, r-Jr.), who are talented athletes, but too mistake prone.

Tech will need to use the quick passing game that was effective against East Carolina again this week. Dyrell Roberts could be effective out of the slot, and Marcus Davis could present problems for the Maryland secondary with his size and ability to run after the catch. The tight ends for Tech, which have been relatively missing in the passing game this year, could be a weapon to counter the aggressive outside linebacker play of the Terps.

Maryland struggled with turnovers early this season, but the Terps have improved in their last couple of games. Maryland's defense forced seven turnovers in their last two games after only forcing seven turnovers in their first seven games. Maryland is currently ranked 108th in the nation in turnover margin (-1.0 per game), but +3.0 in the last two games. The Terps will need to win the turnover battle against Virginia Tech to have a chance in this game, so look for Maryland to be very aggressive on defense to force turnovers. Tyrod Taylor, and the rest of the offense, will need make good reads and protect the ball to prevent the upset.

Torrey Smith will generally line up on the wide side of the field, and he will generally be matched up with Stephan Virgil. Look for Tech to use a variety of zone coverage schemes on Smith, but Virgil will need to play man-to-man in certain blitz packages. Virgil needs to tackle well in this game as Smith is particularly dangerous running after the catch. Maryland likes to use Smith on a variety of bubble screens and inside flanker screens, so the defense needs to pursue quickly to prevent big plays.

Torrey Smith is also one of the premier kickoff return specialists in the country. He has run two kickoffs back for touchdowns this year, and he currently holds the single-season kickoff return record in the ACC. Maybe a more appropriate match-up would be Dyrell Roberts, Tech's stellar kickoff return specialist, against Torrey Smith.

Maryland's defensive line primarily tries to keep blockers off the linebackers, allowing middle linebacker Alex Wujciak to lead the team in tackles by a fair margin. Wujciak is a tough, instinctive linebacker with good size, but somewhat limited range. He plays almost exclusively between the tackles and his responsibility is to shut down the running game up the middle, although he did have an interception returned for a touchdown last week against N.C. State. With Tech looking to establish the power running game, Wujciak will play a key role in stuffing the run. Center Michael Via, who had an impressive debut last week against East Carolina, will need to stay free from the defensive tackles and get a hat on Wujciak for the running game to work up the middle.

Bruce Campbell is easily Maryland's best offensive lineman, and he should have a future in the NFL in a couple of years. Campbell's absence due to injury in three games this year was felt by the Maryland offense, and the Terps need for him to have a dominant game to get the running game going and to protect the quarterback's blind side. Nekos Brown has played exceptionally well of late, providing an aggressive pass rush and attacking the running game. Brown will need to show more variety in his pass rushing moves to defeat Campbell, which should be the top match-up in the trenches in this game.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, the team that wins the physical battle in the trenches will likely win this game. I like the match-up on both sides of the ball for the Hokies, and Tech should control the line-of-scrimmage. On offense, Virginia Tech simply needs to stay poised, pick up the blitzes, and execute. Ryan Williams should make some big plays once he gets into the secondary. Defensively, the Hokies defensive front needs to get consistent pressure on the new quarterback for Maryland to limit opportunities for big plays and force turnovers.

Special teams will be critical in this game, with Maryland needing to make some big plays in the return game to have a chance at the upset. Torrey Smith is extremely dangerous on kickoff returns and Tony Logan is a dangerous punt returner. Logan's punt return against Clemson set up the winning touchdown. Maryland also returns all-ACC punter Travis Baltz (#35), and the Terps have an impressive freshman place kicker in Nick Ferrara (#43). Tech's special teams have played well this season, and the Hokies need to at least play even with the Terrapins in this game.

With veteran quarterback Chris Turner at the helm, Maryland had the potential of an upset, but an inexperienced QB facing Bud Foster's aggressive defense lessens the Terps' chances dramatically. My biggest concern is Tech making mistakes early and getting out of their game plan. If Tech executes and stays composed, then the talent differential between the teams will show and the Hokies will come out with a decisive victory.

Virginia Tech 38, Maryland 3

GO HOKIES!!!

(and GO DUKE!!)