No. 25 Maryland travels to face No. 8 Florida State in a fierce battle between two Atlantic Division contenders. Television coverage begins at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to watch Maryland vs. Florida State 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Terps prove they are for real with a big win on national television?
The Terrapins have seemingly come out of nowhere, jumping to a 4-0 start and equaling their win total from 2012. Their strong offense with multiple playmakers has been helped by one of the top defenses in the country, and they have won their games by scores of 43-10, 47-10, 32-21, and 37-0, respectively. Maryland is back in the poll during the regular season for the first time since 2008.
Florida State looked surprisingly human on the road at Boston College last week, but rebounded nicely for a 48-34 win. They opened in ACC play, beating Pitt 41-13 on the road, and blew out Nevada and Bethune-Cookman in their only two non-conference games. The Seminoles match up extremely well with Maryland, with multiple offensive playmakers of their own (including a pair of running backs each averaging around nine yards per carry) with an incredibly strong defense.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Florida State is ranked No. 8 in both polls, while Maryland is No. 25 in the AP Poll and received votes in the Coaches’ Poll. Both teams are 4-0, but Florida State is also 2-0 in ACC play. This will be Maryland’s final ACC opener before leaving for the Big Ten. The Seminoles hold a 20-2 all-time lead in the series, and have won the last five counted games between the two schools.
Vegas: Florida State is a 15-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: Mid 80s with scattered thunderstorms.
Three names to know
Stefon Diggs. One of the most exciting talents in the country, Diggs is averaging more than 22 yards per catch with 136.8 all-purpose yards per game. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball, and could single-handedly keep Maryland in the game.
Will Likely. With starting corners Jeremiah Johnson and Dexter McDougle both injured, Maryland will likely rely on Will Likely, who was the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in high school and will likely have a giant chip on his shoulder against an FSU team who did not offer him a scholarship.
Jameis Winston. The freshman quarterback has been outstanding, with 12 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Maryland has yet to face even a mediocre quarterback, and Winston could give the hobbled Terps secondary troubles on Saturday.
Two things at stake
Maryland has not defeated a ranked team while also being ranked since January 1, 2004 in the Gator Bowl.
A slip-up here for Florida State would put their division title hopes in serious jeopardy, with both Maryland and Clemson a step ahead of them.
How to witness
TV: 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Online streaming: WatchESPN. XFINITY customers can stream online here.
Further reading
For more from Maryland, head over to Testudo Times. For the Florida State perspective, check out Tomahawk Nation.
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