ACC Football: 10 Things We Learned from Florida State's Victory over Maryland

Florida State defeated Maryland 41-14 to ruin Senior Day for the Terrapins.
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After defeating the Maryland Terrapins on the road 41-14, Florida State claimed  another ACC Atlantic Crown.

The Seminoles put any doubt after last week's scare behind them and routed a less-than-capable Maryland team that struggled mightily.

As the regular season draws to an end, Florida State must continue to dominate and get some help from some other teams in the process in order to keep its national championship hopes alive.

Here are 10 things to take away from the Seminoles' victory over Maryland.

EJ Manuel Continues to Look Impressive

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Even though he only threw for 144 yards against Maryland, EJ Manuel was very efficient, completing 73 percent of his passes.

Manuel followed up last week's clutch performance against Virginia Tech with a dominating effort against the Terrapins.

A 146.5 quarterback rating isn't bad either.

Florida State's Defense Is No Joke

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The Seminoles defense got a bit of a scare last week against the Hokies, but took its frustration out against a struggling Maryland team.

Florida State recorded five sacks in the 41-14 victory and caused havoc for the Terrapins offense all game long.

Maryland was only able to manage 180 yards of total offense and crossed midfield just three times.

The Seminoles set the tone by forcing two early turnovers, which gave them the momentum they needed.

Devonta Freeman Is a Beast

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Though it was against a bad Maryland defense, FSU's Devonta Freeman had the game of his career by rushing for 148 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.

Freeman averaged 9.3 yards per carry and has averaged at least seven yards per carry in five games this season.

His 48-yard burst down the middle of the field early in the game helped Florida State dominate the ground game.

Stefon Diggs Can Ball

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Maryland's freshman wide receiver Stefon Diggs only had three catches for 45 yards, but he had a beautiful one-handed grab in the fourth quarter that is sure to make Sports Center's Top 10.

Diggs accumulated for nearly 50 percent of Maryland's offense and continues to be a deep threat for the Terrapins.

He averaged 15 yards per catch against Florida State and has averaged double-digit yardage in every game he's played in this season.

James Wilder Jr. Can Also Ball

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Not to be outdone by Devonta Freeman, James Wilder Jr. helped balance the Seminoles' rushing attack by finishing with a 6.5 yards per carry average against Maryland.

Florida State came into the game averaging 209 yards per game and got great production from its running backs on Saturday.

Wilder Jr. scored his eighth touchdown of the season and continues to help lead the two-headed monster that is the Seminoles' backfield.

Jimbo Fisher Won't Take His Foot off the Gas Pedal

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Even when his Seminoles were up 34-7 with five minutes left in the game, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher continued to yell at his players.

The Seminoles continued to play aggressively even when they had the game wrapped up, going with the no-huddle offense at times.

The ACC has been extremely disappointing this season, and a dominating win against Maryland could help set the tone next week, as Florida State hosts Florida.

Kevin Dorsey Had a Great Senior Night

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Though his team was blown out at home, Maryland wide receiver Kevin Dorsey was responsible for both of his team's touchdowns.

Dorsey finished with two catches for 75 yards and caught touchdown passes of 33 and 42 yards.

He came into the contest with only one touchdown for the entire season and finished with more yards against Florida State than he had in his previous two games.

Bjoern Werner Is as Good as Advertised

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Florida State's defensive end Bjoern Werner made it impossible for Maryland's offense to get into any sort of rhythm.

Werner, a 2012 Nagurski Award finalist, finished with another sack on Saturday, which brings his season total up to nine.

Opposing offenses know when No. 95 is on the field.

Fans Can't Be Sold on This Win

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It was a dominating victory for FSU, but it was against a Maryland team that was decimated by injuries.

The Seminoles have beaten up on conference teams like Boston College, Duke and Wake Forest. Not the most impressive of pedigrees.

After struggling against Virginia Tech, Florida State needed a statement win this week to gain some confidence for next Saturday's matchup against Florida.

Maryland came into this game riding a four-game losing streak and was forced to play from behind the entire game. The Terrapins never stood a chance.

Florida State's True Colors Will Be Shown Next Week

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With the exception of a hiccup against North Carolina State in Week 6, Florida State has made quick work of its subpar ACC competitors.

Next week, the Seminoles host a hungry Florida Gators team that has played some of the best defense in the country.

The Gators are giving up less than 13 points a game this season, which is good enough for third-best in the country.

It is without a doubt Florida State's most difficult game of the year, and the true Seminoles will be seen against their in-state rival.