FSU-Maryland: Noles Still Dominating at 24-3

The second half begins for Maryland with only one rushing yard, but the Terps will have to wait to work on their rushing game as FSU received the ball to begin the half. 

The Christian Ponder of October, who had 144 rushing yards against Miami, seems to be back—he is making plays with his feet, as he had 41 rushing yards in the first half and is averaging 5.9 yards per rush.

Maryland’s best defensive play of the last few series came when Antone Smith slipped on a carry and lost a few yards. Mistakes like that seem to be the only way that Maryland can stop FSU.

Taiwan Easterling just showed how much he was missed last week against Boston College, when he caught an 18-yard pass to convert a 3rd-and-11.

FSU’s young offensive line has been outstanding most of the season but just had a false start flag with 1st-and-goal.

Graham Gano hit his first field goal attempt for 22 yards.

24-0, FSU.

FSU’S defense gave up their first big play of the game on a 41 yard rush by Maryland’s Da’Rel Scott down to the FSU 16.  The defense stood back up and stopped Maryland and forced a 340yard field goal.

24-3, FSU.

This score is eerily similar to the 21-3 halftime lead FSU had last year in Tallahassee against the Terps, when Maryland made it interesting by closing the lead to 24-16 but could not overcome the early deficit.

A Seminole wide receiver almost broke a screen for a touchdown but was tripped up at the last second on a 27-yard gain.

Richardson came back in the game and ran for a 17-yard quarterback keep to set up FSU with a 1st-and-goal at the Terps’ 10 before he fumbled the final snap of the game for a loss of 10 yards as the game heads into the final quarter.