Dr. Bob Previews CLEMSON (-13) @ MARYLAND

Clemson (-13.0) 31 MARYLAND 14

Over/Under Total: 48.0

09:00 AM Pacific Time Saturday, Oct-03

Maryland has faced a mediocre schedule of teams and the Terrapins have been out-gained 5.2 yards per play to 6.3 yppl with their only victory coming in overtime over Division 1AA James Madison. Maryland is actually getting better defensively, as CB Cameron Chism has played very well in 2 starts since taking over for injured starter Nolan Carroll and it appears as if the Terps are not as confused by the new defensive schemes as they were in their first two games against Cal (8.6 yppl allowed) and James Madison (7.1 yppl).

Maryland gave up 32 points to Middle Tennessee and 34 points to Rutgers, but they only allowed a combined 5.0 yppl in those two games and they may be able to contain a sub-par Clemson attack that has averaged only 4.8 yppl in 4 games against teams that would allow 5.2 yppl to an average team.

Maryland will still probably have trouble staying close even if Clemson's offense posts mediocre yards per play results, as the Tigers' special teams have been fantastic so far with 3 touchdown returns from the explosive Jacoby Ford and C.J. Spiller.

The Terps will also have trouble scoring with their sub-par offense (5.2 yppl against teams that would allow 5.5 yppl to an average team) going up against a good Clemson defense that has yielded just 4.5 yppl and dominated the sub-par attacks of Middle Tennessee (3.9 yppl allowed) and Boston College (1.2 yppl and just 55 total yards). Maryland is probably going to get better (Friedgen is 9-1 ATS after consecutive losses) but Clemson should be favored by about 18 1/2 points in this game.

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