 "Photo: Steve Deslich / MCT Photo")
When BC runs the ball
Maryland's run defense has been an Achilles' heel this season, yielding an average of 167.7 yards per game. North Carolina is the only ACC team that has allowed more rushing yards than Maryland this season.
The Eagles' 121.5 rushing yards per game is mid-pack, but the talented BC tandem of Andre Callender and L.V. Whitworth should have no problem with Maryland's substandard D.
Advantage: BC
When BC passes the ball
Matt Ryan has been the ACC's best signal caller, guiding the Eagles to a conference-leading 2,475 passing yards. Maryland's defensive backs will have a lot of trouble keeping up with Kevin Challenger and the rest of the Eagle receiving corps.
Maryland has been mediocre on pass defense this season, forcing a league-lowest six interceptions. Ryan should have no problem continuing his stellar season.
Advantage: BC
When Maryland runs the ball
The Terps are seventh in the ACC averaging 121.5 yards on the ground per game, mostly between Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore, the younger brother of NFL linebacker Ray Lewis.
The Eagles are sixth in the conference with 94.2 rushing yards allowed per game. Maryland will come with a pass-heavy offense; as long as BC doesn't get caught off guard by a big rushing play, this should be another edge for the Eagles.
Advantage: BC
When Maryland passes the ball
Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach is as good a game manager as there is. He has decent stats as well - 1,717 passing yards (third in the ACC) and 12 touchdowns, good for second in the league.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Darrius Heyward-Bey is one of the ACC's leading wideouts with 539 receiving yards. And BC's pass defense has been less than stellar, giving up 211.8 yards per game - the third worst in the conference.
Advantage: Maryland
Special teams
Maryland's Adam Podlesh is one of the best punters in the ACC, averaging 43.9 yards per punt, and Terps placekicker Dan Ennis is 15-of-19 on field goals this year, including a clutch game-winner against Clemson.
BC's Steve Aponavicius is 5-of-7 kicking field goals, though he has missed his last two tries. The Eagles also feature prolific kick-returner Jeff Smith. Both teams have been solid on special teams; Maryland has just the slightest edge.
Advantage: Maryland
Coaching and intangibles
Maryland's stats as a team aren't going to wow anyone. Nor would their effort against Miami a week ago, in which the Terps only picked up six first downs.
But this team knows one thing that cannot be taught: how to grind out tough wins.
Advantage: Maryland
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