Maryland @ West Virginia

At 7:47pm tonight, the Maryland - WVU rivalry renews as the #5 Mountaineers welcome the Terps to Milan Puskar Stadium. This will be the 45th meeting between the schools and the series is currently deadlocked at 21 wins with 2 ties. However, the latest line puts West Virginia as 17 point favorites. One non-professional prognostication predicts a 73-6 win with star RB Steve Slaton rushing for 406 yards and 5 Mountaineer touchdowns.

Statistically, things look bleak for Terrapin fans. Maryland's 44th ranked rushing defense will try to stop a rushing attack, led by the aforementioned Slaton and QB Pat White, that ranks 2nd in the nation with 353 yards per game. That rushing attack, which has outgained their opponents by an average of 238 yards per game, has helped the Mountaineers outscore their two opponents by a score of 94-13.

On the opposite side of the ball, the rushing game may prove key to Maryland's hopes for an upset. A talented offensive line will look to open holes for a trio of running backs as the Terps try to control the ball and keep the West Virginia offense on the sidelines. If the Terrapins can establish a consistent ground game, the Mountaineers may be forced to put an extra man in the box, which may open up possibilities for the deep passing game. If that happens, the game may hinge on how quickly the young Maryland receiving corps matures.