MD 17 UNC 15
Overall: Well I don't know how to describe this game. It had a lot. It had a lot riding on it. It a lot of scoring (early), it had rain (a lot early), It had another ranked opponent, and it certainly had me with that sick to my stomach from nerves feeling. First of all I have another beef with Rutgers. I would like to thank that jerk Greg Schianno for taking timeouts and trying to pass after being up by 20 some points over USF. Luckily for me this was on ESPN Plus (broadcast Big East games), and it was picked up by ABC. So this game went MUCH longer than it should have, and just as I finally get to the Terps game I see a replay of Baltz taking off toward the goal line. Awesome! I could see it now, UNC recovers in the end zone. Luckily Baltz was able to fall on it an it was only a safety. Then on the free kick, UNC is able to get into FG range and goes up 5-0. Not bad considering. After that we got to see the start of the MD running attack, which was in the witness protection program a week earlier. It was a good day on the ground for the Terps. Da'Rell Scott went for 129 yards and a TD, Meggett had 80 some yards and TD. With the wind and rain, it was a good day for the running attack to return.
The half ended with MD trailing 15-14, and it looked like there was a heavy weight slugfest going on. Both teams were moving the ball well, and it looked like each had an answer for any score the other team had. Then in the second half, it was like watching two different teams. Either team could move the ball, there were turnovers, and it looked like the score was going to end 15-14. I really thought it was the case after Portis fumbled at about the MD 30, and we forced them to punt. Are you kidding me. Nice work D. Then when Casey Barth hit the upright with his FG attempt, I just started to think we might have a chance. Then it was time for the Chris Turner show. It was a long 8 plus minute drive. There were runs, There were passes. There were third down conversions (3 I believe). The catch that Ronnie Tyler made, may go down as one of the more memorable plays of the season for me. It was behind him, and it was high, and he got popped, but he hung on. Then Turner took of and ran for 9 yards on FOURTH DOWN. I was nervous as could be, and couldn't believe how much time I felt like he stayed in the pocket before taking off. It seemed like an eternity. Then it still took Obi to make the FG, and he drilled it. It was an incredible drive (17 plays) that sucked up all kinds of clock, but still allowed Carolina over a minute to drive and try to score It wasn't meant to be as MD got a sack forced a 3rd and 22, before Jamari McCollough picked off Sexton's pass.
What does it all mean? Late in the game we would learn that Wake lost, giving them their 3rd loss, and MD holds the tie breaker over them. Later that night BC would win at FSU keeping both of them alive as well. So after all the action MD holds the lead in the Atlantic, with a huge game against FSU, followed by BC, after BC visits Wake. Whoever did the schedule this year, really lucked into having all the teams with a chance at Tampa have to play each other down the stretch.
Game MVP: This is really tough again, but I am going to have to go with Da'Rell Scott. It seems the Terps go as he goes these days, and the running attack really set the tone.
Game Highlights: There are a lot. Scott, Meggett, Tylers catch, Turner on the last drive, Obi kicking the game winner. I hate to say it, but it really took all of them or else there wouldn't have been some of the others. They all really built off each other.
Game Lowlights: Most of the second half offense prior to the final drive.
Around the ACC.
Miami 16, VT 14. The young Miami defense made an impressive stand late to hang on for the win, and to take the lead in the Coastal Division.
Clemson 31-Duke 7. Clemson keeps bowl hopes alive getting their 5th win. I do believe they need 7 though, since I think they played 2 I-AA opponents. Duke's bowl hopes take a hit as they drop to 4-6.
NCST 21 Wake 17. This one was HUGE. I can't express how big it was having Wake take the L. I would like to thank NCST for this one.
BC 27 FSU 17. For possibly the first time in my life, I was forced to root for FSU, and of course they lose. They got ran all over by BC. A BC loss would have eliminated them, and all we would have had to worry about was beating FSU this week. Now we may need to beat FSU and BC. Lets hope Wake can take care of BC this week at 3:30