College Football Corner-- the Preston Jinx...

This is the second year I've produced pregame features for the Maryland football broadcasts. The Cover Story looks a major issue-- something larger than the game itself (ex: the new AD, the bye week). The Prime Focus explores an aspect of the game in heavier detail (ex: red zone defense, the penalty problem). Unfortunately, more often than not my feature is radio's version of the Sports Illustrated cover. I focused on the new-look defense and the Terps allow 52 points at Cal. I examined the high-flying ground game and Maryland is held to minus ten yards at West Virginia. Last week I looked at boost the explosive play (12 of 50+ yards this fall) has helped the Terps only to see Clemson use two such plays to put the game away in Death Valley. I was going to work on a report regarding the new stadium expansion and press box-- but don't want to place 50,000 plus lives in my hands on the chance my feature makes the stands collapse. Some journalists dream of having an effect on their environment-- be careful what you wish for.

Alma Mater Update-- not the best of homecomings... as the Orange fell to Pitt 45-14. I'm still not convinced Panther coach Dave Wannstedt could coach his way out of a paper bag, but I've learned a slow secondary and poor decision making by your quarterback is the great equalizer. To top things off, an underwhelming seafood chowder made me yearn for mediocre wings. There's always basketball.

Maryland outgained Clemson by over 100 yards yet suffered an implausible defeat; the Terps lost 31-7 in a game marked by Tiger big plays. Again, my apologies-- I will try to reverse jinx the team this week. Terrapin Triumphs-- Danny O'Brien threw for 302 yards... and caught a touchdown pass. The defense held Clemson to 2.1 yards per carry and 38% passing. Terrapin Troubles-- 10 penalties... 4 for 14 third down conversions... and allowing a kickoff return for and 87 yard touchdown while surrendering a 61 yard interception return for a score. A 41 yard punt return set up the Tiger's other second half touchdown. Next: Saturday at Boston College.


Virginia was routed in Chapel Hill--losing 44-10 at North Carolina. And there's no defense for the defense-- UVa is allowing 39 points a game in ACC play. And Kippy's cousin talked about bringing Pepper Jack Cheese, of all things, to the next home game (so gauche). Cavalier Congrats-- Keith Payne reversed his diminishing return trend, rushing for 107 yards and a touchdown... and the offense converted 3 of 6 fourth downs--that has to mean something. Cavalier Catastrophes-- five turnovers. Getting outscored 17-0 after halftime. All three quarterbacks throwing an interception (and freshman Ross Metheny tossed just one pass). Next: Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

Virginia Tech allowed another first quarter touchdown before storming back against Wake Forest, rolling 52-21. This time it was the second half that had the inaccurate snapshot (VT outscored 7-3 after intermission). Hokie Highlights-- 605 total yards... and no turnovers. Holding Wake to zero return yards (BEAMER BALL!) ... converting 12 of 17 third downs... Tyrod Taylor's continued maturing as a passer (292 yards and two touchdowns)... Hokie Humblings-- I dream of a day when VT pitches a first quarter shutout... and three fumbles (although they recovered all three drops) isn't what you dream about. Next: Saturday against Duke.