MARYLAND at VIRGINIA TECH
Maryland place kicker Obi Egekeze has made 11 of his last 12 field goal attempts after missing his first five.
(By Mary Ann Chastain -- Associated Press)
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WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va. (66,233). FORECAST: Clear, mid-50s. TV: ESPN.
RADIO: WWXT (92.7 FM), WWXX (94.3 FM), WGRQ (95.9 FM), WHFS (105.7 FM), WJFK (106.7 FM), WFMD (930 AM), WTEM (980 AM), WAGE (1200 AM), WPTX (1690 AM).
RECORDS: Terrapins 6-2, 3-1 ACC; Hokies 5-3, 2-2 ACC.
COACHES: Ralph Friedgen (62-33, eighth year); Frank Beamer (172-88-2, 22nd season).
WHEN THE TERRAPINS HAVE THE BALL: Running back Da'Rel Scott is the ACC's leading rusher, but he is questionable because of a shoulder injury. Lane Stadium will be raucous, which could affect Maryland's passing attack. Quarterback Chris Turner shines brightest in the Terrapins' biggest games, but the Hokies' aggressive defense, which has forced 19 turnovers this season, can turn a leak into a flood in a hurry. The unit's major weakness this season has been allowing big strikes, which bodes well for Maryland playmaker Darrius Heyward-Bey. Whoever cracks first -- Turner or the Hokies' secondary -- could be the story of the game.
WHEN THE HOKIES HAVE THE BALL: Virginia Tech's offensive identity will be determined by which quarterback ends up under center. If Tyrod Taylor plays, his mobility will be limited by a high-ankle sprain and his repertoire hindered. Sean Glennon is the more effective passer, but the Hokies' receivers have yet to prove they can deliver, no matter who is throwing them the ball. Cory Holt might be a blend of Taylor and Glennon, but any first-time starter has a learning curve. The uncertainty put weight on the Hokies' running game in the past two games, both road losses. Maryland standout linebacker Dave Philistin is questionable because of a shoulder injury, and his status will be quickly evident in the Terrapins' performance.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Virginia Tech continues to be a threat to block kicks and punts, but the Hokies have been prone to allowing big returns this season. Maryland's returners have yet to reach the end zone this season. The spotlight might fall on Maryland's Obi Egekeze, who has made 11 of his last 12 field goal attempts after missing his first five of the season.
COACHING: Ralph Friedgen and Frank Beamer are longtime friends, having coached together at Maryland, the Citadel and Murray State. Beamer and Virginia Tech have handled Friedgen's teams during their only meetings in 2004 and 2005, with the Hokies winning by a combined score of 83-15. The roles are reversed in this meeting, with the Terrapins nationally ranked and the Hokies in greater need of a win.
-- Zach Berman
