2010 Week 9

COLLEGE PARK, MD - When a touchdown put Florida State up 29-0 with 9 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, they pulled the starters and waited for the game to end. By the time the starters hit the field again, Maryland had closed to within 7 and could not be stopped. Derrick Leslie broke 4 long touchdown runs in the 4th quarter, all set up by the awakening of the short passing game the Terps have been trying to get right for 2 seasons. QB Jeremy Ricker couldn't be stopped in the 4th quarter, completing 4 passes for 1st downs on 3rd down in the 4th quarter. This created all the room Derrick Leslie needed, as he has officially put his hat in the 2010 Heisman race.

With Florida State leading 29-7 midway through the 4th, the Seminoles were driving (inexplicably passing their way downfield) and faced a 3rd and 7 from the MD 17. A wide open FSU receiver stood and watched as Kevin Smith made his third interception of the day - diving in the endzone. Instead of sealing away the game, FSU left the door cracked just enough for the Terps.

Ricker completed a huge 2 point conversion to cut the lead to 29-22 and the entire stadium (FSU sideline included) knew what was next. The Terrapin defense stood tall, creating a 3 and out and getting Maryland the ball back with a minute to play. Leslie took care of the rest.

Maryland hosts Duke next week in what should be a runaway victory. Hopefully these Terps learned something from that Kentucky game.

NCAA NOTES: The Ohio State Buckeyes are back in contention for their 3rd consecutive National Championship, beating #14 Penn State 28-24. The Buckeyes had trailed at the half, 17-0. Oklahoma (7-0) and UCLA (7-0) and currently 1-2 in the BCS, with Ohio State a close 3rd.