Week 4: Eastern Michigan at Maryland

Maryland has shown a tendency to play to the level of its competition over the last couple of seasons. That worked out great for the Terrapins last week when they upset California 35-27, but it was disastrous for them a week earlier when they lost to Middle Tennessee State 24-14.

This game gives the Terrapins a chance to establish some consistency as they prepare to enter ACC play against Atlantic Division rival Clemson next week. Quarterback Chris Turner put his three-interception performance against MTSU behind him by completing 15 of 19 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns against Cal, and Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen wants to see Turner build on that effort against the Eagles.

Turner should get plenty of help from Maryland’s running game, even if sophomore tailback Da’Rel Scott is unable to play. Scott, who leads the ACC and ranks fifth nationally in rushing (135.7 yards per game), left last week’s game in the third quarter with a sprained shoulder. If he is unable to play, freshman Davin Meggett (13 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown last week) and sophomore Morgan Green will take aim at Eastern Michigan’s run defense, which ranks 97th in the country.

The Eagles, who lost to Toledo 41-17 last week, have an accomplished ground game of their own. Led by tailback Terrence Blevins, who has rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns this season, Eastern Michigan ranks 18th in the country in rushing offense (224.7 ypg). Unfortunately for the Eagles, Maryland made progress last week defending the run. The Terrapins held California, which entered the game averaging 297 rushing yards per game, to just 38 yards on the ground.

Notes/Things to Watch:

Maryland leads the all-time series 3-0, defeating Eastern Michigan each season from 2001-03 by a combined score of 132-19.

Maryland kicker Obi Egekeze, who made 17 of 23 field-goal tries last season, is 0-for-5 in 2008 after missing a 27-yarder that would have iced the game late in the fourth quarter last week. Friedgen talked about replacing Egekeze with walk-on Nick Wallace, but Egekeze performed well enough in practice this week that he might maintain his position.

Eastern Michigan features a couple of defensive players with a nose for the ball. Senior linebacker Jermaine Jenkins has come up with three takeaways (two interceptions, one fumble recovery) in the first three starts of his career, and sophomore safety Ryan Downard has intercepted one pass this season after picking off six passes in 2007.

Key Player (Eagles) — Andy Schmitt, QB

Schmitt has struggled while splitting time with Kyle McMahon so far this season, tossing just one touchdown pass while averaging less than 6 yards per pass attempt. Schmitt needs to have a big game this week to give Eastern Michigan a chance to pull the upset.

Key Player (Terrapins) — Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

One of the fastest players in the ACC, Heyward-Bey has scored a touchdown in all three games this season. He is fifth in the conference in receiving (73.0 ypg) and will provide a nice challenge for an Eastern Michigan defense that ranks sixth nationally in pass defense (117.0 ypg).

Maryland by 20