Week 5: Maryland at Clemson

Each team suffered a deflating defeat early in the season, and each has bounced back in fine fashion. Maryland, which lost 24-14 at Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 6, upset California and routed Eastern Michigan at home in the last two weeks. Clemson, a 34-10 loser against Alabama in its season opener, has regained some confidence with three consecutive victories.

The key in this Atlantic Division matchup could be the performance of Clemson’s injury-depleted offensive line. The Tigers, who have been starting three freshmen up front, likely will have even less depth this week. Staring right guard Barry Humphries (knee) remains out, and Clemson could be without the left side of its line against the Terrapins. Left tackle Chris Hairston, who has missed the last two games with a bruised knee, is questionable to play. Left guard David Smith, who suffered a sprained ankle in Clemson’s 54-0 win over South Carolina State last week, is doubtful.

Maryland, meanwhile, counters with a defense that has totaled eight sacks in its last two games after posting none in the first two weeks. The Terrapins have struggled against the pass this season, ranking 109th nationally (279.3 yards per game), but increased pressure up front could make up for some of their injury problems in the secondary. Cornerback Nolan Carroll and safety Terrell Skinner, each of whom missed Maryland’s 51-24 win over Eastern Michigan last week with ankle injuries, could return against the Tigers.

On offense, the Terrapins have a situation up front that the Tigers covet. Maryland has six of its top seven offensive linemen back from a year ago, a key factor in the success of sophomore tailback Da’Rel Scott.

Scott, who sat out last week’s game as a precaution to let his sprained left shoulder heal, leads the ACC and ranks fifth nationally in rushing (135.7 yards per game). He should be healthy enough to play against a Clemson defense that had struggled against the run before holding South Carolina State to minus-10 rushing yards last week.

Notes/Things to Watch:

Clemson leads the all-time series 30-24-2, defeating Maryland in three of the teams’ last four meetings. The visiting team has won each of the last three games in the series.

Maryland quarterback Chris Turner has developed a nice rhythm over the last two weeks after throwing three interceptions against Middle Tennessee State. Turner has been especially good on third down. He has completed 20 of 26 third-down throws this season, including 8 of 8 for 109 yards last week.

The Tigers would do themselves a huge favor by double-teaming Maryland wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey whenever possible. Heyward-Bey has scored a touchdown in all four games this season, and he is a big-play threat as a receiver (20.8 yards per catch) and runner (22.0 yards per rush).

Clemson tailback James Davis, who rushed for three touchdowns in the first half last week, has 40 rushing touchdowns in his career. He is just one rushing TD away from tying Travis Zachery’s school record in that category.

Key Player (Terrapins) — Da’Rel Scott, RB

Scott and Heyward-Bey are Maryland’s only two fear-inspiring playmakers. If Scott struggles to get going or bangs up his shoulder again, the Tigers will be able to key on Heyward-Bey and make life tough for Maryland’s offense.

Key Player (Tigers) — Cullen Harper, QB

Harper hasn’t looked as sharp this season as he did in 2007, which could be a reflection of Clemson’s offensive line woes more than anything else. Regardless, he must have an accurate day because Maryland’s primary focus will be containing Davis and fellow star tailback C.J. Spiller.

Clemson by 7