Let's look at some numbers for Florida State's game against Maryland.
Terrapins vs Seminoles coverage
25
That's Maryland's new ranking in the AP. The Terps are 4-0, and have a lot of hype around them in their final season in the ACC. The Terps had last weekend off, and take a trip to Tallahassee Saturday to face a Florida State team that is also 4-0.
Let's take a look at what is behind the Maryland hype.
2
That's the number of wins Maryland's opponents have had over FBS opponents.
It's also the number of losses those opponents have had to FCS schools.
So far, Maryland has defeated Florida International 43-10, Old Dominion 47-10, at UConn 32-21, and West Virginia 37-0.
The win over West Virginia is by far the most impressive. But, that was before West Virginia switched quarterbacks and made 21 other roster moves (not an exaggeration). Until that point, West Virginia was dominated by Oklahoma and struggled to beat William and Mary.
Maryland was up 30-0 at halftime, so let's just look at what they did before they went into the second half. Maryland gained 196 yards on 36 plays, or 5.3 per snap. That's nothing special. Their touchdown drives were of 6 and 24 yards, and Maryland also returned an interception for a touchdown. On the way, West Virginia lost four fumbles and threw two interceptions.
Old Dominion is technically an FBS team this year, but is a provisional one, and doesn't play a full FBS Schedule.
Florida International is an FBS team, but lost at home to Bethune Cookman by three touchdowns. They also asked for a running clock(!) against Louisville, losing 72-0 (58-0 through three quarters).
And UConn was blown out at home against Towson State, and then was blown out by Buffalo before firing their coach Monday.
There is value in blowing out bad teams, but when teams like Towson State, Bethune Cookman and Buffalo are also blowing out those opponents, it does raise an eyebrow.
2
The number of starting cornerbacks will be down, as one is out for the year, and the other is out until late October.
2
The number of receivers Maryland has who could probably earn starters reps for Florida State (Stefon Diggs and Deon Long). Maryland has some legit skill talent. And quarterback C.J. Brown is also quite good.
Other notes
Tyler Hunter is not listed on FSU's updated depth chart. Fisher noted today that they continue to have other doctors evaluate his neck injury.
Marquez White is not listed on the depth chart. I wonder if FSU is trying to redshirt the freshman receiver.
More from Tomahawk Nation:
- Florida State's Jameis Winston, Telvin Smith ACC players of the week
- Jimbo Fisher press conference: Florida State after Boston College
- VIDEO: Florida State players after win over Boston College
- Florida State 48, Boston College 34: Game notes
- Review the preview: Florida State 48, Boston College 34
- Florida State ranked 8th in AP Poll and Coaches Poll
- VIDEO: Jimbo Fisher on Florida State's win over Boston College
- Florida State takes down Boston College 48-34