Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Here is a stat that is pretty telling. Eighty percent of The Maryland Terrapin's TDs have come on the ground. The Terrapins have scored 24 TDs this year on the ground while only 6 have been through the air.

Maryland senior running back Keon Lattimore rushed for more than 100 yards in four of the first five games but hasn't gained more than 65 yards in any of the past four games. Lattimore is teh leading rusher for the Terrapins having rushed for 709 yards and 11 TDs. The 5'11" and 223 lb. back is described as a big, powerful running back who has the ability to elude defenders and flash bursts of quickness. In last year's win over FSU, he carried 10 times for 38 yards, with 33 of those coming in the fourth quarter Lattimore did not play in the Terrapin's win against Boston College due to a hamstring injury. Lattimore's per carry average is 3.9 yards per carry on 180 carries.Lattimore is probable for the game against the Noles.

Not far behind Lattimore is senior running back Lance Ball. The 5'9" and 223 lb. Ball didn't have a 100-yard game this year. Until last Saturday night against BC when Ball picked up the slack due to Lattimore's injury and rushed for 109 yards and 1 TD. The fifth-year senior back has led the team in rushing the last two seasons and compiled over 1,700 yards in that span. Ball is described as a natural runner with good vision. He also has very good feet for a player his size and can make defenders miss or go through them. For the season , Ball has rushed for 650 yards and 10 TDs. he dse catch the ball but this season has only caught 13 balls for 72 yards and 0 TDs. Ball's per carry average is 4.5 on 145 carries for this year.

If Lattimore is out for the FSU game, Ball will probably be the back to carry the load. For the season, two other backs for the Terrapins other than Lattimore or Ball have carried the ball for a total of 32 yards.

Key Stats: Maryland is ranked #5 in the ACC in rushing offense. FSU is ranked #4 in ACC in rushing defense.


So who starts for the Noles this week against the Terrapins? Antone Smith was knocked out of the Virginia Tech game but as of Monday evening, it looks as if Smith will be able to play along with running back Jamaal Edwards. Smith prior to leaving the game against the Hokies had only 12 yards on 8 carries. in addition he had 13 receiving yards on 1 catch. Not an impressive output for the game. For the year, Smith has rushed for 657 yards and scored 3 TDs. He is averaging 65.7 yards per game.

Jamaal Edwards has not played that much and in the Virginia Tech game, he had 6 yards on 3 carries. For the year, he has 74 yards on 35 carries. Preston Parker may have to be called on to assume more running duties and he 66 rushing yards on 18 carries this year and 1 TD. Fullback Seddrick Holloway has 103 yards on 17 carries for the year. Against Virginia Tech, he had 16 rushing yards on 4 carries. Bobby Bowden indicated Monday evening that the Noles will also practice QB D'Vontrey Richardson at running back due to the injuries.

Key Stats: FSU is ranked #8 in the ACC in rushing offense. Maryland is ranked #10 in ACC in rushing defense.