Nov. 9, 2000

WHEN MARYLAND HAS THE BALL: Statistically, the Terps are not a good defensive team. They rank 8th in the league in total defense, ahead of only Duke. But they run the perfect offense for their poor defense....a ball control, run oriented attack designed to get you real tired of tackling the best back in the conference, LaMont Jordan.

Jordan needs only 578 yards to become the ACC's all-time rushing leader, and if he hadn't fiddle-farted around with his academics he would have long ago locked up that honor.

He doesn't like school much but brother, he can tote the football. He's big, strong, durable, and uncommonly fast for a man his size. Maryland gets the ball to him in a variety of ways: they pitch it to him on the option, they toss it to him on the sweep, they hand it to him on zones and traps, and they throw it to him on screens and flares.

The key to stopping Maryland and winning the game is simply stated but difficult to do: get off blocks, get multiple tacklers to him, and then get in his legs and get him down.

WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL: The Terp defense gives opposing offenses a wide variety of looks in the secondary and Ronald Curry's decision making and throwing accuracy have both been called into question this season.

The Tar Heels might elect to max protect like they did at Pittsburgh in an effort to give Curry both more time to pass and fewer reads to make. But the biggest newsflash to come out of the Carolina offensive camp lately has been the return to form of tailback Willie Parker. Willie is like a mouse in that if he can get his head into a hole, he'll get his body through there too and he'll be in your house. At Pittsburgh and in practice, he has showed the coaches the speed and pad level that earned him the starting job coming out of spring practice.

There are also some tremendous battles going on for playing time in Robbie Caldwell's offensive line, and none are more spirited right now than at right guard where Jupiter Wilson is coming on quickly despite a stomach virus and is pressing Issac Morford. At left tackle, redshirt freshman Greg Woofter is pushing senior Louis Marchetti.

That competition and some excellent teaching by Coach Caldwell has the o-line about this close (I'm holding my thumb and forefinger a half inch apart) to becoming a strength instead of a weakness.

KICKING GAME: Jeff Reed, stand up and take a bow.

PUNTING GAME: Well, I see that I am about out of space and need to close this article out.

HOW I SEE IT SATURDAY: Jordan will gain a bunch of yards and might even break off a couple of long runs but Carolina's multiplicity on offense against a weak Maryland defense will carry the day. No way UNC loses this one. Tar Heels 31 Terrapins 17.