Sean's Free Pick
(NCAAF) Maryland vs. Florida State, 10/05/2013 8:00 AM, Score: 0 - 63
Point Spread: -15.00 | -110.00 Florida State (Home)
Result: Win
Maryland v Florida State -15

The undefeated Maryland Terrapins travel to Tallahassee to face the undefeated, and #8th ranked Florida State Seminoles.

It is the old irresistible force versus the immovable object. Seminoles are explosive on offense posting a mind-boggling 51.3ppg. That is 4th overall in the nation. But the Terrapins bring a tough defense to town that is allowing just 10ppg. Maryland comes in off a bye week after crushing West Virginia 37-0. Plenty of extra prep time to gear up for Florida State's freshman QB Jameis Winston.

Maryland is 2-8 ATS last 10 at Florida State and just 2-21 SU vs the Seminoles. So before we get all giddy about the Terps perfect record let's look at some facts. Yes, this team looks like a defensive force. Terps lead the nation in sacks and negative plays. The defense is ranked 3rd in ppg and 7th in total yards. But who has this team played? Let's look at their game before their bye week. They smoked West Virginia 37-0. Wow! I am pretty sure that this is the same West Virginia team that lost its two best wide receivers, and their starting QB to the NFL draft. This is the same Mountaineers team that gave up nearly 40ppg last year.

The week before that, they allowed 21 to UCONN. Yes, the same UCONN that lost to Towson and Buffalo. Plus they had the added advantage of their coach knowing the players of that team! Let's not forget the offensive, football powerhouse of Old Dominion. A football factory on par with the old Miami U teams or the present day Alabama dynasty! And finally, they smoked Florida Int'l. Holding them to 10 points is a real achievement. They only just lost to Louisville 72-0. Oh that isn't good enough. How about dropping a game, at home to Bethune Cookman! As Bill Parcells once said, ‘let's put away the anointing oil.'

Enter Florida State off a sloppy game vs Boston College. I am happy for that game. You see, with Clemson on deck, the Seminoles know they can't get too cute here. They already had a close call vs BC. They won't be overlooking this group. I am sure Jimbo Fisher will get it through his guys that next week's game will mean nothing if they get knocked off here.

Final Thoughts-

We will lay it with the FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES here. Let's not beat around the bush here. Florida State has a huge advantage in talent on both sides of the ball. Maryland had the benefit of an easy schedule. This is a tough venue to play, ESPN at high noon. I think I smell some turtle soup. FLORIDA STATE wins big!

- Sean Higgs