Ranking The ACC Atlantic Division Teams: Maryland

Maryland was 9-4 last year and finished at #3 in the Atlantic Division. The Terrapins lose 10 starters (five offense, five defense) with 221 career starts, including two-year starting quarterback Sam Hollenbach, second-team All-ACC punter Adam Podlesh, Honorable Mention All-ACC cornerback Josh Wilson as well as starting offensive tackle Stephon Heyer.

With the departures of linebackers David Holloway and Wesley Jefferson and strong safety Marcus Wimbush, the Terrapins lose three of their top four tacklers from a year ago. Not a good outlook for 2007.

It is likely that Maryland could end up next to last in the Atlantic Division competing with Wake Forest for that spot. If Ralph Friedgen is as much an offensive genius as some think, then he will have to show that genius in 2007.

One of the keys will be how well Friedgen can get QB Jordan Steffy to play. Turnovers will be key and last year the Terrapins were 90th in the nation in turnover margin.

An early test for the Terrapins will be West Virginia at Maryland on September 13 and then Wake at Wake the following week.

FSU It's Time Ranking Prediction: It is probably going out on a limb to predict Maryland at #4. Look for a battle between Wake and Maryland for the spot.