Maryland may be one of the surprise teams in the ACC this year. First year coach Randy Edsall from Connecticut is bringing a fresh look and feel to the Terps football program, coming off a BCS berth last season with the Huskies. Under center for the Terps will be sophomore Danny O'Brien, who had a monster freshman year, amassing 2,438 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. O'Brien is widely considered one of the top returning quarterbacks in the ACC. The Terps also return 7 starters on defense.
I liked Maryland prior to all the suspensions being handled. Quarterback Danny O'Brien should be able to stretch the field with his arm against a depleted Hurricanes secondary with new cornerbacks. Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris may not be able to execute against a veteran Terrapin defense frequently enough to keep up. Miami is loaded with talent, but Miami is always loaded with talent. I ultimately think this will be too difficult of an opening road test for coach Al Golden
Pick: Maryland -4