Jay Ballard 
Virginia vs Maryland
This Saturday, the Hoos (2-0) will welcome to Charlottesville their longtime rival, the Maryland Terrapins (1-1) for an 8pm EST kickoff. Before we get into the football, let’s take a look at a Wrestling Match that I think compares to how this game will play out. If you aren’t a wrestling fan, scroll ahead to THE ONE. This week’ match comparison is Adam Copeland (AKA Edge) v. Christian Cage! These two wrestlers have been closely linked since their opening days in WWE as “The Brood”. Even before that, the two were best friends in high school. They are widely regarded as one of the best tag teams and individual wrestlers in WWE history. As close as brothers (even portrayed as brothers on TV for some time), yet fierce rivals. Christian left WWE for another wrestling promotion (TNA) in 2005, but over the years, the two have reunited and then wrestled each other on multiple occasions, just like UVa and Maryland have played each other sporadically since Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten. Many of the players you’ll see suit up for both Maryland and Virginia were recruited by the other school. Many players on both sides either played together or against each other in high school. Aside from that, the schools proximity to each other makes this battle personal for fans and players alike.
In this matchup, Virginia is Edge and Maryland is Christian. Edge has always had just a little more success in the ring. Edge is just a little more popular with the fans. Edge is widely regarded as just a little better than Christian, and Christian can’t stand that; just like Maryland fans hate that no Cavalier fan is going to fear the turtle this weekend. Edge recently beat Christian to win the TNT Championship, and Saturday, Virginia will beat Maryland to win this border state clash! On the to the football!
THE ONE: As most football games are, this game will be won in the trenches. Maryland will want to run the football to eat up the clock and keep the high powered UVa offense off the field. If the Virginia defensive front is able to put the Terps in second and third and longs consistently, they should be able to have some success in slowing Maryland down. Maryland’s pass rush is going to want to get after Virginia Quarterback Anthony Colandrea and force him to make plays with his legs. Virginia’s O-line has thus far done a great job in pass protection. The defensive line that has the most success Saturday night could determine this matchup.
THE TWO: If you are a fan of great Wide Receiver play, two of the best currently suiting up on Saturdays will share the field Saturday night. Senior Maryland Wide Receiver Tai Felton (6’2” out of Stonebridge HS in VA) has been dominant through two weeks. The Preseason 2nd Team All-Big Ten player started his year with 7 catches for 178 yards and followed that up with 11 catches for 152 yards in a losing effort against Michigan State. Virginia’s Malachi Fields (6’4” Senior) has been almost as impressive, with 5 catches for 100 yards in the opener against Richmond, followed by 11 catches for 148 yards in last Saturday’s 31-30 comeback win over Wake Forest. Look for both of these two to continue their strong early season performances. Maryland doesn’t have the depth of quality WRs that Virginia does, so if the Hoos can keep Felton in check, the Maryland offense could struggle to move the ball.
THE THREE: Virginia will be looking to move to 3-0 for the only the fourth time in the last 25 years. Coach Tony Elliott has momentum building within the program, and was even recognized by ESPNs Kirk Hirbstreit as one of his Top 7 Performing Coaches of Week 2. The resilience and heart the team showed on the road at Wake Forest last week has widely been missing for most of the last two decades. Emotions will be running high Saturday. Expect Scott Stadium to be at or near sellout capacity for the 8PM kickoff. Whichever team can harness those emotions and channel them to the field Saturday night should have a big advantage.
THE DING, DING, DING: Virginia gave Maryland all they could handle last year for three quarters, before being outscored 21-0 in the 4th quarter of a 42-14 Maryland win. Last year’s UVa team lost several games because of an inability to finish strong in the 4thquarter (JMU, Miami, BC, Louisville). This team just outscored Wake Forest on the road 14-0 in the 4th quarter to win 31-30 on the road. This team will be playing a nationally televised game at home in front of a sell-out or near sell-out crowd. No way the Terps come in to Charlottesville and win this game. Final Score Prediction UVa 38 Maryland 30. GO HOOS!
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