OFFENSE: EDGE HOKIES

Maryland starting QB Chris Turner (sprained MCL) returned to practice Wednesday, but is listed as questionable for the game. If Turner can't go, inexperienced sophomore Jamarr Robinson will draw his first college start. Robinson is not the passer Turner is, but is a more of a running threat. UM is without injured No. 1 TB Da'Rel Scott and has struggled to run the ball, ranking 97th in rushing. UM's line has been a veritable turnstile, ranking 103rd in sacks allowed, and has struggled in run blocking. WR Torrey Smith is the top threat in a solid WRs corps.

DEFENSE: EDGE HOKIES

UM is strong at LB, but there's much to like about a unit that ranks 103rd in scoring defense (32.33 ppg) and 84th in total defense (319.4 ypg). MLB Alex Wujciak, whose 103 tackles leads the ACC and ranks fourth nationally, is the Terps' best defender. Adrian Moten (7.5 TFL, 5 sacks) and Ben Pooler (6.5 TFL, 3 sacks) round out a playmaking LB group. UM's secondary has struggled against the pass and has combined for only four interceptions this season. VT rebounded in this department last week at ECU and should have its way with UM's offense.

SPECIAL TEAMS: EDGE HOKIES

Both sides have top-notch KO returners. VT's Dyrell Roberts (38.6 ypr) is the nation's No. 1 return man, while UM's Torrey Smith (26.5 ypr) has two returned two for touchdowns, including his school-record third of his career last week at N.C. State. UM freshman PK Nick Ferrara is 14-for-20 on FGAs, and has made six from 40 yards or longer this season. PK Matt Waldron (13-for-15 on FGAs) and P Brent Bowden, whose 44.2-yard average leads the ACC, have been consistently good for VT.

INTANGIBLES: EDGE HOKIES

UM has lost four straight games and is the only ACC team that doesn't have a chance at becoming bowl eligible. If Turner can play, the Terps have a chance as they are 5-2 vs. ranked teams with him leading the offense. VT is 3-0 vs. UM since joining the ACC in 2004, winning by an averaged of 26 ppg. VT's first nine opponents have a winning record heading into this weekend, a fact that no other I-A team can match. Of course, that run ends today against a 2-7 UM squad. VT is 17-2 in November since 2003.

PREDICTION: VIRGINIA TECH 38, MARYLAND 13