Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden can’t remember his best defensive team ever. There were just too many standout units when the Seminoles were regularly ranked among the nation’s top five teams from 1980 to 2000 for Bowden to choose one. And besides, the program has been best characterized for decades by explosive offenses.
But now Bowden may have a new contender for top status. The No.5 Seminoles (6-1, 4-1 ACC), who visit Maryland (3-4, 1-3) tomorrow, have not permitted a touchdown in their last 11 quarters. Florida State’s run defense (68.7 yards a game) leads the ACC by a whopping 32.4 yards. The Seminoles also are second in pass defense (151.7) and scoring defense (13.4 points).
“They might be playing about as good as any of them,” Bowden said. “I think they’re playing comparable to some of our best defenses. In 1980, we had a tremendous defense. And then you come on down through the ’90s, we had quite a few tremendous defenses. This one right now is very similar to the best ones … if they can keep it up.”
Maryland will be hard-pressed to derail Florida State. The Terps have combined for 17 points in three straight losses while twice failing to gain 100 yards. Maryland needs to win three of its last four games to reach a bowl, but Florida State’s quickness could be overpowering.
“They’re coming off the line 100 miles per hour trying to wreak havoc in your backfield,” Terps center Kyle Schmitt said. “The linebackers can really run. They have some playmakers. You have to play at their speed or you’re in trouble.”
Defense is carrying Florida State, which changed quarterbacks earlier this season and is now missing injured running back Leon Washington, whose 689 yards leads ACC rushers. Bowden doesn’t mind the blander style, saying he prefers a defensively oriented team anyway.
“Offenses are fickle, which I’ve always said,” Bowden said. “You can’t depend on them. They’re hot one day, they’re not hot the next day. Now defense, they can play good every Saturday because their play is built around emotion.”
Ironically, no Seminole ranks among the ACC’s top 20 tacklers or the top 10 in sacks. Defensive tackle Travis Johnson is second in tackles for loss while free safety Pat Watkins is fifth with eight passes defensed. Florida State simply devours teams with gang-tackling.
It could be a low-scoring game because the Terps also rely heavily on defense. Maryland is in the middle of most ACC defensive categories but 21st nationally in total and pass defense, 28th in scoring and 36th versus the run.
“You have to play defense with passion, glory, guts and blood,” Maryland safety Chris Kelley said. “We’ve proven our defense is one of the best out there.”
While Florida State has few standouts, Maryland relies on four playmakers — defensive end Shawne Merriman, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, cornerback Domonique Foxworth and Kelley — to remain in games. Jackson’s 11.1 tackles a game lead the ACC, while Merriman is tops with 13 tackles for loss and third with six sacks.
“It’s almost like we’re in competition with ourselves to be a better defense,” Merriman said.
Said safety Ray Custis: “Shawne’s all over the field. He has Ray Lewis, LaVar Arrington in him. We feed off his intensity.”
Notes — Receiver Drew Weatherly will start over Derrick Fenner (sprained ankle). However, Fenner may play after practicing yesterday. … The Terps worked in light pads during the week and reduced contact because coach Ralph Friedgen felt they needed to refreshen. …
The disputed pass interference penalty against Maryland cornerback Gerrick McPhearson that led to Clemson’s winning touchdown last Saturday was ruled incorrect by an ACC review panel.
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