Maryland Offense vs. Florida St. Defense
Maryland Defense vs. Florida St. Offense
Intangibles | Overall Edge | Gameday Weather

There hasn't been a quarterback controversy at Florida State since 1990, when Casey Weldon got the nod over Brad Johnson. But this week, Bobby Bowden announced that turnover-prone Chris Rix and Adrian McPherson would split snaps with the first team in practice, opening the door for another disruption in FSU's nightmare season ... or is it the salvation?

McPherson was the top quarterback in Florida out of Bradenton's Southeast High last year, picking the 'Noles over North Carolina. He's a scrambler with a gun, and a standout basketball player to boot. Rix, a scrambler in his own right, has struggled with turnovers and runs into the top play-making defense in the ACC (25 turnovers forced). He'll likely start, but one mistake and you can bet Bowden will be turning things over to McPherson, perhaps for good. Maryland seniors Tony Okanlawon and Tony Jackson, who have combined for nine interceptions, will look to expedite Rix's exit.

Whoever lines up under center should get help from a revitalized rushing attack that dominated Virginia. Sophomore Greg Jones, a big bruising back who can pound opposing defenses, last week became the first Seminole back this season to go over 100 yards. He's complemented nicely by junior Nick Maddox and true freshman Eric Shelton, a 230-pounder with track speed who broke off 95 yards on 10 carries last week in mop up duty. With E.J. Henderson (90 tackles) manning the middle of a unit that leads the conference in run defense, it will be interesting to see how much the 'Noles produce on the ground.

The Edge: Even