/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20704473/20131005_jla_av1_011.0.jpg)
The Terrapins traveled to Tallahassee hoping to gain their first-ever road win over the Seminoles, but will come home disheartened after a flat performance against an extremely good Florida State team in the 63-0 loss.
Maryland was outplayed nearly the entire game, but managed to keep it close in the first half thanks to some key defensive stops. Regardless, the Seminoles scored three first half touchdowns -- rushing scores from Devonta Freeman and Karlos Williams and a touchdown toss from Jameis Winston.
Maryland's offense obviously struggled, but the defense may have been the bigger let down. The Terps entered the game as one of the top units in the country statistically, but showed a consistent inability to either tackle or cover, giving up bulks of yardage to Florida State, especially on third down. In particular, the Terps' secondary depth without Jeremiah Johnson and Dexter McDougle was exposed, as Isaac Goins and A.J. Hendy were both repeatedly beat by FSU defenders.
Winston was simply incredible against Maryland's secondary, completing 23 of 32 passes for 393 yards and five touchdowns. He ran the ball well, he made what looked to be impossible throws, and he made what has been an accomplished Maryland secondary look like Old Dominion's.
The question for Maryland is obviously the long-term health of quarterback C.J. Brown. The quarterback was hurt on what looked like an illegal hit from Jaccobi McDaniel in the second quarter, and missed the rest of the game. Caleb Rowe looked fairly good in his absence, but the Terrapins' offense relies on Brown's mobility and experience and it would quite obviously be a huge loss.
Florida State is a very, very good football team. Maryland looked overmatched in every aspect of the game, and exposed serious concerns with the Terrapins' offensive line and secondary. The Terps showed an inability to tackle, cover, or make plays on defense when faced with their first competent offense of the season, and Brian Stewart has a lot of work to do as they head into ACC play, with an October 26 date against Clemson of particular concern.
C.J. Brown Update:
CJ Brown has a concussion, Edsall says.
— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) October 5, 2013