Instant Analysis

Maryland's defense is improving from week to week. But the Terps simply can't afford to put extra pressure on its defense by turning the ball over. Maryland had held Clemson to just one first down on the first two series. But, with the Terps about to take possession near midfield after Clemson's second possession, Anthony Wiseman fumbled the ball back to the Tigers on a punt return. It was the 14th turnover of the season for Maryland, which had five last week – an alarming number that prompted head coach Ralph Friedgen to have his team work all week on holding onto the ball. The miscue led to a 41-yard field goal by Richard Jackson, making it 3-0 with 6:06 left in the first quarter. Clemson --beating repeated safety blitzes -- drove 79 yards in eight plays, taking a 10-0 lead on a 17-yard end around to Jacoby Ford with 1:23 left in the first quarter. Clemson 10, Terps 0 at the end of first quarter