After an easy win against Townson last Saturday, the Maryland Terrapins return to conference action this week when they travel to Atlanta to face the undefeated Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0). The Terps' chances will hinge on their ability to stop Tech's high-powered rushing attack, but offensively, Maryland might be at an advantage because of the uncertain injury status of two of Georgia Tech's starting linebackers -- Jeremiah Attaouch and Daniel Drumond. Neither practiced on Monday in preparation of Georgia Tech's Saturday showdown with Maryland, and head coach Paul Johnson listed both as questionable for Saturday.
"I don’t know if he’ll play, but he’s O.K.," Johnson said of Attaochu. "We’re not going to have to shoot him or anything."
Johnson said Drummond’s injury "might be a tad worse" than Attaochu. Both sustained leg injuries in Tech’s win over N.C. State Saturday.
Al Groh's defense looks to rebound against the Terrapins (2-2, 1-0) after allowing 218 yards rushing in Georgia Tech's 45-35 win over North Carolina State last Saturday. Fortunately for Groh, Maryland does not sport one of the conference's better rushing attacks. Averaging 145.5 yards per game through the easiest part of their schedule, Maryland ranks just 7th in the ACC on the ground.
The loss of Attaouch in particular would be a big blow to the Yellow Jackets' defense though. He is second on the team with 29 total tackles, and he leads the team in both tackles for loss (5) and sacks (4). Drumond has been productive himself, totaling 24 tackles and one forced fumble.
Stay tuned throughout the week for further updates about the injury status of both key linebackers as Maryland tries to remain unbeaten in ACC play in a tough, Saturday road test.