Scouting Delaware

The Terps can't be lulled into a sense of complacency by the fact that the Blue Hens are from the Football Championship Subdivision. Delaware were the national runners-up last season and find themselves in both top 10 pre season polls this year. Also worth mentioning are the Hens two wins in their last three games versus Bowl Subdivision teams (both wins came against Navy.)

Offensively, Delaware will be hurt by the losses of quarterback Joe Flacco (selected 18th overall by the Baltimore Ravens) and running back Omar Cuff who rushed for 1,945 yards and an NCAA best 39 touchdowns last year. The Hens wont be short on firepower though.

While the quarterback situation has been somewhat up in the air, the starting spot likely rests with Ohio State transfer Rob Schoenhoft who stands at an imposing 6'6". The real X-factor though will be the individuals looking to haul in Schoenhoft's passes. Delaware returns three receivers with experience, including Mark Duncan and Aaron Love who totaled 1,925 yards on 143 receptions.

With 8 returning starters, the Delaware defense which finished 50th nationally should prove to be even stingier this season. Defensive end Matt Marcorelle is a pre season nominee for the FCS Player of the Year award, while both Erik Johnson and Anthony Bratton recorded over 100 tackles last season.

This is as close to a trap game as Maryland can get to open the season. No one in the program is taking this game lightly, but fans seem to expect the Terps to come away with an easy win at Byrd Stadium. The Terps have been notoriously slow starters the last couple of seasons, so don't be shocked if things are a bit rocky in the first half. Maryland has plenty of experience this year and a solid defensive squad. I expect a lower scoring game, with the Terps defense being responsible for at least a touchdown. At the end of the day though, Maryland will likely find themselves at 1-0 to kick off the 2008 campaign.

Be sure to tune in to a full day of football with the Terrapin Power Hour starting WMUC's coverage at 1:45 and the pre game show immediately following at 3:15, all of course leading up to the 3:45 kick-off. Check back on Sunday for post game analysis!

Offensive Line Ready to Roll

Aside from the start of practice being moved up to 2:50 as a result of impending rain, nothing was out of the ordinary for the Terps this afternoon.

Position drills were intense as usual and the offensive unit was running plays for their Red Zone offense. Both Jordan Steffy and Chris Turner showed good zip on their passes during rotations.

I had the chance to speak with offensive lineman Scott Burely after practice and he was excited for the start of the season.

"It'll be good to finally be hitting guys who aren't my teammates," Burley said.

This is a sentiment that was also expressed by Edwin Williams and fullback Corey Jackson after yesterday's press conference.

Tomorrow afternoon will be the team's last practice before opening day on Saturday vs. Delaware. As always, WMUC will be there bringing you coverage.

Friedgen Cautious of Blue Hens in First Press Conference

Head Coach Ralph Friedgen addressed the media today at his first official press conference of the 2008 college football season. As expected, the vast majority of the questions pertained to the Terps season opening match up with the University of Delaware.

Friedgen was quick to point out that the Blue Hens shouldn't be taken lightly after they finished as National Runners-Up in the Football Championship Sub-Division (1-AA) last season. Despite losing star quarterback Joe Flacco to the NFL, the Hens still return a talented roster loaded with 1-A transfer players.

In all, Friedgen seemed focused but relaxed as he took questions, even commenting once on the butterflies he has addressing reporters this afternoon.

At practice this afternoon the Terps defense was having some trouble covering the short to medium pass across the middle. Da'Rel Scott (Maryland's newly appointed #1 running back) in particular found himself with plenty of room to work with, as the linebacking core struggled in pass coverage.

Saturday's starting QB, Jordan Steffy, looked to be comfortable the few times he through down field, while second stringer Chris Turner had good zip on his passes today.

With the season fast approaching be sure to check out WMUC daily for the latest in Maryland football news including reports from practice, game previews, recaps and plenty of mid-week analysis all leading up to each game!

Welcome!

Welcome to WMUC Sports 2008 coverage of Maryland Football

Joey Whelan and crew will be here every Saturday and in between to give you an in-depth look at the Terps football team. Check back in as the Terps get ready to take on the Blue Hens on August 30th