Football 2008

Terps Preparing For Hokies

2008-11-04T22:46:00.002-05:00

Well we're back after a little more than a week hiatus with the Terps on their bye week.

Ralp Friedgen addressed the media today for the first time since Maryland held on to defeat NC State and fielded questions regarding Thursday night's game and the remainder of the ACC schedule. Let's get to the news and notes.

Cameron Chism and LaQuan Williams are both out for the week with leg injuries. Jordan Steffy is still doubtful with the injury to his throwing hand. Scott Burley, Dave Philistin, Corey Jackson, Adrian Moten, Da'Rel Scott and Mack Frost are all questionable.
Friedgen said that with Virginia Tech always having a strong special teams core, this year being no different, that field position will play a major role in the game on Thursday.
When asked about how important Florida State's loss this past weekend was, Friedgen responded that things are still very much wide open in the ACC. "We control our own destiny," he said. "There's a lot of things that can happen."
While the Virginia Tech offense has had its ups and downs all seasons, and with it still dealing with plenty of question marks, Friedgen pointed out the consistency and experience of the offensive line. The Hokies' line has 108 total starts among them.
Also of note, according to Friedgen, Virginia Tech is 14-3 all time in Thursday night games

Interview With Joseph Giglio

2008-10-24T22:54:00.003-04:00

Continuing with our semi-weekly interview series (we weren't able to get anyone for the Wake game last week in a timely fashion) we are joined this week by Joseph Giglio of the Raleigh News & Observer. Giglio writes the paper's ACC Now Blog and was nice enough to take time out of his schedule to answer some questions about North Carolina State and tomorrow's match up with the Terps.

WMUC Sports: What has been the biggest struggle for NC State in ACC play thus far?

Giglio: The pass defense is brutal. USF, and Matt Grothe, chewed them up for 275 yards and 41 points, then BC, and Chris Crane, who's not Grothe, came in and threw for 428 yards and put up 38 points.
They played better against FSU because FSU's line stinks (the Terps will beat FSU at Byrd, by the way) but ultimately the team is so thin, because of injuries and program attrition, the defense gets the fourth quarter and is physically exhausted.

WMUC Sports: Do you get a sense the team is frustrated after losing two close conference games in the 4th quarter?

Giglio: I don't think frustrated is the word because they're improving. In the first three weeks of the season, Russell Wilson's health kep the offense in neutral. Since his return, the passing game has come alive and the offense is functional. The return of tight end Anthony Hill and running back Jamelle Eugene have been big for Wilson, who can make plays but he needs players to get the ball to.

WMUC Sports: How has redshirt freshman quarterback Russel Wilson helped to breathe some life back into the offense?

Giglio: The kid's got a great arm and he's learning every week how to use it. He's not quite there on his decision-making, he has missed two and half games in his first season, so that's understandable, but his natural talent is undeniable.
Should be interesting next year when Mike Glennon's off the redshirt and they have to decide between the two — Wilson, the holdover from Chuck Amato's recruiting and Glennon, the hand-picked QB of the future by Tom O'Brien and offensive coordinator Dana Bible.

WMUC Sports: Give me someone that might be flying under the radar for the Wolfpack on either side of the ball that people should know about.

Giglio: Hill caught his first touchdown pass of the season against FSU and should be as close to 100 percent as he has been since the 2006 season. He missed the 2007 season with a torn ACL and then missed four games with a strained chest muscle.
He gives Wilson a target in the seems, which is especially important against Maryland's 3-4 defense.

WMUC Sports: Who is NC State most concerned with as far as Maryland's personnel?

Giglio: Gotta be Hey-Bey, he's Maryland's best playmaker. Fridge certainly made an effort to get him going against Wake. I suspect he'll do the same on Saturday against State's soft pass defense.

WMUC Sports: What is the biggest key in your mind for NC State this weekend?

Giglio: The only way State wins is with its offense. It has to beat Maryland in a shootout, kinda like the Boston College game, only with a stop on the final drive. But a game in the 30s would be State's best shot. That's 30s on both sides, unlike last year's 37-0 Maryland romp.

WMUC Sports: How do you see the game playing out?

Giglio: State's playing better. Wilson will make some plays, hit some deep balls, but Maryland should be able to run with Da'Rel Scott and if Chris Turner's ever going to post back-to-back strong games, this would be the one. Without linebacker Nate Irving, State's defense just doesn't have a playmaker who can force turnovers and get the offense off the field. We can only hope it's better than the 37-0 clunker we saw last year at Carter-Finley.

Light Thursday For Terps

2008-10-23T23:39:00.002-04:00

With their final practice before the homecoming match up with North Carolina State the Terps held a light practice, making their final preparations.

After a few standard individual drills, the team ran full 11 on 11 plays for the remainder of the open session. The offense looked very, very good in the plays that the media was allowed to watch. Chris Turner was very efficient, completing every pass he through in a 15-minute span save for one, that was the fault of the receiver who dropped it. Turner completed a variety of passes, hitting receivers open the middle for big gains, and throwing a couple of nice deep lobs to Darius Heyward-Bey.

Now while this wasn't a full on pressure defense he was facing this afternoon, Turner looked to be continuing his impressive play from the Wake Forest game. Should he continue to play at this level against the Wolfpack on Saturday, chances are he will eclipse 300 yards passing again and the Terps will be in great shape to come away with another win.

Additionally, the run game looked good today as the offensive line was opening up some big holes for the Terps backs.

That's all from today, check back tomorrow for an interview with Joseph Giglio of the Raleigh News-Observer about the Wolfpack and Saturday's game.

Terps Readying For Wolfpack

2008-10-21T16:54:00.002-04:00

Ralph Friedgen addressed the media earlier this afternoon at his weekly press conference. The head coach was clearly pleased with his team's performance this weekend in a shutout victory over Wake Forest, but was also quick to make sure the Terps are ready for Saturday and not taking North Carolina State lightly.

As it stands the Terps have won four out of their last five games and are currently the only team in the country to have defeated three ranked opponents this season. Now, on to the news and notes.

Kevin Barnes will be out this weekend after undergoing an MRI on the shoulder he injured in Saturday's game. Friedgen said he didn't want to go into any more details about the severity of the injury or the length of time Barnes would be out until he got further confirmation from doctors. He further added that at this point Jamari McCollough will probably move to the corner position. "Michael Carter, Trenton Hughes and Cameron Chism are all going to have to step up," he said.
Friedgen said one player to keep an eye on offensively for the Wolfpack will be redshirt freshman quarterback Russel Wilson. "He's a good athlete and is very mobile," Friedgen said. "He's given some life back to their offense." Friedgen later mentioned that he had concerns with NC State's return game, saying it was one of the best in the ACC.
Friedgen was happy with the defensive plan put together this past Saturday by Chris Cosh and the defensive coaches. "But like all good plans," he said, "they have to be executed. I think our players played very well, I thought our effort was excellent. This is something we need to build on."
When asked about the lack of bigger crowds for the last couple of games, Friedgen said he hoped that having won four out of five games and with this weekend being home coming, a larger crowd would turn up. "I hope they can be a positive influence at the end of the game," he said.
The Terps went with a much more pass oriented offense against Wake Forest and when asked about the offensive philosophy this weekend Friedgen said the goal was to be balanced. "That doesn't mean we're going to throw fifty percent of the time and run fifty percent of the time. We're able to do both equally well. Going into the game they knew a lot of our tendencies; we would run with certain personnel and run with others. I think coach Franklin did a great job of being able to throw when running personnel were on the field and running with passing personnel."
The players are ready and waiting for NC State as well. Senior center Edwin Williams said he felt the Terps would need to be playing at their very best to beat a team that has lost a pair of close contests in the past two weeks.

Lessons from Wake Forest

2008-10-20T23:27:00.002-04:00

Well it's been a little while since there was any new material on the blog, so what better reason to write than a 26-0 win over another ranked opponent. The enigma that is Maryland football continued on Saturday with the Terps playing their most complete game of the season to improve their record to 5-2 (2-1) putting them atop the ACC Atlantic Division for the time being. With that, here are some thoughts from the weekend.

Turner Big Against Another Ranked Team
The junior quarterback had one of his best games ever in a Maryland uniform, completing 28 of 41 passes for 321 yard, a touchdown and no interceptions. Turner is now 5-0 all-time against ranked opponents having thrown 7 touchdown passes and no picks. This performance comes on the ankles of a poor showing two weeks ago at Virginia, in a pattern that has become the norm for the California native; bad games against bad teams, great games against good teams. Which Turner will show up on Saturday for the homecoming game against NC State? Your guess is as good as mine.

Heyward-Bey Finally Gets His Touches
Maryland fans who have been waiting for Darius Heyward-Bey to be the focal point of the Terrapin offense for one game, finally got their wish on Saturday. The junior hauled in 11 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. It was a career high in receptions for Heyward-Bey and was almost two-thirds the number he had recorded in the previous six games. The two biggest differences in this game as opposed to the those earlier in the season had to do with coverage schemes and pass routes.

In every game prior to Saturday defenses dealt with the issue of covering Heyward-Bey by having two defenders follow his every move. With All-American cornerback Alphonso Smith in the secondary though, Wake Forest felt comfortable leaving Heyward-Bey in single coverage. In addition, Maryland ran many more short routes for Heyward-Bey in this game than they had in games earlier on in the season. Rather than trying to hit him down field play after play, they set him up in the flat and on short slants a lot more often.

Defense Comes Alive
The Terps have done a solid job defensively for the majority of the season, but this was by far their most complete effort. A season high four sacks, coupled with good coverage in the secondary, kept the ACC's top quarterback, Riley Skinner, in check all afternoon. Skinner never really got comfortable at all, and was only able to drive the Demon Deacons inside the Maryland 30-yard line once the entire afternoon. The other two times Wake was that deep down the field was as a result of fumble recoveries.

In all, this was a very encouraging performance from the Terps. This is the kind of game that leads one to believe they are capable of reaching the ACC Championship; then you remember the inconsistency. Every game left on their schedule has to be viewed as a big game, especially with the amount of parody the league is proving to have this year.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for news and notes from Ralph Friedgen's press conference.

Men's Basketball Media Day

2008-10-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

A change of pace today as we switch briefly from the gridiron to the hardwood. Today was media day for the men's basketball team with players and coaches addressing the press for the first time since the end of last season.

Head coach Gary Williams, entering his 20th season, addressed the media and fielded questions for about a half hour on topics ranging from tomorrow night's Maryland Madness to the Terps inexperienced front court. Here were some of Williams' comments from the press conference.

On the Big East and NCAA Tournament Bids:

Let's see...the Big East will have their media day in a couple of weeks, they'll say they deserve nine in the NCAA Tournament. For the ACC I'll say we deserve six; six out of twelve, we'll go fifty-percent too.

On Maryland Madness and the season starting three days later than last season:

We start a little bit later because of how things fall this year. We have to have Maryland Madness on that Friday, we can't have it during the week because the NCAA is worried about college students staying up late. So here we are.

On the style of play changing this year with the possibility of going smaller in his line up:

Whether we play three or four guards...most teams play three, depending on what you call your wings. But we all know for example, last year a team like Memphis was very successful. I think you have to look at your talent and see how to get the best players on the court most of the time. I've played that way several times in my career before. When I was at American we were able to recruit better at guard than inside players, and at Boston College a few years we were small, my one year at Ohio State we were small. So you have to figure out how to win.

On the development of the younger big men and what he expects from them this year:

Braxton Dupree lost twenty pounds since the end of the season last year. We have guys that have gone through that before. Lonny Baxter lost twenty playing a lot at Cole Field House where the air condition was broken at that time. That's what it takes. I think all players have to earn the right to have the confidence that they're good. I think Braxton has done that, to earn the confidence that he can be a very good player for us this year.
Guys like Jerome Burney...he's been working hard, he's in great physical condition. All those things are good, but it comes down to can you play. Can you play in those games? You don't know, you don't know until you start to play games. We lost two really good inside players in James Gist and Bombale Osby. So that's the key, can those guys step in.

On addressing the turnover problem from last season:

Well...don't turn it over as much (laughs from press). We tried to make hard plays last year at times. When you're really playing well it seems like the ball always gets to the guy who is open, but their easy passes. Just the basic stuff is what you need. We were guilty of turning the ball over a lot last year at times. Hopefully, a lot of that will come with the experience of the backcourt. We had guys like Cliff Tucker and Adrian Bowie coming off the bench last year as freshman; now they're sophomores. We're always going to turn the ball over because we like to run. If you want to score 80 points you're going to have twelve turnovers in a game, that's part of what we do.

On Eric Hayes and possibly being back on the ball this season:

I think you'll see a lot of people with the ball, I think we have a lot of people who can handle the ball this year. Adrian Bowie, obviously Greivis Vasquez can play there, Sean Mosley could pop out there once in a while depending on what we want to run. But I think Eric is a very good point guard, he's better sometimes I think at playing that spot. He played there in high school so that's where he is comfortable. But we'll see what happens.

On Sean Mosley:

I think he's going to play a strong role for us, whether he starts or not, time will tell. He does have a shot to start though. He was the player of the year in Baltimore. He's got a very good personality. In terms of playing, he reminds me of that guy sitting over there, Keith Booth. He's got that same toughness, that same ability to score inside. He has a lot of the things that Keith had that made him a great player.

In other news, Dave Neal, Greivis Vasquez and Landon Milbourne were voted as the team's tri-captains this year.

Terps Back to Regular Schedule; Ready For Wake Forest

2008-10-14T23:57:00.003-04:00

Ralph Friedgen had his weekly press conference this afternoon after taking last week off due to the bye. Friedgen said he felt the team got a lot accomplished during the bye week in practice and is calling the match up this weekend with the Demon Deacons, "maybe the most important game of the season." Here are some other news and notes from today.

Friedgen was full of praise for the Wake Forest defense, particularly their secondary. "I think they do a good job of messing with your reads. They play their coverages very well and do a good job of reading the quarterback. You better not be late with your throws, especially on [Alphonso Smith's] side."
When asked about the breakdown of the rest of the team's schedule, Friedgen was very adamant in stating that the Terps are very much alive after the tough loss to Virginia. "We're still in this race," he said. "The team that wins the most games here on out will probably win the division."
Edwin Williams, Mack Frost and Kevin Barnes were all available to the media after Friedgen's press conference. When asked, all three said that the game with Wake Forest is one the team has been looking forward to. Both Barnes and Frost referenced the loss to the Demon Deacons last year as the game that threw off their season.

Terps Show Some Pep In Practice

2008-10-08T23:00:00.002-04:00

After a couple of days off from the football field the Terps returned to practice today and showed quite a bit of life. This may have been the most energetic practice I have seen from the team in a while, at least in the last few weeks. Maybe it was the rest, maybe it was the burning image of the Scott Stadium scoreboard showing 31-0 in favor of Virginia. Whatever it was, the Terps had energy today.

The defensive lineman were whooping it up during their drills, sprinting from spot to spot with fervor. The tight ends, fullbacks and safeties were attacking blocking drills with great intensity, and the wide receivers were going all out in their 10-yard sprints.

In other news, Jordan Steffy was taking reps and throwing with the rest of the quarterbacks for the first time since he injured the thumb on his throwing hand in the Middle Tennessee State game. Steffy's hand was still taped up but he seemed to be getting good zip on the ball and had a tight spiral. His accuracy wavered a few times when throwing into the flat, but otherwise he looked just fine.

In scout watch, the Rams were at practice this afternoon.

After practice I spoke with a few of the guys to get a sense of how they were spending their down time with the bye week. It's clear this team isn't happy with this past game. Kevin Barnes said a large portion of his time will go towards reviewing the Virginia game tape and prepping for Wake Forest.

The blog will be a little sparse this week since there isn't a whole lot going on and today was the only day that practice was open to the media. I'll try to post some Terps links later in the week.

Lessons From Virginia

2008-10-06T23:23:00.000-04:00

There's no real way to sugar coat a game like this and I don't intend to. I will point out a few things that shouldn't have come as quite a shock to people, while also point out the things that surprised me.

Virginia's Defense
Did I expect Maryland to be shutout? Not a chance. But I did expect them to have a fight on their hands with the Cavaliers. All week long the Terp's players and coaches continually said that UVA had an underrated defense; it was much better than people were willing to give it credit for. Is 128 points allowed in three losses bad? Of course it is, but let's take a look at the opposition. USC and Connecticut are two teams that put big point totals up on the board, yes they manhandled the Cav's, but that was to be somewhat expected. The third loss on the docket for Virginia was Duke. Everyone looked at that and instantly thought the worst of Al Groh's squad. The Blue Devils are a much improved team this year and I don't care who you're playing, if you turn the ball over six times, your opponent is going to score on you.

With all of that said, Virginia also trotted out some pretty good personnel against Maryland's offense. Clint Sintim is an excellent linebacker who gets overlooked most of the time because he's playing on a weaker team and in a conference that is loaded at his position. Sintim came into the game leading all linebackers nationally in sacks with four and added another one to go along with his seven tackles. Additionally, Virginia has good size in their D-line and some real athletes in the secondary including Ras-I Dowling who came away with a nice interception.

So was I surprised the Terps were shutout? Yes, but this Virginia defense has been waiting for an opportunity to make some things happen all season.

Marc Verica
You want to talk about a surprise performance? A week after he threw four interceptions to Duke and got absolutely rocked, the sophomore put on a clinic. Not only did he throw a pair of touchdowns (the first two passing TD's of the season for Virginia), but he ran for one as well and completed 73.5% of his pass attempts.

This is the one that got me. Virginia had shown no real semblance of a passing game up until point in the season (you might be able to make the case that the UConn game was a decent showing) and suddenly Verica can do no wrong. When your quarterback is playing that well and hitting your receivers way down field (52-yard TD to Kevin Oggletree) it just makes everything that much easier.

Additionally, the fact that the Cav's were able to put up 201 rushing yards didn't hurt matters either. Virginia just handed the ball to Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson and let them run off of tackle Eugene Monroe all night. Monroe showed why he is the top player on Mel Kiper's board for the 2009 NFL Draft; Peerman and Simpson could have turned the corner walking on their hands at points during the game.

Turner Looking Flustered
Once again the enigma that is Chris Turner continues. During the week offensive coordinator James Franklin said that for most players the big games are the ones that are hard to perform well in; that hasn't been the case for the junior quarterback. In fact, things have been almost the opposite and Franklin said that Turner needs to learn how to perform well against team's in games that aren't classified as "big". Now, the numbers aren't atrocious: 22-34, 223 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. There are worse games certainly, the issue here was the type of mistakes Turner was making and the timing of them. The Terps were just 4 of 13 on third down conversions and many of these failed conversions came on overthrows by Turner. Initially I thought that these passes were sailing high because he was a little too amped up, but as the game progressed he just seemed to be uncomfortable in the pocket; you can give credit to the Virginia pass rush here.

Heyward-Bey A Non-factor
Every week more and more questions about getting the talented junior receiver more touches come up. The blame can't always go on the coaching staff, it can't always go on the player, sometimes the defense just does a solid job on coverage. When Heyward-Bey is held to just 17 yards on one touch, the offense isn't going to be as effective as it can be. In order for this team to be as efficient as it can and has proven to be, Heyward-Bey needs to break off a big play, it's as simple as that.

Positives
Sure, it may seem pointless to look for positives in a game like this when so many issues arose, but I believe in always looking for something good. Ronnie Tyler had his best game as a Terp, hauling in five catches for 56 yards and making some tough receptions in traffic. Linebackers Alex Wujciak and Moise Fokou each had solid showings once again. Wujciak led all players with nine tackles and Fokou had two tackles for a loss, including a sack.

The Terps have a chance to recuperate and get their heads straight with a bye week now; Chris Turner after the game said this is probably the perfect time for a bye. Up next is a tough Wake Forest team who has given Maryland trouble in recent memory. By no means are the Terps in panic mode. Yes, the just suffered their second tough loss of the season, but they are very capable of knocking off Wake, which would be the third win over a ranked opponent this year.

Interview with Jerry Ratcliffe

2008-10-04T01:59:00.002-04:00

We were lucky this week in that we managed to get two interviews with writers that cover Virginia football. Jerry Ratcliffe covers the team for the Charlottesville Daily Progress and was nice enough to take the time to answer some questions regarding Virginia, the Terps and this weeks game.

WMUC Sports: In your opinion, what has been the biggest trouble spot for Virginia this season?

Jerry Ratcliffe: Two things: Virginia's offensive line and the quarterback situation. Coach Al Groh recognized quite some time ago that this offensive line, which has three new starters (guard, center, guard) would struggle with run blocking. Knowing that he had a strong-armed quarterback who could make all the throws (Peter Lalich), and a bevy of wide receivers and tight ends, plus backs who could catch the ball, Groh put together an offense that featured the passing game.

It was somewhat similar to that of when Matt Schaub played for Virginia and broke all the school passing records. However, this scheme had more spread plays and more four- and five-wide formations than when Schaub was around. All this went POOF when Lalich got into trouble for underage drinking, broke his probation, had his "Facebook" page discovered by UVa officials and he got the boot by athletic director Craig Littlepage. Current starter Marc Verica, a redshirt sophomore, wasn't really prepared to start, but had to be thrust into the job, much like Jameel Sewell was in early 2006. Sewell, by the way, was supposed to be back for his third year as starting quarterback this season but ran into academic problems after the Gator Bowl and was suspended for a year. He is eligible by NCAA academic standards, but not UVa's. He is supposed to return to school in January.

WMUC Sports: This team is young at some key spots (QB, O-line, D-line, Secondary) and has 15 players who have made their first career start this season. How have you seen the newer players developing so far?

Jerry Ratcliffe: I guess we should label it a work in progress. Verica has a level head and is a smart kid with talent, but he has to go through the same maturation process as any young quarterback. The offensive line hasn't been very good. The d-line shows promise but might struggle against Maryland's physical running game. The secondary has been decent ... it's actually the younger players who have executed better in the secondary than most of the veterans. Dowling, Mosley, Minnifield, and Parker have been pretty good back there.

Wide receiver Jared Green has been decent (Darrell Green's son). Punter Jimmy Howell has been pretty good. There's a lot of talent amongst these younger guys, but it may be the second half of the season before we notice serious progress.

WMUC Sports: People know about WR Kevin Ogletree from previous success; who is someone on the offense people don't know about that they should?

Jerry Ratcliffe: Fullback Rashawn Jackson is decent and his backup Keith Payne, both big backs that can run and catch. Tight end John Phillips can make things happen. Cary Koch is a good possession receiver and Kris Burd is starting to come around at wide out. Maryland fans didn't see Cedric Peerman last season at tailback, but he is a tough, physical runner if he can overcome a leg injury that has hobbled him recently. He was UVa's top rusher last season until he was injured and Mikell Simpson took his place and had a breakout game at Maryland.

WMUC Sports: Where does Clint Sintim stack up with other ACC linebackers in your opinion?

Jerry Ratcliffe: I haven't seen all the rest of the ACC's linebackers, but Sintim is high quality. Groh predicted a few years ago that Sintim would be one of the best to come through the program and he's living up to that prediction. Last year he led the nation in linebacker sacks with nine. He had three at Duke and missed 21 plays when he was cramping up last week. Should have had four, but the refs blew a call. He also had six or seven pressures where he nearly got to Duke's QB.

He's a tough kid, good speed, could improve his open-field tackling a little, but smart. He was Chris Long's roommate and benefitted greatly from seeing Chris' motor 24/7.

WMUC Sports: Is Darius Heyward-Bey the biggest concern for Virginia this weekend? If not, who is?

Jerry Ratcliffe: Well, he's certainly one of them. I would thing Virginia's greatest concern is Maryland's offensive line and tailback Da'Rel Scott because if the Terps can establish a running game, the Cavaliers could be in trouble. Heyward-Bey is a guy that Virginia is going to have to pay special attention to on evey play ... they can't afford to let him burn them for a big play with his speed. Another concern is whether or not Virginia's offensive line can punch any holes in Maryland's defense. If they can't, and if Virginia can't run the ball, it could be a long, long night for the Cavaliers. Good teams can run the ball and stop the run, and thus far this season, Virginia hasn't shown that it can do either.

WMUC Sports: Share your thoughts on the rivalry between these two teams. With Virginia struggling has the luster of this game died down?

Jerry Ratcliffe: Actually, I think the rivalry is very healthy because the last two games have come down to the wire with Maryland winning here and Virginia winning in College Park.

For the longest time, I don't think Virginia considered Maryland that big a rival even though they border. Virginia had always considered North Carolina its rival because it is the oldest rivalry game in the South. For years, those two teams would play on Thanksgiving and it was a big deal. However, when Virginia Tech began pounding UVa, the Hokies became a big rivalry. Maryland was kind of there on the backburner, because, really, how many rivalries can you have? But I think it has picked up recently with Groh and Friedgen. I'm not sure how much those two guys like each other.

WMUC Sports: How do you see this game playing out?

Jerry Ratcliffe: I would say that Maryland being a two touchdown favorite makes sense. Virginia traditionally plays much better at home, but I don't know if there's enough quality veteran players on this particular UVa team to get things turned around. Like I mentioned earlier, if the Terps get the running game going early and if Virginia can't get its running game going, this game may not be close.

Interview with Norman Wood

2008-10-03T17:50:00.002-04:00

We continue our ACC interview series with Norman Wood of the Daily Press in Virginia. Wood covers both Virginia and Virginia Tech football for the Press and blogs about the conference on his ACC All Access Blog as well. Norman was nice enough to take the time to answer some of our questions leading up to game day between the Terps and Cavaliers tomorrow night.

WMUC Sports: In your opinion, what has been the biggest trouble spot for Virginia this season?

Norman Wood: The offense has been incapable of producing big plays in the passing game (ZERO touchdown passes so far this season). U.Va. has only had four plays of 20 or more yards, including two passing (longest play has been 25 yards - a completion from Peter Lalich to Kevin Ogletree). I have to think U.Va. is at least optimistic about getting some semblance of an aerial attack going against Maryland, which enters the game last in the ACC in pass defense (surrendering an average of 254 yards per game...of course, that includes games against pass-happy Middle Tennessee State, California and Eastern Michigan, all of which attempted at least 40 passes). A big play through the air might really help loosen up the running game for the Cavaliers, who have just 264 yards rushing in four games and are averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Of course, only having running back Cedric Peerman available for a total of two carries in the last two games hasn't helped either.

WMUC Sports: This team is young at some key spots (QB, O-line, D-line, Secondary) and has 15 players who have made their first career start this season. How have you seen the newer players developing so far?

Norman Wood: Two of the biggest bright spots have been freshman left guard Austin Pasztor, who will probably start Saturday in place of injured senior Zak Stair (knee), and redshirt freshman defensive end Matt Conrath, who has two sacks and is tied for fifth in the ACC with five tackles for loss. Conrath isn't making anybody in Charlottesville forget about defensive end Chris Long just yet, but he has shown promise. At 6-foot-7 and 269 pounds, Conrath is an imposing figure on the line. Sophomore quarterback Marc Verica has been tossed into a difficult spot (i.e.-starting in place of the dismissed Lalich). Verica has struggled at times (four interceptions against Duke). Redshirt freshman safety Corey Mosley has worked himself into a starting role. Despite missing the game against Southern California and being limited otherwise due to a leg injury sustained in August, sophomore cornerback Ras-I Dowling leads the team with two interceptions.

WMUC Sports: Who is someone on the offense people don't know about that they should?

Norman Wood: Well, if you don't know about senior left tackle Eugene Monroe by now, you're behind. He's considered by many draft gurus to be a potential first round draft pick, and maybe the first tackle taken. He has very quick feet for a 6-6, 315-pound dude and uses his hands inside well.

WMUC Sports: Where does Clint Sintim stack up with other ACC linebackers in your opinion?

Norman Wood: That's an interesting question because in a conference that actually has great depth at the linebacker position (Duke's Michael Tauiliili, Boston College's Mark Herzlich and Brian Toal, Maryland's Dave Philistin, U.Va.'s Antonio Appleby, Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, Florida State's Derek Nicholson, etc.), I'm not sure Sintim is even first team All-ACC this season...but he's close. He's still one of the nation's top 25 linebackers. He leads the ACC with four sacks, which is also the most in the country for a linebackers. His 21 career sacks also leads all current college linebackers, too. He's 6-3 and 254 pounds and could actually find himself getting moved to defensive end in the NFL if he keeps growing.

WMUC Sports: Is Darius Heyward-Bey the biggest concern for Virginia this weekend? If not, who is?

Norman Wood: No question. Neutralizing Heyward-Bey is job number one. There was a lot of discussion early in the week about how dangerous Heyward-Bey is on reverses and end arounds, so I suspect U.Va. will gear up to keep his big play potential to a minimum. Da'Rel Scott is also a major concern for a rushing defense that's 11th in the ACC (giving up an average of 173 yards per game).

WMUC Sports: Share your thoughts on the rivalry between these two teams. With Virginia struggling has the luster of this game died down?

Norman Wood: I think this season's game could do a lot for the rivalry, especially if Maryland slips up against what appears to be a bad U.Va. team (which I think is possible). Maryland has lost in seven of its last eight trips to Charlottesville. Can you imagine how much heat there might be on Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen if he loses THIS season in C'ville? Given the results of the last two meetings (18-17 U.Va. win last season via a last minute touchdown and 28-26 Maryland win two years ago with the help of a 21-point outburst in the fourth quarter), I don't think the luster will be off unless Maryland crushes U.Va. on Saturday.

WMUC Sports: How do you see this game playing out?

Norman Wood: Way to put me on the spot...I see where Maryland is a 13-point favorite in this one. I'm not a gambling man, but wow, that seems like a LOT of points to me (even considering how rancid U.Va. has been this season). Prior to the season, I picked U.Va. to win this matchup. I'm NOT sticking with that pick, but I think it's destined to be a lot closer than expected. Maryland wins 24-21 on a late scoring drive.

Turner Credits Personal Success to Teammates

2008-10-02T00:33:00.002-04:00

Nothing too exciting to report on the front today, particularly with dreary weather making practice a bit slow. I did have the opportunity to talk with Chris Turner this week about the tremendous success he has had in his career against ranked opponents.

As I mentioned a few days ago, Turner is 4-0 against teams in the top-25 in his career and has a TD-INT ratio of 6-0 while completing nearly 70% of his passes. When I asked him about how he is able to step up in these tougher games, he pointed to his teammates saying, "I think everyone steps up their game."

I followed up by asking if playing a ranked team and seeing a number in front of an opponent changes his mindset going into game day. "It probably shouldn't. It might have early on like last year, but no really anymore." After both of his responses he was quick to throw out that he thought Virginia was a solid team and that their defense was underrated. Clearly, Turner and the Terps are trying to avoid a letdown on Saturday.

Offensive Coordinator James Franklin says he has been happy with the way Turner steps up in the bigger games, but that he needs to do it versus all opponents now.

Starting center Edwin Williams also chimed in on the junior quarterback, saying that the team has benefited greatly from having a presence like Turner on the field in big games this year.

That's all for today, remember to keep an eye out for my interviews with some of the UVA Football writers and a scouting report on the Cav's later in the week.

Terps Not Taking Virginia Lightly; Moten Out 4-5 Weeks

2008-09-30T17:04:00.002-04:00

Ralph Friedgen isn't taking Virginia's 1-3 record lightly. He won't let the fact that they've been outscored 128-36 by opponents this season allow him to ease up on his team. Not with this team, not with this conference, not with what's at stake.

"We're going to get their best shot," Friedgen said. "We're going into a hostile environment." He later made mention of the Terps tough loss to the Cav's last season saying, "I hope our kids remember how they felt."

Here are some other news and notes from the press conference this afternoon.

Adrian Moten is out for the next 4-5 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his wrist. The linebacker has recorded 10 tackles, 1.5 for loss, an interception and a recovered fumble for the Terps this season. Despite being limited by injury, he has played well in the last two games.
Nolan Carroll, Mack Frost, Da'Rel Scott and Danny Oquendo are all listed as questionable for this weekends game. Friedgen confirmed that Oquendo did not suffer a concussion from the hit he took on Saturday at Clemson.
The subject of Maryland's injury-riddled secondary was another focal point this afternoon. Friedgen said that right now the Terps are going to a lot of different coverage schemes to hide their weaknesses. He has been pleased with the play of Jamari McCollough, but stated getting Nolan Carroll back this Saturday would be a big boost to the team.
Once again, Friedgen was posed questions about the lack of touches for Darius Heyward-Bey on Saturday. Heyward-Bey had no receptions and on carry for 76 yards in the win over Clemson. Friedgen pointed out that the junior dropped two balls that thrown his way, and that the Tigers secondary did a good job of keeping him from getting open. It has been stated that offensive coordinator James Franklin has a continually growing list of plays designed for Heyward-Bey, and Friedgen added, "Darius is always going to be a major part of our offense."
In scout watch, the Bills, 49ers and Giants all had personnel at practice this afternoon.

Lessons From Clemson

2008-09-29T19:21:00.003-04:00

With their win over then 20th ranked Clemson, the Terps have improved to 4-1 on the season, 1-0 in the ACC and have knocked off a pair of ranked opponents. In this weeks AP Poll the Terps are ranked 26th, just a handful of votes behind Wake Forest. So what have we learned about Maryland from this Saturday's win and through this point in the season?

Resume
On paper one can make the argument that the Terps are the best team in the ACC right now. Is that the case on the field? Probably not, even with this weekend's loss, I still think Clemson is a more talented team overall. However, let's look at the facts. Maryland has knocked off Cal and Clemson, both ranked teams. Cal was a very convincing win and Clemson was on the road in a hostile environment with their backs against the wall. Don't forget the 51-point explosion against Eastern Michigan either, that can't be overlooked.

Playmakers
Da'Rel Scott is over 50 yards ahead of the pack with his 446 rushing yards, this despite missing the Eastern Michigan game, and turning in a poor performance at Clemson. In addition, the Terps can lay claim to having possibly the most dangerous runner in the entire conference in Darius Heyward-Bey, who despite only getting the occasional end-around play, has amassed 186 yards on just 6 touches.

Heyward-Bey may be the biggest playmaker in the conference, period, and is almost surely the top pro receiver prospect. The junior is averaging an astounding 24.2 yards per touch; 31 yards per rush and nearly 21 yards per reception. He is capable of breaking off a huge play at seemingly any point and has done so at some opportune times (76 yard run vs. Clemson)

Big Game Turner
Here's a statistic for you: Chris Turner is 4-0 against top-25 teams and 2-0 against top-10 teams in his career with Maryland. The question has been posed several times this season: does Turner get up for big games? It would appear so.

On the season he ranks top 5 in the conference in QB rating and passing yards. But how about this for clutch performances. In his 4 games vs. ranked teams, those being Rutgers, Boston College, Cal and Clemson; Turner has completed 68.8% of his passes for 814 yards, 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. While his averages over those 4 games may not be out of this world (203 yards and 1.5 touchdowns) the fact that he hasn't been responsible for a single turnover cannot be overstated. The junior rises to the occasion and plays mistake free football when it counts the most.

Defense Rising to the Occasion
Has the defense struggled at points during the season? Of course. There was the meltdown in the final 7 minutes against Cal in which the Golden Bears put up over 200 yards passing down the stretch. Eastern Michigan also had plenty of success through the air, and of course Clemson ran all over the Terps in the first half on Saturday putting up 200 yards on the ground. Regardless of all that, one has to be impressed with the adjustments that were made at halftime in Death Valley. The Terps shutout the Tigers for the games final 30 minutes (more accurately the final 37 minutes) and allowed 26 yards rushing in the second half.

Defensive coordinator Chris Cosh said he thinks this team can be great and if they continue to play defense like they did on Saturday, that will certainly be the case.

Final Thoughts
Is it time to start the buses for Tampa Bay and the ACC Championship? Absolutely not. Despite Maryland playing a very strong second half on Saturday, the Terps didn't win that game as much as Clemson lost it. At the end of the day though, a win is a win. Maryland is off to it's best start since the 2001 season when the Terps did in fact win the ACC title.

Looking at the rest of the schedule, the Terps are capable of winning every game left on their slate, but are also capable of losing a lot of them. This week's match up with Virginia certainly favors Maryland, though one must always be weary when going on the road. Following in the bye week, then Wake Forest, a team that has given the Terps trouble in recent years, but certainly a game that Maryland can win at home.

That's all for now, check back tomorrow for news and notes from Ralph Friedgen's press conference.

Maryland vs. Clemson Live Blog

2008-09-27T12:38:00.001-04:00

Greetings from Clemson, South Carolina Terps fans! Joey Whelan here joined by Dave Vatz and Josh Weisz. Due to the ISP Network deciding to broadcast this game we lost our ability to do a radio broadcast, but we will be here bringing you our thoughts and commentary during the course of today's game.

We arrived here a little late to the press box due to some parking troubles, but we're officially set up and ready to blog. At the present time, Clemson leads the Terps 10-0 with 1:40 remaining in the first quarter. C.J. Spiller has already amassed 70 yards and a touchdown on 6 carries. The Terps currently have the ball in the Tiger's red zone after a fumbled punt return. It's first-and-goal from the 8 for Maryland.

Stay tuned as Dave and Josh will bring you action throughout the next few hours!

14:02 in 2nd Quarter
If Maryland ends up winning this game the turning point is clear. Down 10-0 and punting after another anemic offensive series Clemson muffed a Travis Baltz punt. Maryland recovered at the Tiger 18 yard line and setup an Obi Egekeze Field Goal. Instead of Clemson possibly going up 17 points in the 1st quarter, Maryland gets 3 points and survives a nightmare start.

The bad news is the Terps squandered a touchdown after a false start on 3rd and goal.
The good news is that C.J. Spillar has run for 70 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter and the Tigers only lead by a touchdown.

Clemson 10 Maryland 3

- Josh Weisz

7:59 in 2nd Quarter
Another big break for Maryland. A quick screen from Harper is batted down by Adrian Moten and ruled a fumble. Moten then jumps on the football and the Terps have great field position again, this time at the Tigers 30. A huge play from a guy battling through an injury.

The Football God's are sending the Terps a clear message. Chris Turner overthrows his receiver Ronnie Tyler, it bounces off the back of Isiah Williams and caroms back into the arms of Tyler. I don't remember seeing that play in practice, but reporters are only allowed in for 30 minutes, so its possible I missed it.

After another false start penalty in the red zone, Obi hits a 2nd field goal. He picked a good time to get in rhythm. He may be called all afternoon long with the offenses current red zone problems.

Clemson 10 Maryland 6

- Josh Weisz

5:12 in 2nd Quarter
The scoreboard does not tell the story. When C.J. Spiller is on the sideline leave it to James Davis to deliver a blistering 38 yard run to the end-zone. The Tigers are almost guaranteed two hundred-yard rushers this afternoon and it's only the first half.

Meanwhile any momentum the Terps may have had from the two turnovers is gone. The crowd is back in it and they are treated to an emphatic three and out. Maryland has to start stacking the box and daring Clemson to throw over the top.

Clemson 17 Maryland 6

- Josh Weisz

0:52 in 2nd Quarter
When the Coach Fridgen talks during halftime about what the defense needs to do, they will draw off that last series. Forcing Clemson to travel through the air instead of pounding the ball with Spiller and Davis. The stuffed Spiller on 1st down, forced Harper to scramble on second down, and got an incomplete pass to end the drive. For Clemson there is little reason for them to start throwing the ball.

Meanwhile the Terps start on their own 3 yard line after the punt, which was ruled a touchback, magically comes out the three yard line after some help from the other officials. They survive and shaky three and out and push the Tigers to their own 37 after a holding penalty and another great punt from Baltz.

Clemson 17 Maryland 6

- Josh Weisz

Halftime
I really like the way Maryland has been coached the last couple weeks, but the last Maryland series was inexcusable. With 45 seconds left and three timeouts, the Terps choose to go in shotgun and look for some points to end the half. But instead of opening up the playbook, Franklin calls a couple screen passes and a quick throw to the flats. This does not make any sense. Either you go for points and look for receivers deep down the field, or you run it up the middle and get to the locker room. What good comes of screen passes and quick outs. The result was three electric hits by the Clemson defense and a deflating end to the half.

There was no reason for the half to end like that.

Stay tuned for Dave Vatz who will take you through the third quarter.

Clemson 17 Maryland 6

- Josh Weisz

Halftime Thoughts From Death Valley
It looks like Howard's Rock is feeling a little extra generous today. The memento from the bottom of Death Valley, CA is said to give mystical powers to Tiger players that rub it before games. If that is the case, James Davis and C.J. Spiller likely got a little touchy, feely with their igneous friend.

The Tigers posted 195 rushing yards in the first half, with Davis reaching the century mark on 11 carries and Spiller totaling 93 yards on 10 carries. Both players have already found the end zone and Spiller has eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards for his career.

Maryland on the other hand has mustered just 93 total yards. The Terps look out matched by Clemson right now. The offensive line isn't getting any kind of push and has struggled to open holes for Da'Rel Scott and company. Scott has 19 yards on 11 carries, with half of his yards coming on one run.

The passing game has been horizontal as opposed to vertical. As Josh mentioned just a few minutes ago, Maryland ended the first half throwing into the flat on several consecutive plays rather than trying their luck down field. Darius Heyward-Bey has amounted to 0 catches in the first half. Some credit has to go to Clemson's secondary keeping him in check, but certainly the play calling has been sub par on the part of Maryland.

With how poor the Terps have looked thus far, being down just 9 at the half is a gift. The Terps need a big opening drive in the second half to regain some momentum and to get back into this game. Dave Vatz will be along shortly to bring you through the final 30 minutes of this one.

- Joey Whelan

8:34 in 3rd Quarter
Hey everyone, Dave Vatz with you for the third quarter as the Terps try to fight back from a 17-6 deficit. After a bad kickoff return to the 20, a tackle for loss, a false start, then offensive pass interference (declined), it is 3rd and 17 from the Maryland 13. Turner’s pass on 3rd is well incomplete. It is hard to see the halftime changes; Maryland looks just the same as in the first half. But so does Baltz, with a great 53-yard punt, putting Clemson at the 34.

Key 3rd down after a run and end around puts Clemson with a 3rd and 3 at the 41. Spiller got around on the left side and went the distance, but lucky for Maryland a holding call gets rid of the score. Now a 3rd down and 8, Clemson calls a timeout to regroup. Clemson’s picks up Maryland’s blitz and gets a first down on a 17-yard pass with just under 12 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

Another key 3rd down, Tigers have 3rd and 7 at the Maryland 44. Four-man rush works and forces a low throw, incomplete. Clemson punts too far and gets a touchback, Maryland will take over on the 20 with 9:54 in the 3rd quarter.

Franklin pulls out the end around and a huge run for Heyward-Bey, getting 75 yards, putting the Terps on the Clemson 5. I believe it is the first time he has gotten the ball. Scott loses two on first down, but Turner throws a lob pass to a wide open Torrey Smith for the touchdown, first one for Maryland. Obi extra point is good, despite all the problems during the game, Terps are within one score 17-13 in Death Valley. PA announcer says this is the first touchdown scored on the Clemson defense in ten quarters.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

7:45 in 3rd Quarter
Kickoff downed for a touchback, so 1st and 10 for Clemson at the 20. Pass on first down was in and out of the hands of the receiver, but pass interference was called on Adrian Moten, so 1st down on the 35.

Huge play for the defense here. Clemson tried a fake run with Davis then real end around to Spiller, Maryland saw it and Spiller had no where to go. He lost seven and went down on the play, and is limping on his left ankle very badly. He needed help off the field.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

4:38 in 3rd Quarter
Without Spiller, the Terps now have the confidence to rush the quarterback, and sack him on the next play. Clemson fails on the 3rd and 24. The game has gotten very interesting. Clemson doesn't look as aggressive as they did in the first half, and without Spiller, one of the best backs in the ACC, the running game won't be as effective. Davis now has a lot on his shoulders.

At the 6:00 minute mark, injury report on Spiller is that he had a cramp, and should return. It looked worse than a cramp from the press box, but we'll see.

Maryland had a 3rd down and 9 at midfield, and his low pass was deflected. But Baltz, the definite MVP for Maryland so far, punts 44 yards and Clemson fair catches at the 6. Let the field position battle begin.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

End 3rd Quarter
Clemson's appears to be changing their game plan a little without Spiller, relying on short passes instead of running. But Spiller came back with 2:30 to go in the third and got a 7-yard gain, so he looks all right. The Clemson crowd is now getting upset after a short pass on a 3rd and long. They have a right to be, very questionable play call by Clemson. The offense doesn't look as fluid right now and has three penalties. But the Maryland defense is helping with some good stops.

Turner completes a huge pass across the middle on first down to Gronkowski, his second 1st down completion to Gronkowski of over 10 yards. The third quarter has ended, Terps on the 44 with a 2nd and 12.

The Clemson crowd is real silent, and with good reason, Maryland had a very good 3rd quarter. Clemson up 17-13 with 15 minutes left to play. I guarantee some in the crowd are thinking about the 2006 encounter right now.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

14:03 in 4th Quarter
Portis came in and had a reverse to Scott. Which only gained a couple yards. The play calling for Portis's time on the field has got to get better.

Baltz had his first mess up of the game, punting the ball into the end zone. With 14:10 left in the 4th and Clemson up by four, it will be interesting to see this next drive. Spiller looks fine and Clemson may go back to running Spiller to the outside. Recently it has been a lot of short passes. But the Tigers really want to get some distance, they don't want a field position battle, because the Terps are looking better on offense.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

11:31 in 4th Quarter
First Clemson tries a pass, then a Spiller reverse fails to advance to the outside, then Moten nails Harper from behind to force the incompletion. Cosh's defense looks tremendous right now, and the punt was returned to the Clemson 45. This game has been a real tale of two halves. Clemson in the first half, Maryland in the second half.

Key third down and 1 on the Clemson 35, the crowd is deafening, but Scott got the first. Clemson has a video board that says stuff like "Stand Up and Yell" and "Keep up the Volume." I’m not sure Terps fans would react well to that at Byrd.

I just heard a score over PA, Duke 10, Virginia 3. That isn’t a typo.

Maryland may be driving, but they have a few issues focusing, they just used another timeout. They are down to 1 with 11:31 left in the second half. Terps at the Clemson 33 with a 2nd and 10.

Clemson 17 Maryland 13

- Dave Vatz

10:19 in 4th Quarter
An early snap was low while Turner was in shotgun, but he got it and threw it for a huge gain, Terps now on the 1-yard line and a first down, and Scott runs it in for the touchdown. Could anyone see this coming after seeing the first half? Obi's kick is good, Maryland has their first lead, 20-17, with 10:25 in the 4th quarter.

This game seems to be the story of Chris Turner. Sometimes he just has an awful showing, like in the first half. But when he needs a big game, he steps up, like in the second half. But there is still a lot of time left, and Clemson's team and crowd are getting restless.

Maryland 20 Clemson 17

- Dave Vatz

6:15 in 4th Quarter
Another solid kickoff, Clemson must start at the 21. Clemson is getting the ball back to Davis to see if that works. The second half has been full of big 3rd downs, but the biggest one yet here with 3rd and 2 is converted on a short pass. But then a Harper keeper results in a five-yard loss. It seems like Clemson is starting to panic a little, running the quarterback.

Now a 3rd and 7, expect a short pass from Harper. The pass is just enough, and Clemson is starting to drive.

With under seven minutes left and Clemson at midfield, I'll turn it back to Josh Weisz to end the game.

Maryland 20 Clemson 17

- Dave Vatz

5:15 in 4th Quarter
A huge Unsportsmanlike Conduct call makes a Clemson 3rd and 3 into a 3rd and 18 but an incredible effort by C.J Spiller on a pass in the flat makes it 4th and inches setting up the biggest play in this game so far, a 4th and 1 on the Maryland 40. Clemson has no choice but to go for it. As it always happens the 4th down play comes down to the inexact science of the spot and this spot leaves Clemson a couple inches short keeping the ball. It wasn't very generous and as soon as the line judge started running in, the Clemson bench went crazy.

The booth reviews the play and every replay we see up here is inconclusive. The play stands. What more could Maryland ask for than the ball and a 3 point lead in Clemson after a horrific first half

Clemson 17 Maryland 20

- Josh Weisz

Final - Maryland 20-Clemson 17
What an incredible day for the Maryland football program. This day seemed so far away after the Terps limped back from Middle Tennessee three weeks ago. The halftime adjustments that the coaching staff made should draw praise all week. The Terps now have a legitimate chance at going 5-1 playing a sub par Virginia team next week. As bad as the first two weeks have been for this team, the last three have been equally as good. There is no doubt Maryland will now get a piece of the national spotlight after knocking off two ranked teams.

This game is a microcosm of the whole season in its inconsistency but ultimately this game represents how good they can be.

- Josh Weisz

Maryland Excited to Play in Death Valley

2008-09-25T18:23:00.000-04:00

Clemson Memorial Stadium, more commonly known as Death Valley, may be one of the largest and most intimidating stadiums in the ACC, but that doesn't mean the Terps aren't amped to play there on Saturday. In fact, they can't wait.

At his press conference on Tuesday, head coach Ralph Friedgen expressed his excitement to return to Clemson for Saturday's game after having coached there several times with Maryland, and having played there during his career with the Terps as well.

During the week several players talked about getting to walk into Death Valley as a visiting team. Dave Philistin shared his past experiences as a sophomore when allegedly when standing on the sideline without his helmet on he had something thrown at his head by a Clemson fan. Philistin looked around in bewilderment for a brief moment before a member of the coaching staff yelled at him to get a helmet on. He also commented that in addition to West Virginia, Clemson is one of his favorite places to play at.

Sophomore linebacker Alex Wujciak got a chance to experience Death Valley as a true freshman in 2006 when he was on the sidelines for Maryland's last second 13-12 win on a Dan Ennis field goal. Wujciak said that while he will have at least some sense of what to expect, being on the field as opposed to watching from the side will be a completely different experience. When asked about the tendency for Clemson crowds to get deafeningly loud Wujciak said, "As a defensive player, I like the noise, it gets me energized.

Also worth noting on Wujciak, he is already making some noise as far as his future beyond the college game goes. NFL Draft Scout has him ranked as the #6 inside linebacker for the 2011 draft and has a couple of nice things to say about the sophomore.

Check back tomorrow for a scouting report of Clemson.

Interview With Clemson Beat Writer Paul Strelow

2008-09-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

With the ACC schedule getting started this week for the Terps I thought it would be interesting to set up an interview each week with someone who regularly covers Maryland's opponent for that week. Starting things off this week is Paul Strelow, the Clemson beat writer for The State, South Carolina's largest newspaper; he also posts regularly on his Clemson blog Pawsitive Press. Paul was nice enough to take some time to answer a few questions regarding the Tigers, how they're preparing for Maryland and the advantages of playing in Death Valley.

WMUC Sports: Clemson was a team being talked about in the national title hunt at the start of this season. They've won three straight since the Alabama loss in week one, do you ultimately see this team winding up in the top-10 in December?

Paul Strelow: With the ACC's credibility where it is, the only chance they might have would be to run the table, and that certainly is unlikely. As things stand – and stood in the preseason – the Tigers are a top-25 team, no more and no less. They've got superior talent at running back and some good receivers and defensive backs, plus a QB in Cullen Harper who is among the league's best. But their deficiencies at linebacker and the injury-addled offensive line figure to be an issue when the run into the likes of Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, FSU and Boston College – if not Maryland this weekend.

WMUC Sports: Where do you rank the duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller among running tandems nationally?

Paul Strelow: Talent-wise, I'm not sure there's a comparable duo. Spiller seems headed toward becoming a first-round NFL lock with this year's breakthrough campaign, and Davis should be a second- or third-round guy as well. Seeing as I'd consider Spiller a top-10 back nationally this season, I can't think of any other top-shelf guys (Javon Ringer, Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno) who have a similar sidekick. Caleb King could be that guy with Moreno, but he doesn't get enough opportunities yet to prove it.

WMUC Sports: The young offensive line seems to be doing a solid job as Cullen Harper has only been sacked six times this season, but Davis and Spiller don't seem to be putting up huge numbers rushing the football. Any reasoning behind this in your opinion?

Paul Strelow: Well, the line hasn't done a particularly good job of either pass protection or run-blocking, to be honest. Which is probably part of the reason Harper hasn't looked comfortable throwing the ball downfield, and Clemson has relied on even more screen passes than usual. The blocking hasn't been good enough for them to put up huge numbers, and every opponent knows that the key to stopping Clemson is shutting down its base zone runs. That said, the two split carries, and that has meant minimal action against two FCS opponents.

WMUC Sports: Everyone knows about Harper, Davis, Spiller and wide receiver Aaron Kelly. Give me someone on Clemson people might not know as well but they should.

Paul Strelow: Two guys who are going to be key Saturday are defensive ends Ricky Sapp and Da'Quan Bowers. Sapp is a junior who could be a high pick this year as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he is their pass-rushing specialist off the edge. How he holds up in run support will be huge. Same thing goes for Bowers, whom ESPN.com rated as the nation's No. 1 recruit last year. Bowers is a beast and is already starting – a rarity for a first-year lineman on either side of the ball – but he's also still seeing college offenses and college-sized linemen for the first time.

WMUC Sports: From Clemson's perspective, which player on either side of the ball for Maryland gives the most concern?

Paul Strelow: I can't say they've narrowed down one. The only individual whose name repeatedly surfaces is WR Darrius Heyward-Bey – and for obvious reasons, seeing as he's the league's best pro receiver prospect. But while coordinator James Franklin seems to involve H-B more than he had been in the past, he's still not the offense's focal point. Because of its inexperienced linebackers and a defensive interior reduced by two injuries, Clemson is worried about getting blown off the ball like it was against Alabama.

On the other side, where between two and four offensive linemen are out with injury, too, the concern is that Saturday's starting line will be overly confused by the multiple fronts the Terps are going to throw at them under coordinator Chris Cosh, who ran this same scheme against Clemson while serving as South Carolina's coordinator.

WMUC Sports: How much of an advantage for Clemson is it to play their home games in a place like Death Valley?

Paul Strelow: If it was a night game, and a lot of hype and build-up had preceded this game, it would be a huge advantage. But for a noon start and a game Clemson fans think it should win in a blowout, considering last year's result and this year's expectations … there is concern that the Tigers are in store for another stale environment similar to what contributed to the 13-12 loss to Maryland in 2006.

WMUC Sports: How do you see this game playing out?

Paul Strelow: Can't say I have a strong feel, because it seems it could go in separate directions. Maryland has always shown the ability to dink-and-dunk in the passing game, so Clemson's defensive front could be in trouble in both aspects. And as much trouble as Clemson has had establishing the run this season, the Tigers could easily lay an egg.

Conversely, if the Terps do indeed have trouble stopping screen passes and wheel routes, that plays right to Clemson's strengths. And I like Clemson's defensive personnel, as a whole, better than Maryland's, especially after witnessing last year's mauling in College Park.

I'll throw out Clemson 30-20.

News and Notes From Today's Press Conference

2008-09-23T16:44:00.000-04:00

Richard Taylor and LaQuan Williams are the two big names on the injured list who will not be playing this week for the Terps when they head to Clemson. Nolan Carroll, Mack Frost and Adrian Moten are all questionable, while Travis Ivey, Da'Rel Scott and Tyrrell Skinner are all probable for Saturday.
Of Clemson Friedgen said, "They're an impressive looking team. They're big, strong and fast."
Friedgen talked about the strong running game the Tigers bring to the table with James Davis and C.J. Spiller; he also mentioned freshman back Jamie Harper who has been seeing time as well. "These are three really good backs," he said. "All of them can run, they have great speed and acceleration; it's really something we'll have to deal with."
Aaron Kelly, the 6'5" wide receiver, will be a tough match up on the outside for Maryland's corners.
Friedgen commented on Clemson's young offensive line saying, "They're big and athletic. Overall they have a lot of speed on offense. They're big and strong up front, but they're young and still developing."
Clemson returns their entire secondary from last season, and Friedgen noted the solid job that group did on Maryland's receivers last year, particularly with keeping Darius Heyward-Bey in check.
Friedgen stated he hoped that Travis Ivey would in fact be able to play on Saturday having recovered from a broken foot. He noted that Jeremy Navarre has been playing upwards of 70-80 plays a game and that Ivey being able to spell the senior for 10-15 plays during the game would help a lot, especially towards the end of the game.
The Terps are hurting in the secondary, particularly at the corner spot due to injury. When asked Friedgen was hopeful the team would get help from some non-regulars. "I'm hoping that Michael Carter can come, Trenton Hughes can come on, and Cameron Chism can come on. If we get some guys who can improve there it would help us. On a positive though, I think Jamari McCollough has come in and played very well for us. I think that helps us, having another guy in the secondary."
When asked about team focus, Friedgen says he was a little concerned about the defenses 4th quarter showing against Cal and the second half against Eastern Michigan. "That's what is a concern for me," Friedgen said. "We'll play real well for a time and then we don't. That's what we need to get corrected and what I've been talking about all along, the consistency."
On true freshman like Kenny Tate and Davin Meggett getting playing time: "When you have as many seniors as we do, to have these true freshman playing, it means you have a pretty good recruiting class. With Kenny moving to safety, that's a position I was concerned about, so I asked him to move over there and he's stepped up. He played 25 plays Saturday; we expect him to play more and more."
There were plenty of scouts at practice today. Many weren't wearing clothes with team logos, but I did spot a Dallas Cowboy scout, the rest I can only guess.

That's all for today, check back tomorrow for more from practice.

Touching Story from Practice

2008-09-18T23:25:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while events take place that not only put sports into perspective, but also show us the power that athletics can have on our lives. The Terps were joined by a special guest at practice this afternoon; 7 year-old Cole Sterry. Cole's parents are huge Maryland supporters and named their son after the famed Cole Field House on campus.

What makes Cole's appearance at practice so special today is that he is suffering from a fairly rare form of cancer called Wilms' tumor, which afflicts the kidneys, generally in children. Cole got the chance to spend some time with Terrapin players today in an effort to keep his spirits up. Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post had a nice post about the event's of today on his Terrapins Insider Blog.

In other news from practice, it looks like Obi Egekeze will be kicking this weekend against Eastern Michigan. Da'Rel Scott has partaken in non contact practices the last couple of days, but his status for this weekend is still uncertain.

Check back tomorrow for a scouting report on Eastern Michigan.

Scouts on Hand for Practices

2008-09-17T16:54:00.000-04:00

Not a tremendous amount to report from practice today, but there were several NFL teams with scouts in attendance observing the team. In all, the Lions, Buccaneers, Browns and Jaguars all had personnel on hand this afternoon.

In light of the lack of news and notes today, here is a nice view of Kevin Barnes' monster hit on Jahvid Best from this past Saturday.

Enjoy and check back tomorrow for more news and notes from practice.

Terps Staying Focused On Eagles Before ACC Slate Begins

2008-09-16T16:46:00.000-04:00

Ralph Friedgen addressed the media today at his weekly press conference following Maryland's upset of #23 Cal on Saturday. There is plenty of news and notes from open media availability today so let's get to it.

Friedgen announced the injury situation for the upcoming game with Eastern Michigan: Travis Ivey, Tyrrell Skinner and LaQuan Williams are all out; Mack Frost is doubtful and Da'Rel Scott is questionable with his sprained shoulder.
With Scott potentially not playing this week Davin Meggett and newly returned Morgan Green will need to play a bigger role. Friedgen said that both backs practiced well during last night's practice. He also stated that Josh Portis and fullback Corey Jackson will be playing a bigger part in the ground game if Scott doesn't suit up on Saturday.
The issue of special team's fatigue was addressed today. Friedgen said a lot of it can be attributed to the fact that so many of his special team's players double as starters on either offense or defense. "We had some kids play 80 plays on Saturday," he said. Several younger players who were potential redshirts for this year can likely expect to see some action on special teams now with the ACC schedule just over a week away Friedgen said.
Obi Egekeze apparently looked real good in practice last night, nailing a 51-yard field goal attempt during his two minutes of live kicking.
The question of team consistency was brought up again today, after Friedgen addressed the issue during Saturday's post game press conference. Friedgen said that lately practices have been tending to drop off during the final 20 minutes as players start to fatigue and let their minds wander. The head coach put it bluntly when he said, "We have to practice with consistency to play with consistency."
Maryland got some nice ink on SI.com in their NFL Draft Risers/Sliders section. Both OL Jamie Thomas and LB Moise Fokou had some positive things written about them which of course gets one thinking about the 2009 Draft already.