Franklin on the Aggressive?

Friedgen expects offensive coordinator James Franklin to be charged up for his first game as Maryland’s offensive coordinator.

“It’s a lot easier to be aggressive when guys are making plays,” Friedgen said. “One of the things I was sitting out there today watching – knock on wood – we are catching the ball a lot better than last year. When I was looking for a receivers coach, I bought tennis ball machines to shoot them out. I spent some money to get our guys fundamentally sound at catching the ball because I didn’t think we were fundamentally sound with that last year.

“Now I see us look the ball in and put hands in the right position. Our hands are together. I think we will make more plays. We already have in our scrimmages. That is a big help for the quarterback’s confidence. James has done a very good job emphasizing where to throw the ball. When you throw an out, the ball has to be outside, so it is not picked off.”

Third-string QB Josh Portis likely will play; we just don't know when...