Five Questions
Here are five questions heading into tomorrow’s game:
1) Will Maryland stretch the field more vertically?
Ralph Friedgen said he held some of the offensive game plan back last week against Delaware. And offensive coordinator James Franklin would like nothing more than to open up the offense more and stretch the field with explosive plays. Quarterback Chris Turner will need to get the ball down field to Darrius Heyward-Bey. Last week, Jordan Steffy completed a 36-yard pass to Heyward-Bey to put the Terrapins in scoring position, but had Steffy hit Heyward-Bey in stride, it likely would have been a touchdown.
2) Can Maryland dominate on the ground?
It is hard to see how the Terrapins don’t dominate the running game. Maryland’s offensive line outweighs Delaware’s defensive line by and average of 58 pounds a man. Running back Da’Rel Scott, who had 197 yards last week, should have the extra gear that he lacked against Delaware. His leg infection also should not be a factor. Look for freshman Davin Meggett and perhaps even sophomore Morgan Green to also get carries.
3) How much will Josh Portis look to pass?
Portis probably has the strongest arm on the team. After running on four plays last week, Portis says he is eager to open up the offense and attack with big plays. Heading into the California game, it would be nice to see exactly what kind of threat Portis can be, and how much he can do besides run the ball. Friedgen said Portis called one play wrong last week, so that needs to get corrected.
4) Can Obi Egekeze get on track?
Egekeze missed three field goals last week, all longer than 40 yards, and he took it pretty hard. Friedgen was not too hard on Egekeze because he did not want to pile on and hurt the senior’s confidence. Egekeze performed well in practice and nailed a long field goal during a two-minute drill. Replicating that on the road would boost his confidence.
5) When will MTSU go to the bag of tricks?
Friedgen said MTSU could play two quarterbacks who can run and that the Blue Raiders can use some trickery throughout the game. They have two running backs who are capable and fast, although MTSU only rushed for 84 yards last week in the 31-17 loss to Troy. MTSU has some roster issues. No team in the country has fewer seniors. And MTSU only has 67 healthy and eligible scholarship players. Despite the home field advantage, they appear to be significantly out-manned.
Any other issues I missed?
By
Eric Prisbell
|
September 5, 2008; 7:25 AM ET
Categories:
Football
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Posted by: UMDFAN | September 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Report abuse
My only question is why Friedgen still has a job? MD has pumped millions into Byrd, new facilities, etc the best we can hope for is attending a depressing 4th tier bowl game.
If they can barely squeak by Delaware, how are they going to beat ACC teams?
Posted by: nativedc | September 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Report abuse
If they can barely squeak by Delaware, how are they going to beat ACC teams?
I think the more appropriate question this season is; how many other ACC teams could beat Delaware?
Posted by: Kev | September 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Report abuse
Maryland has started slowly for the past 4 years so don't look at the first game as a measurement for the season. It's a new offense and defense they are using.
Also, who else are you going to hire....how some people forget where the MD football program was before the Fridge. I'm not saying they should win more games but sometimes people forget what happen before the Fridge's arrival!!
Posted by: Adrian | September 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Report abuse
I never reallt ctitize my terps however if fridgen continues to carry a grudge agaimist Chris Turner then he needs to go!! We will see if he allows chris and the offensive to open it up !!
His ego will kill our terps and i think debbie knows this fact.
Fridgen this is a business so treat it like it is!!
WiN WITH ACTUAL ON THE FEILD PERFORMANCE NOT YOUR BS PRACTICE STATS!!!!!!!!!!!
Go terps
Posted by: Frank g loyal terp | September 5, 2008 4:06 PM | Report abuse
Final Score this coming Saturday:
Middle Tennessee State -- 37
Maryland -- 17
Maryland will finish the season with a 4-8 record (good for last place in the ACC - even behind Duke)
I am glad that Maryland is no longer recruiting Tavon Austin
Jelani Jenkins will not be attending Maryland - he will sign with the University of Florida.
Posted by: gary | September 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Report abuse
To Gary,
How much do you want to put on MTSU? I will take that action. Must be a VT fan, Go back to your Hokie board and cry about ECU.
To get rid of Fridge, Debbie would have to fight with a lot of alumni & donors that don't want to see him go.
Posted by: Dean | September 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Report abuse
When one QB excels in practice but stinks during the game (Steffy) and the other stinks in practice but does better in the game (Turner), it makes me wonder exactly what are they practicing.
Posted by: TerpFanMA | September 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Report abuse
the fridge shouldnt even have a job. lance ball and keon lattimore alone should have been good for a 9 win season in the weak acc.
Posted by: mike | September 5, 2008 5:22 PM | Report abuse
People around here forget the state of UM Football before Ralph arrived. Instead of whining about how many millions they pour into UM, be thankful that we are not where we were just 10 years ago.
Posted by: athomas74 | September 5, 2008 7:06 PM | Report abuse
Ralph is a great coach, one of the masters of the game. Soon you all will see this offense explode!
Posted by: Danterp | September 5, 2008 9:44 PM | Report abuse
2003 was the last good year under Friedgen winning the Gator Bowl
2004 no bowl 3-5 in ACC and beat some patsies to inflate record
2005 no bowl 3-5 ACC again and beat some patsies to inflate record
2006 good year won the "Champs Bowl" and 5-3 in ACC
2007 mediocre lost to Oregon State in the "Emerald Bowl" and was a miserable 3-5 in ACC
The best players in the DC/Baltimore region for the most part sign elsewhere.
I think Bobby Ross did pretty well at MD. I hope i'm wrong but I believe it's time for a change
Posted by: nativedc | September 5, 2008 10:06 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
Terps can stretch the field, but may also depend on field conditions (rain, wet).
Expect "O" line to dominate, so running game should be in high gear.
Look for Chris to open it up, and try for some long passes, even though it is not typical in WCO. And lets see if he can find our TE.
Also, expect "D" to push around MTSU's young, inexperienced line. Maybe we blitz more and pressure the QB better than last week.
I think Terps win by 21.