Tom O'Brien Fears the Turtle

Because it's the nature of football coaches to inflate their next opponents into some modern-day version of the late-'70s Steelers, I thought it might be worthwhile to hear someone flattering the Terps for a change. So here's N.C. State Coach Tom O'Brien flattering the Terps some yesterday. If you're interested in the nitty-gritty of the Wolfpack, you can read the complete interview here.

Here are some highlights.

On the Terps in general:
"They are awful good at home, and that is where they have been their best. I think when you look at Maryland, they've got 19 seniors on their two-deep... 13 of them are three-year lettermen.

"They've got a lot of experience. The offensive line, on tape, it looks as good as any we've played... better than South Florida. The quarterback is No. 1 in the conference in passing efficiency because nobody touches him.

"He stands back there, and he has three really good receivers. He has a great receiver in Hayward-Bey, and he's got two really, really good receivers in Oquendo and the other kid from Bergen Catholic that is playing.

"They've got a lot of experience. It is a senior-dominated football team with a quarterback that is playing at a high level."

On Maryland's passing attack:
"As I said, [Wake Forest] couldn't touch the quarterback. He had all kind of time back there to pick out who he wanted to throw to. Maryland has three exceptional receivers. Heyward-Bey, everybody is talking about him being a first day or first-round draft choice, but the other two kids are really good too. Williams is the other kid's name."