Terrapins Insider - The Washington Post's in-depth coverage of University of Maryland sports - November 9, 2008

How Florida State Figures In

If Florida State beats Boston College, then next week's game here at Byrd Stadium will determine the Atlantic Division champ. More later after I finish my game story ......

By Eric Prisbell | November 15, 2008; 8:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
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Jamari McCollough intercepted a last-ditch pass attempt by Cameron Sexton to seal the win with 35 seconds remaining. Maryland won, 17-15. Other good news for the Terps: Wake Forest lost. To North Carolina State. What a conference....

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 6:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
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Maryland Takes The Lead

Ok, so all those lead changes I told you to expect? Those, um, didn't happen. But with 1:42 remaining in the game, Obi Egekeze nailed a 27-yard field goal through the uprights to give Maryland the lead. The Terps ate...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 6:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Halftime Thoughts

The Terps trail, 15-14, at the break. The tailback tandem of Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett, as well as improved run blocking from the offensive line, has kept Maryland in the game. Scott has 76 yards on 16 carries, while...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 5:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Revived Running Game

The same Terps rushing attack that stumbled all over itself last week at Virginia Tech is pounding away at North Carolina today. Backup tailback Davin Meggett reeled off four consectutive runs totaling 36 yards. He scored from 1 yard out...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 4:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Lead Didn't Last Long

Fourty-six seconds to be exact. North Carolina quarterback Cameron Sexton rolled to his right and fired a pass over the out-stretched arms of Maryland defensive back Kenny Tate and into the hands of wideout Cooter Arnold, who raced into the...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 4:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Terps On The Board

After giving up a field goal, Maryland marched straight down the field -- aided by a lengthy gain on a pass interference call against the Tar Heels -- and scored on a three-yard Da'Rel Scott touchdown run. The drive burned...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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A Slippery Start

We're just over two minutes into the game and already, the wet field conditions are playing a role. Darrius Heyward-Bey slipped as he made a catch on the Terps first play from scrimmage. Not a big deal. Then long snapper...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 3:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Thoughts On The Frontcourt

As the rain continues to fall here at Byrd Stadium, I thought I'd chime in with some thoughts lingering from last night's men's basketball season opener. For those of you who saw or have read about the win over Bucknell,...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 2:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Here Comes the Rain

The rain has begun, and it is intense. There is a tornado watch in College Park. Thunderstorms throughout at least early evening. The teams are warming up right now. A few people in the stands. Stay tuned for some Maryland...

By Eric Prisbell | November 15, 2008; 2:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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VMI vs. Bucknell

I have received some feedback questioning a line in my game story that stated a Bucknell win over Maryland would have been more shocking of an upset than VMI beating Kentucky. My rationale was two-fold: 1) Kentucky did this last...

By Steve Yanda | November 15, 2008; 11:42 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Weather Update

Between 3 and 6 p.m., the College Park forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of showers, with some thunder and wind around 15 mph. That does not favor the fans. It may favor the Terrapins some. About four hours...

By Eric Prisbell | November 15, 2008; 8:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
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Terps Win Season Opener

Much like my Honda Civic, the Maryland's performance Friday night in its season opener against Bucknell was not pretty, but it will do. The Terps won convincingly, 81-52, but the final score in no way does justice to the offensive...

By Steve Yanda | November 14, 2008; 11:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Starting Lineup

As expected, Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne started for the Terps. Joining them were Cliff Tucker and Braxton Dupree. Milbourne, Tucker and Dupree were announced as forwards....

By Steve Yanda | November 14, 2008; 8:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Bench Talk

Greivis Vasquez held court in front of about a dozen media members yesterday at Comcast Center and among the many interesting things he had to say was a brief mention of the capabalities of Maryland's bench this season. "Our bench...

By Steve Yanda | November 14, 2008; 3:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Season Opener for Maryland Women Tonight

The Maryland women open tonight at TCU (6:30 p.m.), but how many of you will be able to see it? The game is being broadcast on the Mountain Network, which is Channel 616 for those who have DirecTV. I don't,...

By Camille Powell | November 14, 2008; 2:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Women's basketball
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Bowl President's Take on Wild ACC

I talked to Peach Bowl President Gary Stoken today about the topsy-turvy ACC. Stokan has the same feeling as many fans, players and coaches. There’s not a national title contender, or really even close to one, among the league’s 12...

By Eric Prisbell | November 14, 2008; 2:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Paulsen's Thoughts On Facing The Terps

Bucknell Coach Dave Paulsen didn't sound to encouraged at the thought of matching up against Maryland on Friday night. When asked what advantages he thought his squad might have over the Terps, Paulsen responded bluntly. "I don’t know if anything...

By Steve Yanda | November 14, 2008; 12:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Men's basketball
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All Butch All the Time

A lot of Butch Davis stories today: The Sporting News argues that Davis is national coach of the year at this point. Would UNC be able to match Tennessee in dollars? The Raleigh News & Observer tackles The Question. Davis...

By Eric Prisbell | November 14, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The Official Prediction Thread

I have been really torn over this toss-up game. I know how well Maryland plays against ranked opponents, plays against any team at home and plays in afternoon games this season. But the more I examined Carolina’s team, the more...

By Eric Prisbell | November 14, 2008; 10:07 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
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Secondary Concerns

I wrote a story about the defensive line changes, which should be put on the Web later this morning. But Ralph Friedgen suggested last night, as I posted last night, that there might be a bigger problem. Maryland could be...

By Eric Prisbell | November 14, 2008; 8:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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A Note On Flannery

For those of you who are interested, here's an idea of how former Bucknell Coach Pat Flannery is spending his free time now that he doesn't have to worry about recruiting or game planning or sideline pacing. The guy had...

By Steve Yanda | November 14, 2008; 8:34 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Want to Watch Practice Today?

If you are a student, you can watch Maryland's walkthrough today. All you need is a student ID, a current student ID. Practice starts at 3:15. It will either be at Byrd Stadium or the practice field. This is an...

By Eric Prisbell | November 14, 2008; 7:36 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Terps Full Injury Report

Maryland Injury Report – 11-11-08 (UNC game) Out for Season: Kevin Barnes (shoulder) Tyler Bowen (leg) Kevin Dorsey (foot) Dominique Herald (knee) Paul Lariviere (knee) Ben Pooler (knee) Richard Taylor (knee) Joe Vellano (shoulder) Out: Louis Berman (leg) Kyle...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 10:36 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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New Look Terps?

Traditionally, Gary Williams teams run offenses that start from the inside and work their way out to the perimeter, but with the makeup of this year's squad, that might not be the best way to go. Tomorrow night, the Terps...

By Steve Yanda | November 13, 2008; 10:09 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Carroll Hurting

This could be pretty meaningful for Saturday's game. Cornerback Nolan Carroll's ankle has been bothering him. Ralph Friedgen said he his "gimpy" and his status is up in the air. The Terps are pretty thin at corner, and not having...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 7:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Jordan Williams Signs With Terps

Maryland just announced via a press release that Jordan Williams, a 6-foot-10, 245-pound center from Torrington (Conn.) High School has signed a letter of intent to play for the Terps. "At 6-10, Jordan is one of those rare players who...

By Steve Yanda | November 13, 2008; 3:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Vasquez, Mosley To Play

Maryland Coach Gary Williams just confirmed at a media availability today at Comcast Center that Greivis Vasquez and Sean Mosley both will play tomorrow night in the team's season opener against Bucknell. Vasquez sat out last Saturday's exhibition game against...

By Steve Yanda | November 13, 2008; 3:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Scouting Bucknell

Following a season in which Bucknell lost 19 games – its most in 26 years – Coach Pat Flannery retired after 14 years at the helm. The Bison hired Dave Paulsen to take Flannery’s place, and Paulsen said in a...

By Steve Yanda | November 13, 2008; 3:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Friedgen on Defensive Changes

I am writing about the changes on Maryland’s defensive line in Saturday’s paper (it should be on the Web on Friday). But here is some of what Ralph Friedgen said about the changes that he hopes will yield better results...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 1:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Sixteen Points Won't be Enough

Like I have said before – in this blog, in the newspaper, on the radio, on TV – this game is close to being a toss-up because Maryland plays well at home, plays well against better competition and usually bounces...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 12:18 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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A Tougher Look in Practice

For the first time Ralph Friedgen can remember, he finished practice last night with “ones against ones” for 12 plays. He felt that his scout team was getting worn down toward the end of practice, which meant his first-teamers were...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 11:08 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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No Changes On Offensive Line

All the talk this week has been about the changes on the defensive line (Jeremy Navarre goes to end, Travis Ivey will start at tackle and Dion Armstrong will start at nose tackle). But the offensive line was a significant...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 10:06 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Terps Good at Rebounding

Maryland may suffer setbacks from time to time, but the Terrapins are nothing if not resilient. After the last five regular season losses, dating back to last season, Maryland has answered with a victory. It is easier to beat these...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 9:04 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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A Year Later, Different Teams

Maryland did not display its finest offensive effort in last season’s 16-13 loss at North Carolina. The Terrapins had more first downs than the Tar Heels (18-15), but they trailed 16-3 after North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates hooked up with...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 8:02 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Drummond Gets His Shot

Expect redshirt freshman Derek Drummond to get his first look at linebacker now that Rick Costa is suspended for the foreseeable future. Ralph Friedgen said he thinks the 6-3, 232-pound Drummond will play about 15-20 plays Saturday against North Carolina,...

By Eric Prisbell | November 13, 2008; 7:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Time Keeps on Ticking Away

What do Southern Methodist, Oregon and San Diego State have in common? They are the only teams in the country that rank worse than Maryland nationally in time of possession. Now, we know part of the reason for this, and...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 2:46 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Wanna Bet? Vegas's Take on the Terps

Over at the esteemed DC SportsBog, our colleague Dan Steinberg, on the eve of the unveiling of the preseason Atlantic 11 poll, takes a look at what Las Vegas oddsmakers are saying about our local college basketball programs. You could...

By Matthew Rennie | November 12, 2008; 1:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Men's basketball
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More Three-Point Struggles

I’m keeping a close eye on three-point shooting early in the college basketball season, and I’ll post some thoughts here until we get our new college basketball blog/bracketology site up and running in the near future. Yes, it’s only one...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 12:02 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Men's basketball
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A Look at the Tar Heels

Saturday’s game, like most any other ACC game, would appear to be a toss-up. North Carolina is a slight favorite, but Maryland is in a virtual must-win situation (or close to it) at home. Here are some tidbits about the...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 11:19 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Plenty of Poison Pens Out There for Terps

Not a lot of love out there for Gary Williams' bunch among the college basketball season previews. I don't think anyone has tremendously high expectations for this season's team, but that doesn't explain the level of vitriol in some of...

By Matthew Rennie | November 12, 2008; 9:59 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Men's basketball
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More on Costa

It remains to be seen how Rick Costa's suspension affects Maryland on the defensive side Saturday against North Carolina. He was second on the team in tackles for loss and sacks, and he split time with Trey Covington at the...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 8:43 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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The Defensive Adjustments

In conference games, Maryland ranks 10th in total defense and dead last in the ACC in rushing defense, and last by a significant margin. So changes are expected to be seen this Saturday. Mack Frost, who has not been 100...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 7:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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The Best Team Maryland Has Played

We are nine games into an unpredictable Maryland season. We have seen nine opponents from a variety of conferences. What was the best team Maryland has played so far? The best overall team. I asked this question to center Edwin...

By Eric Prisbell | November 12, 2008; 6:47 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Back From the Brink ...

Hey, everyone, sorry about the lack of posts in the afternoon, but I was scrambling around in various agitated livid states of mind after some folks got a hold of my credit cards and went on huge shopping sprees at...

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 9:33 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Terps' Costa Suspended Indefinitely

Just heard from Prisbell that linebacker Rick Costa, who has started twice and played in all nine of the Terps' games this season, has been suspended indefinitely because of an off-campus incident. Costa is second on the team in sacks...

By Matthew Rennie | November 11, 2008; 1:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
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Which Bowl Catches Your Eye?

With three games left, all options are on the table for Maryland in terms of bowl possibilities. The Terps can probably wind up in any one of nine bowl games, so there is not much narrowing down at this point....

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 12:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
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Tar Heels Praising Terps

Maybe North Carolina players have not seen all the Maryland games we have seen. Or maybe they have some early holiday cheer and don't want to insult the Terps defense a few days before their visit to Byrd Stadium. Whatever...

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 11:08 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
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Beyond the Arc

So the college hoops season opened last night, not a moment too soon, and few could make a shot beyond the new three-point line at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke (3 of 11) and Presbyterian (3 of 17) both struggled behind...

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 10:02 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Men's basketball
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Football-Basketball: Which Side Are You On?

This column in the Winston-Salem Journal doesn't tell tell us a lot that Prisbell hasn't already written, but there are two observations I thought were pretty illustrative: (1) the BCS race actually has more clarity than the ACC race right...

By Matthew Rennie | November 11, 2008; 8:50 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Football , Men's basketball
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More on Butch, and Others

No one at North Carolina is saying much on the record about the speculation that links Tar Heels Coach Butch Davis to Tennessee as one of the leading candidates. And Jon Gruden, once a grad assistant at Tennessee, says he's...

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 7:49 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
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The Unlikeliest Outcomes

Just how unlikely was Middle Tennessee’s victory over Maryland two months ago? Kenneth Massey, whose computer formula is used in the BCS rankings, tabulates least likely results in all levels of play – Division I-A, I-AA, II or III or...

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 6:49 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Terps Go Prime Time

The Nov. 22 matchup between Maryland and Florida State will kickoff at 7:45 p.m. and be televised on ESPN. I'm not too surprised by this. The game could decide the division. Maryland is 0-3 at night this season. This will...

By Eric Prisbell | November 10, 2008; 11:32 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)
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Where They Stand Nationally

Here are some national rankings that jump out: North Carolina Total offense: 92 Scoring offense: 38 Pass efficiency defense: 24 Scoring defense: 21 Turnover margin: 4 Sacks: T-82 Maryland Scoring offense: 84 Rushing defense: 74 Scoring defense: 31 Net punting:...

By Eric Prisbell | November 10, 2008; 10:36 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
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Network News

Terrapins Insider: November 9, 2008 - November 15, 2008