Game 10: Maryland
Time: Thursday, Nov. 13.
Site: Byrd Stadium.
2002 record: 11-3, 6-2 ACC.
2002 result: Virginia 48, Maryland 13.
Coach: Ralph Friedgen (21-5, 2 years).
The Terrapins
Throw out a 48-13 loss to Virginia (and, boy, Maryland would love to do just that) and the Terrapins were the ACC’s most dominant team over the final three months of the season. After a 1-2 start, they won 10 of their final 11 games by an average of 27.7 points, including a 30-3 rout of Tennessee in the Peach Bowl. Mediocre for so long, Maryland is now a big-time program under the Big Man. Ralph Friedgen has won 21 of 26 games as head coach and may have his most talented team in his third season. Senior quarterback Scott McBrien gained command of Friedgen’s complex offense as last year progressed. Five of his top six receivers return, along with tailback Bruce Perry, the 2001 ACC offensive player of the year who was hampered by injuries last season. In all, 16 starters are back, including All-ACC kicker Nick Novak and Steve Suter, who returned four punts for touchdowns a year ago. The biggest loss is linebacker E.J. Henderson, but freshman Wesley Jefferson could help fill his shoes. An easy nonconference schedule (Northern Illinois, The Citadel, West Virginia and Eastern Michigan) should assure a third straight 10-win season for the Terps.
All-ACC Candidates
Offense: TB Bruce Perry, QB Scott McBrien, G C.J. Brooks, G Lamar Bryant, TE Jeff Dugan, K Nick Novak
Defense: DT Randy Starks, CB Domonique Foxworth, CB Curome Cox, S Madieu Williams, KR/PR Steve Suter
Notable
The NCAA put Maryland on probation for one year with no significant sanctions stemming from assistant coach Rod Sharpless’ cash payments to a prospective recruit … Sharpless was forced to resign, opening a spot for Friedgen to hire former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien … Maryland is one of five Division I-A teams to win at least 10 games each of the past two years. … There wasn’t much fourth-quarter excitement during Terrapin games last season. All but one were decided by at least 18 points.
