Maryland has some impressive wins this season, but some close losses. What happened against UNC and Virginia?
"In both those games the offense sputtered badly. Friedgen used a conservative game plan that almost assured that the opponent would be in the game at the end. Against Virginia the defense collapsed on the final drive. Against UNC the offense couldn't muster anything and had one of the most inept performances I've seen under Ralph Friedgen. The wrong plays were called, the wrong formations, delay of game penalties, backs running the wrong direction, it was almost comical."
QB Chris Turner seems to be getting better as the season goes on. What's the secret of his success?
"Given his lack of experience he is very poised. He'll still make
a mistake from time to time but he makes the right reads and often finds the open receiver. From my perspective it has as
much to do with the playcalling allowing him to go down field as anything else. He's much better when he's allowed to throw over the middle and down the sidelines. When Friedgen calls a slew
of screens and dump off passes it seems to get Turner out of rhythm."
How would you describe Friedgen's offense this year?
"It has been a run oriented offense for most of the year. Problem
is this isn't a great running team. The injuries have turned a good, but not great, running game into a really mediocre attack. The offense has opened up in only a couple of games, including last week against BC. The formations vary widely and run the gamut of two tight end to shotgun spread depending on down and distance. The passing game has been the weakest part of the offense but the running game often fails to get first downs in
the second half."
What are the key injuries that might effect the Terps this Saturday?
"Almost too many to list here. Linebacker Erin Henderson
won't practice all week but may try to go on Saturday, TE
Dan Gronkowski will likely return. Wideouts Danny Oquendo and LaQuan Williams are both out with knee injuries leaving freshmen and walkons in backup roles. Running back Keon Lattimore missed last week but returns Saturday, however Lance Ball is the starter. Many nagging injuries along the offensive line. Guard Andrew Crummey is probably a week or two away from being able to come back from a broken leg."
What's been Maryland's high point of the season so far?
What's been the low point?
"The low point would have to be the 31-24 loss to Wake Forest in
overtime. Leading 24-3 in the 3rd quarter the Terps gave up 27 straight points, including a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown. I turned off the radio broadcast (it wasn't televised here in the Washington area) after Riley Skinner was intercepted with about 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. A buddy called me up and just said "What happened?" in a voice that clearly indicated something unexpected and really bad had happened. Yeah, that isn't a good sign.
"The high point would have to be beating an overrated Rutgers team. At that point the bowl possibilities still seemed good and Maryland had only lost one conference game. Beating Boston College was nice but unless that can win another couple of games it will just be an odd footnote to a disappointing season."
For more on the Terps season, check out Matt's site.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?