Last year at this time, the Noles and Terrapins were only playing for pride. This year they're both 7-and-3 and squaring off to determine who wins the Atlantic Division. Our thanks to Matt at Turtlewaxing for giving us a better picture of the new, improved version of Maryland football.
What are the reasons for the Terps turnaround from last year's disappointing season?
A: I have to start with improved QB play. Chris Turner was a fine, if limited, starter last year but couldn't win games without a good offensive line and skill position players around him. Danny O'Brien seems to have a better feel for the game and a skill at making big plays. His ability to get the ball down field to Torrey Smith is a huge upgrade over Turner. The defense is playing better in Don Brown's second season. The ability to make some plays in the red zone and force turnovers is a significant difference from last year as well.
Still, a big difference is that the schedule has set up nicely for Maryland. Their ACC wins are against Duke, Wake Forest, Virginia and Boston College. That about says it all.
The Terrapins have a strong-armed QB in O'Brien and two productive RBs. Do they pass to set up the run, or vice-versa?
A: O'Brien is the key to the offense like most QBs in college. When he struggles to find open receivers the running game often fails to pick up the slack. When O'Brien is clicking he does a great of attacking a defense. He is more cerebral than athletic. His style reminds me of a Peyton Manning, though he is obviously far less gifted.
Maryland’s running game isn't very good. James Franklin (offensive coordinator) normally tries to mix it up with short passes and bubble screens to a WR. Against a fast and physical secondary at Miami they were unable to pull that off. While RB Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett are both capable the offensive line is a patchwork affair that isn't able to open many holes in the running game. Maryland doesn't abandon the run even if it isn't working but I think this is a better passing team than running team.
What kind of defensive scheme does Maryland's run?
A: They play a version of the 3-4 with an attacking style. They do play a lot of zone and the corners are not suited for press coverage. Normally Brown will come with linebackers (Adrian Moten) or safeties (Kenny Tate and Antwine Perez) on the blitz. The best lineman is Joe Vellano who has a decent pass rush for an interior lineman. The rest of the group is fairly unimpressive. Tate is probably the best all around defender while Perez has shown the ability to make a big play in pass defense. As a group they are vulnerable to quick offenses that try to spread them out.
Do Maryland players have extra motivation to win a division and ACC title for Coach Friedgen in what could be his final season?
A: I doubt the players have extra motivation to save Friedgen's job, his contract expires after the 2011 season. They are aware of the talk in the media but the heat has diminished under Friedgen at the moment. That could change depending on the outcome of the final two games.
Update: ESPN's Heather Dinich is reporting that Friedgen will be back in 2011.
Any injuries to key players that will keep them out of the game?
A: Maryland has two starting tackles out at the moment, and has been without them for most of the season, but there are no other major injuries to speak of for this week.
Comments? Questions? Kudos?