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Terps

Maryland-ECU in Military Bowl: Pre-Game Notes

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Turtle Power live chat for Military Bowl coverage live from RFK Stadium*** WASHINGTON — With the chaotic circumstances surrounding the Maryland football program over the last two weeks, Ralph Friedgen will coach his final game as Terrapins head coach against East Carolina in the Military Bowl this afternoon at RFK Stadium. In what’s certain to be an emotional atmosphere, the Terps, however, will be without four players due to academic reasons. Defensive end Drew Gloster, receivers Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler, and guard Pete White are ineligible to play against the Pirates. There should be no shortage of points this afternoon (2:30, ESPN) as East Carolina averages 38.2 points per game (12th in the nation) while Maryland has scored 30.7 points per contest (41st). Of course, the difference will show defensively as the Pirates surrender 43.4 points per game (118th in the nation) while Don Brown’s unit surrenders a respectable 22.3 (37th). Two talented quarterbacks will be on display as Maryland’s Danny O’Brien (21 touchdowns) has had a sensational freshman season, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors, to lead the Terps to a six-game improvement from last year’s disastrous 2-10 season. ECU quarterback Dominique Davis

Ravens CB Wilson discusses Friedgen firing and Terps football

Luke Jones

The abrupt firing of Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen has garnered plenty of negative reaction from those connected to the program on a variety of levels. So it was surprising to hear Ravens cornerback and former Terrapin Josh Wilson’s comments supporting the decision to remove the man with whom he shares a special bond and even invited — along with Friedgen’s wife Gloria — to his wedding. “Whatever the decision is that [athletic director Kevin Anderson and the university] made, I think they made it in the best interest of Maryland football,” Wilson said. “Whenever they make a decision like that, they’re looking out for the future and what’s best for the team. If they felt that was the best thing to do, then so be it and I support them.” Wilson’s bond with Friedgen runs much deeper than his four years in College Park from 2003 to 2006. Working as a graduate assistant at Maryland in the early 1970s, Friedgen briefly coached Wilson’s father Tim, who went on to play eight years as a fullback in the NFL. Tim passed away due to a heart attack in 1996 when his son was only 11 years old, but Josh would

Terps flatten NJIT as Howard steps into starting role

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Rarely has the focus of Maryland athletics been solely on football so late in December during Gary Williams’ 22-year tenure in College Park, but the drastic changes of the last week would overshadow any top basketball program. The lack of buzz is also due in part to the utter mystery surrounding Gary Williams’ young team as it plays out a string of three nondescript games before traveling to Durham to face Duke on January 9. The Terps have competed well with top-25 teams, but they haven’t beaten any either. Through the season’s first dozen games, Williams continues to search for the right combination in the backcourt to complement the dominating inside presence of sophomore Jordan Williams. Returning to the hardwood Wednesday night after a nine-day layoff, the Terps cruised to a 89-50 victory over lowly NJIT that highlighted the shortcomings of the Highlanders more than any real potential of this Maryland team. In the final 3:54 of the first half, Maryland used a 20-1 run to turn a comfortable 16-point lead into a comical 53-18 halftime deficit. However, the significant story to come from the blowout victory was a new lineup sent out by Gary Williams

Ralph Friedgen following Franklin out the door at Maryland?

Luke Jones

On the same day former offensive coordinator James Franklin officially became the head coach at Vanderbilt, an even bigger bombshell is brewing in College Park. Comcast SportsNet’s Chick Hernandez is reporting the University of Maryland has asked Ralph Friedgen to accept a buyout of the final year of his contract, potentially ending his 10-year run as head coach of the Terps. New athletic director Kevin Anderson previously stated last month that Friedgen would return to coach in 2011, but the departure of Franklin — previously the coach-in-waiting and Maryland’s top recruiter — may have accelerated his desire to make a new mark on a program that’s struggled in recent years despite a successful 8-4 campaign this season. Friedgen was named the 2010 ACC Coach of the Year following a six-game turnaround from a year ago. In a teleconference regarding Franklin’s exit on Friday afternoon, Anderson would not confirm Friedgen’s return in 2011. The athletic director also said he did not make a counteroffer to persuade Franklin to remain with the Terps, adding fuel to the speculative fire that he’s aiming to clean house. Maryland will play East Carolina in the Military Bowl on December 29 in a game now looking

Franklin’s departure significant to future of Maryland football

Luke Jones

The report of offensive coordinator James Franklin accepting an offer to become the head coach at Vanderbilt provides conflicting feelings if you’re a supporter of Maryland football. On one hand, the coach-in-waiting was the program’s heavyweight recruiter, a charismatic 38-year-old who can make the connections with young football players that current head coach Ralph Friedgen cannot at the age of 63. Franklin was entrusted to revitalize recruiting after the program plateaued — or regressed — in recent years after Friedgen’s success at the beginning of his 10-season tenure. Following a 2-10 season in 2009 when it looked like the futures of both Friedgen and Franklin were in doubt, it was redshirt freshman Danny O’Brien — heavily recruited out of Kernersville, N.C. by the offensive coordinator — who stabilized the quarterback position and led the Terps to an improbable 8-4 season and trip to the Military Bowl against East Carolina on December 29. It likely saved the jobs of both men as new athletic director Kevin Anderson was settling into the job formerly held by Debbie Yow, who orchestrated the coach-in-waiting agreement nearly two years ago. And here is where feelings begin to conflict regarding Franklin’s departure for the Commodores and

Maryland collapses late in 79-75 loss to Boston College

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The scowl on the face of Gary Williams said it all as the Maryland coach walked off the Comcast Center floor moments after the final buzzer. In his mind, this was one that got away from the Terps. The Terps and Boston College went toe-to-toe for 38 minutes in an ACC opener that had the intensity of a late-February battle. Leading 75-72 with 2:44 to play, Maryland would not score again, missing free throws and taking ill-advised shots in a 79-75 loss to the Eagles. It was just the latest example of a close game in which the Terps couldn’t do enough to secure a victory against a quality opponent, dropping them to 7-4 and 0-1 in ACC play. The loss spoiled another sensational performance by sophomore Jordan Williams who scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, earning his ninth double-double of the season. “We missed a couple free throws, took a couple bad shots, and were not patient on offense,” Jordan Williams said. “We went away from what we wanted to do on offense when they took a three-point lead, and we didn’t execute well.” In the final 2:12 of the game, the Terps missed

LIVE!!! Terps host Boston College in ACC Opener: Turtle Power chat NOW!

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Turtle Power chat starting at 4:00 p.m. for Maryland-Boston College*** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — With finals week looming and the holidays just around the corner, the Maryland Terrapins (7-3) are focused on their Atlantic Coast Conference opener as they host the Boston College Eagles (7-2) at Comcast Center this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Maryland will not resume conference play until Jan. 9 when they travel to Durham to take on top-ranked Duke, but Gary Williams and the Terps desperately want to start the conference schedule on a positive note. After non-conference losses to Pitt, Illinois, and Temple, Maryland’s NCAA tournament hopes will largely depend on their fate in what looks to be a wide-open conference once you look past the dominant Blue Devils at the top. The Terps are fresh off a 99-56 victory over lowly UNC Greensboro on Wednesday night as four players scored in double figures. Jordan Williams led the way with 23 points and 13 rebounds, good for his eighth double-double of the season and fourth straight. Boston College is led by new coach Steve Donahue, who led Cornell to the Sweet 16 last March before agreeing to become the new coach of

T. Smith, O’Brien with record days in Maryland’s 38-31 win over NC State

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — On a day in which 16 seniors were honored in their final game at Byrd Stadium, it was a junior and freshman who stole the show for the Terps. Maryland crushed North Carolina State’s Atlantic Division title hopes behind four touchdown passes from Danny O’Brien to Torrey Smith in a record-breaking performance in a 38-31 victory Saturday night. O’Brien finished with a career-high 417 yards passing, the first 400-yard game by a Maryland quarterback since Scott Milanovich in 1993. The redshirt freshman finished the regular season having thrown 21 touchdown passes to just six interceptions. “I think we did a good job taking what they gave us,” O’Brien said. “Early on, we had the underneath stuff and then we made some plays downfield late. I think we wore them down a little bit. It was just a great team win.” O’Brien’s most impressive throw came in the third quarter when he rolled to his left — the more difficult direction from which to throw as a right-handed quarterback — and found a double-covered Torrey Smith in the end zone in what amounted to be a six-inch window to throw, according to the Maryland coach. “I see

LIVE!!! Maryland-NC State: Turtle Power chat NOW

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Turtle Power live chat starting at 3:30 p.m.*** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Despite being eliminated from the ACC Atlantic Division race last Saturday, the Maryland Terrapins (7-4, 4-3 ACC) have a spoiler role in mind as well as improving their postseason bowl status as they host North Carolina State (8-3, 5-2 ACC) in the regular season finale at 3:30 p.m. It remains to be seen how significant a victory would be in terms of an improved bowl destination, but the Terps can ruin the Wolfpack’s ACC title game hopes with a win, which would vault Florida State to a meeting with Virginia Tech next Saturday in Charlotte. Of course, with former athletic director Debbie Yow now holding the same position at NC State, this one has extra incentive for Ralph Friedgen and the Terrapins. The contest pits star quarterback Russell Wilson against Maryland’s freshman Danny O’Brien in a battle of two talented quarterbacks, albeit in some windy conditions at Byrd Stadium. If recent history tells us anything, we can expect this one to be a close one. Nine of the last 10 contests between Maryland and NC State (seven of them won by the Terps) have

Terps fall in heartbreaker to Florida State, 30-16

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The final score failed to tell just how competitive Maryland was against Florida State Saturday night. The Terps fell 30-16 to the Seminoles, ending their improbable dream of winning the Atlantic Division and advancing to the ACC championship game in two weeks. Maryland found itself in position to tie the game with under a minute left until Danny O’Brien threw a fourth-down interception at the 19 that was returned 96 yards by Nick Moody for a touchdown. Maryland played much of the night like a team fully expecting to win and looked like they could do it through the game’s first three quarters. Despite losing three offensive linemen to injuries — a unit already decimated this season — the Terps compiled 432 yards, including 163 on the ground against one of the better run defenses in the nation. And despite allowing long touchdowns of 70 and 44 yards, the defense held Florida State to just four conversions on 14 third-down plays. Misfortune also played a part in the fourth quarter when an O’Brien pass intercepted by Greg Reid appeared to hit the ground, but was upheld after official review. Even after the interception gave Florida State

Maryland-Florida State pre-game notes

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — With ramifications no one would have predicted back in September, the Maryland Terrapins (7-3, 4-2 ACC) prepare to take on the Florida State Seminoles (7-3, 5-2 ACC) in a “blackout” at Byrd Stadium with the Atlantic Division crown still hanging in the balance with two games remaining in the regular season. Fresh off Thursday’s announcement that Ralph Friedgen would return for his 11th season as Maryland coach next season, the Terps control their own destiny in the final two weeks, needing wins against the Seminoles and N.C. State next Saturday to grab the division title and advance to the ACC championship game in Charlotte on Dec. 4. Coming off a 2-10 season in which seemingly everything went wrong for the Terps, Maryland has already improved its win total by five games behind the surprising play of freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien, who has earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors four times. He ranks fourth in the ACC in passing efficiency (133.5) and fourth among FBS (Div. 1-A) freshmen. After turnovers plagued the Terps last season, they now possess an efficient offense that has turned the ball over a league-low eight times and rank 38th nationally in

A BLACKOUT Turtle Power chat: Maryland-FSU Saturday night at 8:00

Luke Jones

Despite a disappointing start to the weekend for Maryland basketball, the focal point of Terps Nation will be a raucous atmosphere at Byrd Stadium Saturday night with Ralph Friedgen’s surprising Terps (7-3, 4-2 ACC) hosting Florida State at 8:00 p.m. on ABC, and the Turtle Power live chat will be open for business at WNST.net. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj2wJTivzrc[/youtube] Athletic director Kevin Anderson announced Thursday that Friedgen will return for his 11th season as Maryland coach in 2011, and the head coach hopes to take another step toward the Terps’ first ACC title since 2001, his first year at the helm. Freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien (16 TD, 4 INT) has led the dramatic turnaround of a team picked to finish last in the Atlantic Division after a disastrous 2-10 season a year ago. Maryland controls its own destiny in the division with home games against the Seminoles and N.C. State to close the regular season. Should the Terps win both, they advance to the ACC Championship game on Dec. 4 at Bank of America Stadium — a place many of you will be visiting this weekend — in Charlotte. I’ll be reporting live from Byrd Stadium in College Park, so plan to join

Maryland again competitive, not good enough in 80-76 loss to Illinois

Luke Jones

Gary Williams wanted to find out where his Terps really were with two games at Madison Square Garden against stiff competition this week. The verdict for the Maryland coach was a competitive — and incomplete — team with room to grow as the season moves forward. The Terps struggled to defend the perimeter and couldn’t do enough in the second half, falling to Illinois, 80-76, in the consolation game of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Maryland continually allowed open looks to Demetri McCamey (2o points), Tyler Griffey (three 3-pointers), and D.J. Richardson (three 3-pointers), as the Illini shot 47.6 percent (10 of 21) from beyond the arc, and the Terps only 5-for-18 on the other end. Five Maryland players reached double-figure scoring, freshman Terrell Stoglin leading the way with 17 points, but forward Jordan Williams’ 15 second-half points weren’t enough as Maryland fell to 3-2 on the season. The final 11:28 of the first half was a victory in and of itself after Williams was stricken with two fouls and banished to the bench as the Terps trailed 20-16. Using a patchwork frontcourt that included Berend Weijs, James Padgett, Hauk Palsson, and a foul-troubled Dino Gregory, Maryland managed to maintain the

Terps crumble at FT line in 79-70 loss to No. 5 Pitt

Luke Jones

In the big picture, the Terps can actually feel pretty good about their showing against one of the best teams in the nation. But a 14-for-30 performance from the free throw line will only leave Maryland thinking what might have been in a 79-70 loss to Pittsburgh Thursday night in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Lacking the experience and size of No. 5 Pitt, Maryland hung tough in the second half despite a 21-4 Panthers run that saw the deficit grow to 42-29 less than three minutes into the second half. The Terps responded with a 17-4 run of their own to tie the game with 12:47 to play, but would get no closer, dropping their first game of the season. Senior Cliff Tucker led all scorers with 17 points, once again looking like the Terps’ only viable option from the perimeter. Sophomore Jordan Williams added 14 points and nine rebounds, but wore down against an imposing frontcourt that outrebounded Maryland by a whopping 43 to 23 margin. Newcomers Pe’Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin, who had been bright spots in the opening week of the season against less-than-stellar competition, looked very much like two

Friedgen returning for 11th season as Terps coach

Luke Jones

In a season many thought would be his last in College Park, Ralph Friedgen has led the Terps to a surprising 7-3 record and the precipice of the Atlantic Division crown with wins in their final two games. And that was good enough for new athletic director Kevin Anderson. In a statement released by the University of Maryland Thursday, Anderson announced Friedgen would return for his 11th season as Terrapins coach in 2011. “Based largely on the improved performance of our team and student-athletes this season, Coach Friedgen will be our head football coach next year,” Anderson said. “Once this season is complete, [Friedgen] and I will sit down to discuss the current state and future of the program. Right now, the team’s focus will be on winning the 2010 ACC Championship and a bowl game, which our coaching staff and student-athletes have put themselves in position to do. We hope our fans, students, and alums will come out and support us in the effort.” The near $2 million owed to Friedgen in the final year of his contract played a major part in the decision, as the school has made no secret about the program’s financial programs with unsold

A Turtle Power weekend ahead at WNST.net

Luke Jones

With three buses of Ravens fans flocking to Charlotte this weekend on the Miller Lite Purple Football Roadtrip (check out our Purple Pep Rallies if you’re making the trip), it’s easy to overlook a huge upcoming weekend for Maryland basketball and football. Tonight, Gary Williams’ Terrapins arrive at the Mecca of Basketball, otherwise known as Madison Square Garden, for the championship rounds of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. After winning their first three games against undistinguished competition, the new-look Terps face a major test against No. 5 Pittsburgh. Sophomore center Jordan Williams is off to a sensational start (averaging 21.0 points and 13.7 rebounds per game) and will need another big night for the underdog Terps to knock off the Panthers. The game can be seen at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2, so we’ll have the Turtle Power live chat open at WNST.net to discuss the happenings from the Garden. The winner faces the victor of Illinois/Texas in the Championship Game Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. while the losers face off in the Consolation Game at 5:00 p.m. (both games airing on ESPN2). Regardless of the Terps’ fate against the Panthers, the Turtle Power chat will be open

Maryland mauls Maine, looks ahead to Madison Square Garden

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Resisting the urge to peek toward two big games at Madison Square Garden later this week, the Terrapins used a strong first-half finish to blow out Maine, 89-59, and move their record to 3-0 through the first week of the season. Jordan Williams continued his early domination, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double to begin the season, and senior guard Cliff Tucker scored 16 points in the first half to pace a 23-6 run that put Maryland ahead by 23 points at intermission. Having played at Utah Valley on Friday night, the Black Bears were playing their second road game in less than 48 hours, committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 32.7 percent from the field in a sluggish performance against the athletic Terrapins. “The big thing today is that I thought we executed a little better in the half court, which we were looking for,” Gary Williams said. “But nobody is where they want to be Nov. 14th, you have to keep improving. If you can’t play in March, then it doesn’t matter.” The Terps’ performance from the free-throw line was an encouraging sign for the Terps in the

Maryland hosts Maine: Turtle Power live chat at 2:00!

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Turtle Power chat starting at 2:00 p.m.*** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Fresh off two wins in the College Park Regional of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, the Maryland Terrapins take a break from the preseason tournament (which resumes Thursday at Madison Square Garden) to host the Maine Black Bears (1-0) of the America East Conference this afternoon. After trailing much of the game to the College of Charleston Wednesday night, the Terps pulled it out in the closing seconds as freshman Pe’Shon Howard hit a fadeaway jumper with 4.6 seconds left to give Maryland a closer-than-expected 75-74 victory. Gary Williams and the Terps will have to fight the temptation to look ahead to this week’s trip to New York City and a meeting with Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Maine was picked as the America East favorite by the Sporting News and comes off a 19-win season last year, which included a victory over Boston College in Chestnut Hill. This afternoon’s game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet with Steve Buckhantz and Ron Thompson calling the action. As we do for every Terps game, we’ll have the Turtle Power chat open for discussion, as

Freshman Howard saves day for Terps in last-second 75-74 win over College of Charleston

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Gary Williams had to be having flashbacks for much of the second half Wednesday night. Maryland hadn’t played the College of Charleston since 1997, a disappointing first-round upset that sent senior — and current assistant coach — Keith Booth and the Terps home early in the NCAA Tournament. Current freshman Pe’Shon Howard was only six years old at the time, but his game-winning shot with 4.6 seconds left prevented lightning from striking twice in a thrilling 75-74 win over the Cougars. The point guard scored 14 points and handed out four assists on the night, but no shot was bigger than the falling-away jumper he took after Charleston double-teamed center Jordan Williams in the closing seconds. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvZFbTDL_uI[/youtube] “I knew I took care of the ball [on the last possession], so I know I got a good shot,” Howard said. “And I’m just glad it went in.” Though a November loss for an inexperienced team would not have had the same crushing impact as that defeat in mid-March 13 years ago, it’s never good losing to a non-conference opponent on your home floor. Just ask the Terps, who have fallen victim several times in recent seasons, including

New-look Terps have room to grow after season-opening win over Seattle

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — If a season-opening 105-76 win Monday night is any indication, the Maryland Terrapins will be an exciting and, at times, frustrating team to watch in the early stages of the 2010-2011 season. In a sloppy game featuring 56 turnovers and 51 fouls between the teams, Maryland showed superior athleticism to an outmatched Seattle team, yet struggled against the Redhawks’ press, committing 29 turnovers. A 14-2 run put the game out of reach midway through the second half after Seattle had shaved the lead to 66-56 with 11:56 remaining. The Terps shot 80.5 percent from the foul line (33 for 41) in response to 31 fouls by the Redhawks. “We saw some things that we need to work on,” said coach Gary Williams. “We can be a very good defensive team. We are very quick and have the size; we just have to keep working. It’s not one of those things that will change tomorrow. We just have to get a little better every time we go out there.” The Terps were led by their only returning starters Sean Mosley (21 points) and Jordan Williams (17 points and 15 rebounds), who will be relied upon most heavily

Maryland tips off season against Seattle: Turtle Power chat at 8

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Turtle Power chat at 8:00 for live coverage from College Park!** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Good evening from Comcast Center as the Terps are set to tip off the 2010-2011 season by hosting independent Seattle University in the College Park Regional of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Maryland will also host the College of Charleston on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. The Terps dominated Div. II Florida Southern in a 106-58 exhibition win last Monday. Seven players scored at least eight points for the Terps, and eight grabbed at least five rebounds in the lone preseason game of the season. Of course, the Terps will try to replace the massive scoring hole left behind by the departing senior trio of Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne. Seniors Adrian Bowie, Cliff Tucker, and Dino Gregory will now join returning starters Sean Mosley and Jordan Williams in the starting lineup, but don’t sleep on a talented freshmen class that includes guards Pe’Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin who are both expected to be a part of the rotation — at least early in the season. While Seattle (17-14 last season) doesn’t pose much of a

Maryland lets one slip through fingers in 26-20 loss to Miami

Luke Jones

Opportunistic is a word we’ve used often to describe this year’s Terps, largely because we’re still trying to figure out just how good they really are after nine games. And there Maryland was again, only seconds away from an unlikely 20-18 victory at Sun Life Stadium over a Miami team that had thoroughly dominated the Terrapins in nearly every statistical category. It was setting up to be the biggest win in two years for a program trying to erase the memory of a 2-10 season a year ago. A defensive score, some favorable officiating, and two botched extra points by the Hurricanes appeared to be just enough for the Terps to steal a victory they really didn’t deserve. Unlike their win against Navy on Labor Day, however, the Terps defense couldn’t make a play to seal it as Miami quarterback Stephen Morris threw a 35-yard touchdown strike to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left, giving Miami a 26-20 victory and leaving the Terps (6-3, 3-2 ACC) wondering what had hit them. While the loss does little to hurt Maryland’s goal of winning the Atlantic Division and playing in the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville (the Terps still control their own

Terps run Moccasins out of building in 106-58 win

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — An exhibition blowout victory over a Div. II school won’t exactly tell you how Maryland will fare this season, but it can’t be ignored completely. The 106-58 victory against little Florida Southern wasn’t even as close as the final score indicated, as the athletic Terps ran them out of the building (26 fast-break points to 0) and pushed the ball inside (66 points in the paint) from the opening tip and never looked back. Surprisingly, Florida Southern played competively with national runner-up Butler in a 90-70 loss on Saturday, but that’s probably more an indictment of the Bulldogs than a compliment to the Div. II power. After losing 55 percent of their point production from a season ago — and their top three scorers — the Terps figure to be an interesting team with returning role players needing to do more and six newcomers hoping to break into the rotation. If Monday night told us anything, what the Terps lack in established senior leadership and perimeter shooting might be made up for with the most athletic team coach Gary Williams has enjoyed in years. This bodes well for the press-style defense Williams likes to employ, leading

Terps quarterback O’Brien playing well beyond years

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — If you glanced up at the scoreboard Saturday evening, you might have wondered how Ralph Friedgen and the Terps managed to schedule Morgan State for a second time this season. Maryland (6-2, 3-1 ACC) dominated all facets of the game in a 62-14 victory over a Wake Forest team (2-6, 1-4 ACC) that looked more like an FCS school than an ACC rival. The win makes the Terps bowl-eligible for the first time since 2008 — and after the first 10-loss season in the history of the program. A soft schedule makes it difficult to figure out how improved the Terps really are — though a 48-point victory over a conference opponent will raise a few eyebrows at least — but the next four weeks will provide a clearer picture with the Terps taking on two teams currently ranked in the Top 25. We have to acknowledge the Terps, at the very least, are winning all the games they’re supposed to, a concept Maryland has struggled with in recent seasons. Special teams play and and a emphasis on taking better care of the football have been major factors in the turnaround, but there’s no questioning one

Local hoops product Nick Faust commits to Maryland

Luke Jones

Gary Williams wasn’t letting this one get away. Baltimore City College shooting guard Nick Faust has committed to the University of Maryland, a significant feat for a program that’s struggled to attract local talent in recent seasons. Williams, entering his 22nd season as Maryland’s coach, has been criticized for his inability to attract blue-chip recruits from the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, often losing out to Big East powers Connecticut and Syracuse on the local recruiting scene. Faust is considered the 25th overall talent and ninth-best shooting guard in the 2011-12 recruiting class, according to ESPN. The 6-foot-5, 175-pound senior announced his choice Thursday on ESPNU. (Photo courtesy of theshiver.com) The four-star recruit had reportedly narrowed his choices to the Terps, Villanova, and Florida State in recent weeks before momentum began building for his desire to play in College Park. The offseason hiring of assistant coach Bino Ranson is considered to be a major factor in persuading Faust to stay home for school. Faust is the highest-ranked recruit to come to Maryland since Mike Jones in 2003-2004. At the time, Jones was considered the second-rated shooting guard recruit in the nation– behind LeBron James, who went first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft — but never

Terps hold on for ugly 24-21 win at Boston College

Luke Jones

Having not won a road game in over two years, the Terrapins would take a victory any way they could get it entering Saturday’s meeting with Boston College in Chestnut Hill. The Terps certainly didn’t make it easy on themselves, squandering a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and needing a fourth-down stop of Boston College running back Montel Harris with 1:13 remaining to preserve a 24-21 victory, snapping a 10-game road losing streak. Maryland (5-2, 2-1 ACC) used an opportunistic 21-point first half and a patchwork offensive line to do just enough against a Boston College team that has now lost five straight games. A pair of unlikely heroes were the difference as safety Antwine Perez secured three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble recovery — that led to 14 points for a Maryland offense that managed just 222 yards for the afternoon. The other story was center Paul Pinegar shifting to right tackle — due to the horrific accident suffered by starter Pete DeSouza late Thursday night — and helping stabilize an already porous offensive line. The unit protected quarterback Danny O’Brien against a stout Eagles defense, allowing the redshirt freshman to toss three touchdown passes to

Special teams gaffes doom Terps in 31-7 loss to Clemson

Luke Jones

Despite an encouraging 4-1 start and an opportunity to end a nine-game road losing streak against a struggling team on Saturday, we didn’t know how improved the Maryland Terrapins really were in comparison to last season’s 2-10 squad. A soft schedule — with only a victory over Navy passing as a respectable feat — caused most to wait and see how well Ralph Friedgen’s team would play during a trip to Death Valley to take on the Clemson Tigers, the last place they had won on the road in over two years. And despite a hostile environment at Memorial Stadium, it looked like a win for the taking with the Tigers having lost three in a row. But if the ugly 31-7 loss was any indication, the Terps are far more similar to last year’s team than any of us had hoped. Despite looking like the better football team midway through the second quarter and outgaining the Tigers by 137 yards for the game, the Terps did exactly what we saw countless times in 2009. Shot themselves in the foot. Repeatedly. It started with special teams. The facet of the game that invigorates your football team as quickly as it

Maryland-Clemson: Turtle Power chat at noon

Luke Jones

Fresh off their bye week, the Terps travel to Clemson on Saturday afternoon with their sights set on improving to 5-1. The Tigers (2-3, 0-2 ACC) have lost three straight and are desperate to extract revenge against a Maryland team that stunned them, 24-21, in College Park last season, the Terps’ only conference win of 2009. Clemson has lost its first two conference games against Miami and North Carolina. Coach Ralph Friedgen has not named a starting quarterback for today’s matchup in Death Valley, a good indication that both Danny O’Brien and Jamarr Robinson will see time under center. Robinson’s injured shoulder is again healthy after the bye, but O’Brien has played well in his absence. We will see if Maryland can improve to 2-0 in the ACC and make a convincing argument that their current 4-1 record is more an indicator of improvement than a product of a weak non-conference schedule. We’ll have the Turtle Power chat open at 12 p.m. to talk about the happenings in Clemson (the game airing on WJZ-TV 13 in Baltimore) as well as anything else on your mind. See you in the Turtle Power chat!

Questions abundant as Terps tip off practice at Maryland Madness

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The lavish, smoky spectacle of Maryland Madness tipping off is always full of surprises, from the over-the-top dancing to the unpredictable entrance of coach Gary Williams, this year as a fighter pilot right out of “Top Gun.” The event always provides conflicting feelings of optimism and uncertainty. The distinct absence of departing seniors and the premiere of freshman faces is an annual ritual in mid-October, but through all the smoke and pyro, Williams faces a much thicker cloud of questions this season. The graduation of ACC Player of the Year Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne leaves behind a 43.6-point hole in the offense and an even bigger void in leadership after guiding the Terps to a share of the ACC regular season championship. You just don’t replace one of the more decorated senior classes in the Gary Williams era without significant doubt and tempered expectations. “What we lose [in the three seniors] is guys who know how to play,” said Williams, beginning his 22nd season at Maryland. Of course, Williams is not starting from scratch, returning five players who averaged more than 14 minutes per game a year ago. Junior guard Sean Mosley (10.1

Maryland-Duke: Turtle Power chat LIVE NOW!!!

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Turtle Power chat starting at 6:00 p.m.!!!** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Duke Blue Devils strolling into College Park in early October may lack the buzz of a February matchup on the hardwood at Comcast Center, but Maryland is eager to kick off its conference schedule on a positive note while potentially doubling its win total from a year ago. Ralph Friedgen and the Terps are fresh off a high-scoring 42-28 victory over Florida International to conclude the non-conference portion of the schedule at 3-1. Redshirt freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien made quite the claim for the starting job after a two-touchdown, 250-yard performance in his first collegiate start. We await word whether O’Brien or junior Jamarr Robinson will get the nod against the Blue Devils this evening. While Maryland wrapped its non-conference slate with only one loss, David Cutcliffe’s Blue Devils (1-3, 0-1) only have a victory over Elon pinned against losses to Wake Forest, No. 1 Alabama, and Army in the first month of the season. Of course, Duke is playing with young quarterback Sean Renfree after Thaddeus Lewis finished an impressive career in Durham last season. In addition to playing their ACC opener, the

Maryland-Morgan State pre-game notes

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Hoping to build upon their 1-0 start after a 17-14 victory over Navy at M&T Bank Stadium on Labor Day, the Maryland Terrapins will host the Morgan State Bears at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The Terps (1-0) would figure to have few problems against Morgan, the local FCS school from the MEAC that won its opener behind the leg of kicker Kemar Scarlett, who booted four field goals in an unconventional 14-7 victory over Bowie State last Saturday. A difficult battle in Morgantown looms next Saturday for the Terps, so coach Ralph Friedgen clearly expects a crisp performance against the Bears. Despite rushing for 92 yards against the Midshipmen, quarterback Jamarr Robinson struggled in the passing game, completing just two passes for 11 yards despite having a talented group of wide receivers at his disposal. The game can only be seen on ESPN3.com (formerly ESPN360), so be sure to join us in the Turtle Power chat, as I’ll be coming to you live from Byrd Stadium in College Park. If you’ve ever joined our live chats at WNST.net, you know they’re the best way to watch the game other than being in the stadium! Check

Live from Owings Mills: Webb a “game-time decision,” Cousins expected to play against Jets

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With an opening night encounter against the New York Jets only two days away, the Baltimore Ravens took the practice field on Saturday for a final tuneup before Sunday’s walk-through and train ride to East Rutherford, N.J.. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was practicing again on Saturday and is listed as probable on the official game status report released Saturday afternoon. Coach John Harbaugh,  however, labeled the second-year corner a game-time decision, which often means a player will be listed as questionable on the final injury report. Even if Webb does play, Fabian Washington and Chris Carr are expected to start against the Jets, with Josh Wilson working as the third corner. “[Webb has] practiced 100 percent the whole week; he’s done everything,” Harbaugh said on Saturday. “We didn’t rule [him] out, and we haven’t said he was going to go. That’s kind of one we’re leaving up in the air for you.” The Ravens are at least making it sound like Webb might play after defensive coordinator Greg Mattison claimed the second-year corner was “a lot closer” to returning following Friday’s practice. As he has said repeatedly since returning to the practice field last month, Webb will

Live from Owings Mills: Webb a "game-time decision," Cousins expected to play against Jets

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With an opening night encounter against the New York Jets only two days away, the Baltimore Ravens took the practice field on Saturday for a final tuneup before Sunday’s walk-through and train ride to East Rutherford, N.J.. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was practicing again on Saturday and is listed as probable on the official game status report released Saturday afternoon. Coach John Harbaugh,  however, labeled the second-year corner a game-time decision, which often means a player will be listed as questionable on the final injury report. Even if Webb does play, Fabian Washington and Chris Carr are expected to start against the Jets, with Josh Wilson working as the third corner. “[Webb has] practiced 100 percent the whole week; he’s done everything,” Harbaugh said on Saturday. “We didn’t rule [him] out, and we haven’t said he was going to go. That’s kind of one we’re leaving up in the air for you.” The Ravens are at least making it sound like Webb might play after defensive coordinator Greg Mattison claimed the second-year corner was “a lot closer” to returning following Friday’s practice. As he has said repeatedly since returning to the practice field last month, Webb will

Maryland-Navy Notebook: Questions remain at quarterback

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The Terps will feel good about their 17-14 victory over the Naval Academy — Maryland’s first win since Oct. 3, 2009 — but a plethora of question marks remain for a team trying to rebound from a 2-10 season in 2009. Perhaps none looms larger than quarterback Jamarr Robinson, who rushed for 92 yards on 12 attempts but completed only two passes for 11 yards. Despite showing impressive speed, Robinson has yet to show enough consistency in the passing game to instill much confidence that the Terps can significantly improve after a disastrous 2009. In Monday’s victory over the Midshipmen, Robinson tossed an interception from the Navy 19-yard line as the Terps were threatening to add to a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. “I felt like I could have thrown the ball better,” Robinson said. “We struggled in the passing game, but we came away with the win and that is all that matters.’ Maryland’s plight at quarterback might not be as frustrating if not for the extensive depth it possesses at the wide receiver position. Junior Torrey Smith, a Biletnikoff Award candidate, touched the ball just three times for a total of 11 yards, as

Live from Westminster: Ravens honor military at McDaniel

Luke Jones

WESTMINSTER, Md. — With hundreds of military personnel on hand, the Ravens were back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the second preseason game against the Washington Redskins. Players such as defensive tackle Kelly Gregg (below) signed autographs for uniformed military and their families for nearly an hour following a practice that lasted over two hours in the sweltering heat. “It’s just a real special day,” coach John Harbaugh said. “We’re real proud of what all the personnel in the military all across the country and overseas has done for us. We just can’t thank them enough for their service, for the sacrifices the families make.” Offensive lineman David Hale was absent from practice with a “bruised” tailbone sustained after defensive tackle Haloti Ngata landed on top of him in a pass-rushing drill during Monday’s morning practice. The key reserve lineman has not yet undergone an MRI or CAT scan to determine whether the tailbone is fractured, according to Harbaugh. Concerns exist that it might be a long-term injury, a potential damaging blow given Hale’s versatility for an offensive line already dealing with the absence of Jared Gaither for the remainder of the preseason. “I really don’t

Live from Westminster: Gaither to miss 2-3 more weeks with back ‘tear’

Luke Jones

WESTMINSTER, Md. — What originally started as an innocent case of back cramps has transformed into a long-term concern for offensive tackle Jared Gaither and the Ravens. Gaither will miss another two to three weeks with what’s being described as a “small tear” in his back, according to coach John Harbaugh. The tear continues to cause the spasms Gaither has experienced since July 30 when he was carted off the field during the first afternoon practice for veteran players. “He’s got something in his back,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a very small tear. I don’t know the medical term for it. It’s not a serious thing, but it’s going to keep him out a couple weeks until it settles down.” After briefly returning to practice for four days after missing the first weekend of workouts in Westminster, Gaither has not practiced since August 5 and missed the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. Gaither has now seen at least two back specialists, including one in California who made the diagnosis earlier this week. “[Gaither’s] going to have to work as hard as he can,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll have to try to work it out. I wouldn’t hold my

Live from Westminster: Gaither to miss 2-3 more weeks with back 'tear'

Luke Jones

WESTMINSTER, Md. — What originally started as an innocent case of back cramps has transformed into a long-term concern for offensive tackle Jared Gaither and the Ravens. Gaither will miss another two to three weeks with what’s being described as a “small tear” in his back, according to coach John Harbaugh. The tear continues to cause the spasms Gaither has experienced since July 30 when he was carted off the field during the first afternoon practice for veteran players. “He’s got something in his back,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a very small tear. I don’t know the medical term for it. It’s not a serious thing, but it’s going to keep him out a couple weeks until it settles down.” After briefly returning to practice for four days after missing the first weekend of workouts in Westminster, Gaither has not practiced since August 5 and missed the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. Gaither has now seen at least two back specialists, including one in California who made the diagnosis earlier this week. “[Gaither’s] going to have to work as hard as he can,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll have to try to work it out. I wouldn’t hold my

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