***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 has an incredible 3,699 yards through the air and has tossed 36 touchdowns to lead the Pirates aerial attack.
As we do for every Maryland game, the Turtle Power live chat will be open at 2:30 p.m. as the Terps look to improve to 9-4 and send Friedgen off with a final victory. Remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the latest updates and analysis from Washington, D.C. all afternoon.
