Going into Saturday’s matchup against then-No. 20 Clemson, the Terps were given little chance to escape Death Valley with a victory unless if they played flawlessly. Well, as Ralph Friedgen stated after their 20-17 victory and again reiterated today, the Terps did not play particularly well, but were able to escape with a win in what the Fridge deemed a “weird” game.
Friedgen said he expected better from his offensive line this weekend, a sentiment seconded by center Edwin Williams, and addressed the injury problems on the defense, which seem to worsen each week. Against Virginia, the Terps will be without linebacker Adrien Moten, who had surgery on his injured wrist after the Clemson game. Doctors expect Moten to miss 4-5 weeks, Friedgen said.
Friedgen also spoke extensively about the size of Virginia’s offensive players, particularly their lineman, who average over 300 pounds. “They’re huge,” was Friedgen’s detailed summation. In terms of the Maryland-Virginia rivalry, Friedgen stressed that Virginia has always presented him a challenge, even going back to his days as a guard with the Terps and Cavs coach Al Groh’s days as a defensive end for Virginia.
Friedgen also talked about a “special feeling” he has about this year’s team, but he still worries that his message preaching focus and concentration is being lost amongst the players.
Once Friedgen was done, linebacker Moses Fokou and Williams spoke about the frustration over losing last year’s homecoming matchup against Virginia, particularly the coming-out party reserve tailback Mikell Simpson threw, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns and racking up another 152 receiving yards against a bewildered Terps defense. “We didn’t know who this kid was,” Fokou said. “We’re ready to go down and get revenge.”
And just in case the Fridge is among the Terrapin Trail’s loyal readers, Groh is indeed older than you.
Maybe I have become a pessimist after seeing last year’s Maryland football (and basketball) team play consistently inconsistent, but I think Virgina may beat us on Saturday. I believe that Virginia’s “USC” hangover has finally subsided and that they will be chomping at the bit to beat anyone, let alone a border rival.
Colin,
I agree with you that Maryland sports are consistently inconsistent as of late, but I don’t think you can use the argument that UVA is finally ready to beat someone. The nature of sports no matter what level is to win. And if someone has to question either teams desire to win than that team doesn’t deserve to play on Saturdays.
And you might say, well they didn’t want to win against MTSU, but Ralph clearly stated that that loss was on him due to lack of preperation. And now that MD has resurfaced its season, the will to win will be higher than ever. Now it’s all about execution.
My son in pittsburgh had doubters in the media, due to his weight, i told them he was the best reciever in the wipal but he played on a team that didn’t throw the ball. neverless because football runs in our blood when we brought Derek home from the hospital when he was born , i held him in the air and told his mother he was going to be a great athlete, genetic or prophetic? well probally both. I sent his tapes out to every D1 school in the country and they all responded back, his critics were silent as he made it to the top of the charts at the camps. after the season derek had committed himself in school and in the gym. Derek and i would get up at 500am in the morning and go to the dukes ball field across the street from my job and work out, Running, sprinting,and lifting.Thats when i new that the lights were on , he would become great , derek can literally take over a game he just has that passion, but if there is one thing that i do know about my son when his season comes maryland and the ACC will not be dissapointed at all.