ATS Sports Blog

2009 College Football Predictions

Maryland Terrapins

2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Ralph Friedgen, 9th year (64-36 at Maryland, overall)
Off. Coordinator: James Franklin (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Don Brown (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense, 4 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chris Turner)

Offense: Maryland returns starting quarterback Chris Turner, now a senior and junior running back Da’Rel Scott. Turner, though erratic at times, led the Terps to 193.5 passing yards per game. Scott rushed for 1,133 yards and made first-team All-ACC.  At receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey left for the NFL, but they still have plenty of speed in the receiving corps with Torrey Smith, Emani Lee-Odai and LaQuan Williams returning. Smith, who was a freshman last season, set the ACC record for kick-return yardage in a single season. The Terps are talented at the skill positions, but the offensive line is the major question mark with just two starters returning. They’ll build around big junior Bruce Campbell (6-7, 310) and senior center Phil Costa (6-3, 300).

Defense: The defense is they key to the whole team with new coordinator Don Brown, who coached 1-AA Massachusetts last season, taking the reigns. He has just one starting linebacker returning in second-team All-ACC pick Alex Wujciak (133 tackles). They lose seven starters overall on defense though their defensive line has experience. They move to a more conventional 4-3 defense and will need production from defensive ends (Sr.) Jared Harrell and sophomore Derek Drummond (6-4, 250). The secondary should be the strength as corners Anthony Wiseman, Nolan Caroll and Jamari McCullough are capable, but without a pass rush, they’ll be vulnerable.

Outlook: The “Fridge” now almost 100 pounds lighter, will have his work cut out this season to try and get this team past a minor bowl. The offensive and defensive lines are the biggest question marks and without production from those positions, you really can’t go too far.

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