Friedgen Has Changed Mindset At Maryland With Impressive Start
10/18/2001 8:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 18, 2001
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT
AP Football Writer
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - It's funny what a few wins can do for a college football program.
No. 12 Maryland is 6-0 for its best start since 1978, and new coach Ralph Friedgen and athletic director Deborah Yow are convinced the Terrapins have a national title in their future.
"Ultimately, before he retires from here, he will win a national championship," Yow said. "I don't know when and I'm not sure how. But we're going to become nationally competitive in a routine kind of a way.
"And the day will come before he retires where a number of our fans will complain if we're not in the top 10, and I will have the opportunity to remind them so that they can remember what he's done for us."
Friedgen, naturally, says winning a title is the main goal. "Yes," the 54-year-old coach said when asked if he could win one at Maryland. "I'm probably one of the only ones that believes it."
The strong start has prompted too many "Are you surprised?" questions, Friedgen said.
"I don't think I've ever gone into a game thinking I was going to lose," he said. "Without sounding egotistical or conceited, I realize we're not going to be undefeated forever but I plan on lining up and playing each game and we'll see what happens."
Maryland is still a long shot to reach the BCS title game at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 3. Ten other teams were undefeated entering the weekend, including seven ranked above the Terps. The first BCS standings will be released on Monday night, and Maryland will get an idea of where it stands.
