Terps Try To Cap Stunning Season
12/26/2001 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 26, 2001
MIAMI (AP) - It has been a landmark season of accomplishments for Maryland. Now Ralph Friedgen's team tries to put an exclamation point on its rise to national prominence with a victory over Florida in the Orange Bowl.
The sixth-ranked Terrapins (10-1) are the surprise entry from the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Bowl Championship Series, ending Florida State's nine-year reign as ACC champion. While Maryland suffered its only loss to Florida State after an 7-0 start, Friedgen's squad bounced back with victories over Clemson and North Carolina State to secure the conference title.
Friedgen did outstanding work with few player changes from a squad that went 5-6 last season. He was named The Associated Press coach of the year and also was given a 10-year contract extension worth a reported $12 million.
"He's a heck of a coach," Terps linebacker Aaron Thompson said. "No question, we're where we are because of him."
While the Terps have won half the battle by playing well on the field, the Orange Bowl gives them the opportunity to make a name for themselves at the expense of a perennial power. And Steve Spurrier's fifth-ranked Gators are as high-profile as they come in college football.
"We need to get the respect that we deserve," said wide receiver Guilian Gary, who led Maryland with 48 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns. "Teams have been overlooking us all year, but when our defense comes out and smacks them in the mouth, you can't overlook that. You can't overlook the pain, you can't overlook the fear."
Friedgen also is aware of the importance of this game to the Terrapins, who are making their first Orange Bowl appearance since 1956.
"It's a game that we can make a statement," Friedgen said. "It's a measuring stick to where we are as a program. If we were to win, we'd be up there very high in the rankings."
The other top offensive players for Maryland are quarterback Shaun Hill - who threw for 2,380 yards and 13 touchdowns - and tailback Bruce Perry, who had 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Florida (9-2) was selected for the Orange Bowl over Tennessee, which handed Spurrier's team a 34-32 defeat Dec. 1. The bowl executives felt the Gators would be a stronger draw in Miami than the Volunteers, a choice proved correct when it was recently announced the game will be played in front of a sellout crowd of 75,540 at Pro Player Stadium.
As is the case of any team coached by Spurrier, the Gators feature a dynamic offense. Quarterback Rex Grossman, a Heisman Trophy finalist, threw for 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 65.6 percent of his passes.
Grossman already has announced he will return to Gainesville, Fla., for his junior season. Spurrier also expects top flanker Jabar Gaffney - who had a team-high 67 receptions for 1,191 yards and 13 touchdowns - to return as well.
"I think so," Spurrier said when asked if Gaffney and cornerback Lito Sheppard will return. "They've indicated that they certainly plan to, but nothing's definite."
Grossman's other favorite target, Reche Caldwell, is expected to forego his final year of eligibility. He was right behind Gaffney this season with 65 receptions for 1,059 yards and 10 TDs.
The Gators also will be at full strength offensively as tailback Earnest Graham expects to play. He has not seen action since Nov. 17, when he sprained a ligament in his right knee in Florida's 37-13 victory over Florida State. Graham had 650 yards and nine touchdowns on just 125 carries.
Florida, which has lost its last two bowl games since defeating Syracuse in the 1998 Orange Bowl, holds an 11-6 lead in the all-time series. This is the first game between the teams since 1981.
