Jan. 18, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland recorded the second-largest home attendance increase for all Division I-A football institutions when compared to 2000 statistics, the NCAA has announced.

The Terps, who captured the Atlantic Coast Conference title and appeared in the Orange Bowl this past season, averaged 43,564 fans in seven home dates, a 27.6 percent increase over last year's attendance average (34,129). Maryland's 2001 home attendance total of 304,953 included the fourth-largest crowd in stadium history (52,462, vs. Clemson).

Said athletics director Deborah A. Yow: "Coach Friedgen and I thank our fans for their attendance and enthusiastic support, especially at the last home game against Clemson when they packed Byrd Stadium."