Nov. 25, 2003

The following are excerpts from head football coach Ralph Friedgen's weekly gathering with local media. Friedgen and the Terrapins take on Wake Forest on Saturday.

On accepting the bid to the Gator Bowl:
"We're very excited about the Gator Bowl, but we're trying to focus on Wake Forest right now. That's our main concern. We have a short week with Thanksgiving for preparation, but that is what my focus is."

"I spoke to the team yesterday about a lot of things. They knew about the bowl, and are very excited about it. That's where they wanted to go, but I told them that we need to prove the Gator Bowl correct and play well on Saturday."

On Saturday's game vs. Wake Forest:
"Wake Forest was beating Clemson 45-0 at halftime. Playing away games in the ACC is interesting. We've won one ACC road game out of four. If we can win Saturday, we'd be two out of four and in second place in the conference. I have a lot of respect for Jim Grobe. He's an excellent coach and I have the utmost respect for him and his program. We went out in the rain yesterday and practiced. It was cold and windy and the rain was coming down sideways. Our kids are focused, we've come too far to let this one get away."

"There's a lot of accomplishments for our seniors, who have already won 30 games. This win would be the 30th win for them in the last three years. We still have a chance with a win Saturday and a win in a bowl game to finish with 10 wins. There's a lot for us to work hard for, and the kids are up to the task."

"Wake Forest has a different type of defense. It's not unlike what West Virginia does. But, like any game, you have to set your game plan and figure out where the weaknesses are and how to attack them. They do a great job of running the football. They have a great running back and use a lot of deception in their offense. Their passing game has improved and they've put up big numbers on everybody. For us to win this game, all phases of our game have to show up."

On Leroy Ambush:
"Leroy Ambush is one of the unsung heroes of this football team. He's consistent; he will be a very difficult guy for us to replace. He doesn't make mental mistakes and plays very efficiently. I told him yesterday that the tackle he had on (T.A.) McLendon will go down in annals of Maryland football. I'm really happy for Leroy."

On quarterback Scott McBrien's performance against NC State:
"We were struggling Saturday night and he came over and I put my arm around him and told him to slow it down, focus, relax and go out and play. He responds better to encouragement. He showed tremendous poise Saturday. When the money was on the line, Scott McBrien was there, and that's why we won the football game."

On his team's defense:
"One of the things about our defense, as a team, is that they have very good numbers. But they play as a team; we don't have a lot of outstanding individual numbers."

On the remainder of the season:
"I want to see this team maximize its potential. I still say that we are just starting to scratch the surface with this team. I see our recruiting improve every year, and we are growing as a program. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be here. I told you when I got the job that I wasn't going to let you down. I want to keep working and keep winning - that's what makes life fun for me."