Terrapins Put Bowl Practice on Hold For Final Exams
12/12/2006 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 12, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland football team conducted its final practice this evening before breaking for final exams which begin Thursday.
After working out six of the last eight days, the Terrapins will practice just once over the next seven days (Sunday) before beginning their final preparations for the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
Maryland (8-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) is set to face Purdue for the first time ever on Friday, Dec. 29. The Terps will travel to their fourth bowl game in the last six years on Friday, Dec. 22.
The team will practice for two days in the Sunshine State before spending the Christmas holiday together. The Terps go right back to work the following day and will spend the rest of the week in Orlando working toward their third bowl victory in five years.
Maryland defeated the Mountaineers, 41-7, in the 2004 Gator Bowl and Tennessee, 30-3, in the 2002 Peach Bowl.
"I think these kids kind of have a bad taste in their mouths right now and when you look back, we really did have a heck of a season," head coach Ralph Friedgen said after Monday's practice." To go 9-4 and then win a bowl game would be a great season for them and would be something they would be proud of. I think they want to make up for the last two games because I don't really it was indicative of who we are."
The Terps will be meeting up with a tough opponent as the Boilermakers were 8-5 during the regular season, including a 5-3 mark in the Big Ten Conference. Purdue has one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, ranking 10th in total yards gained (425.8 per game) and sixth in passing (293.7 ypg).
"It's not going to be easy; Purdue is a good football team." Friedgen said. "I think [our team] is a little bit excited because they are going to a bowl and I think this is the bowl they wanted to go to, a warm weather bowl. If the leadup to a bowl game was distracting, I don't think they would be practicing like they are. I keep looking for it but I don't see it. I've been pleased with their effort and attitude."
Kickoff from Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium is set for 8:00 p.m. (EST). The game will be televised live nationally in prime time on ESPN and broadcast on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM and 1300 AM Baltimore; 630 AM Washington, D.C.).
Tickets for the Champs Sports Bowl are available through the Terrapins Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP or by visiting the Champs Sports Bowl page.
Terp Notes: Seven Terps will take the field at the Champs Sports Bowl with their college diploma already in hand. Josh Allen, T.D. Callahan, Stephon Heyer, David Holloway, J.P. Humber, Adam Podlesh, and Josh Wilson will be graduating from the University this month, with ceremonies set to begin Wednesday, Dec. 20 in College Park ... after a week off, the Ralph Friedgen Radio Show will air live from 8-9 p.m. Thurdsay from Outback Steakhouse in Aspen Hill. It will be the final edition of the show prior to the bowl game. Fans can call 410-481-1057 or 800,518-4012 with questions.
