After Hitting The Books, Terps Hit The Field For Bowl Preparations
12/19/2006 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 19, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As the December exam period comes to a close, the Maryland Terrapins are preparing this week for their final on-field test of the season. Following the end of finals on Wednesday, the team will practice later that afternoon and on Thursday before it travels to the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando.
"I think they are pretty excited for this bowl game. I think this is the game they wanted to go to," Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen said Tuesday. "I've been concerned about where they are mentally, but for the most part they have come out and practiced very well, very hard and very enthusiastically. It looks like they are enjoying themselves out there."
"I feel like they want to make up for the last two games," Friedgen added, referring to the Terps' losses to close the regular season. "I don't think they feel like that is who they are. I think we have worked pretty hard all season, had a lot of tough games and came through. We would like to finish it out on a positive note. Going to the game in the right frame of mind is very important."
The Terps will arrive in the Sunshine State on Friday, where they will continue practicing through the weekend in anticipation of the Champs Sports Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29. Following a day off to observe the Christmas holiday, the Terps will shift back into gear with practice and other bowl-week festivities, leading up to Friday's nationally-televised contest against Purdue. Kickoff from Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium is set for 8 p.m. on ESPN HD.
"What I think is pretty unique about the game is that this is the first time we are meeting and the fact that we are playing a Big Ten school," Friedgen said. "I think it is a good matchup for the ACC. The more different conferences you can play, the more intriguing the game becomes. This game is that way and it is as new for us as it is for them. They are excited about playing someone new and so are we."
Meanwhile, Maryland players are eagerly awaiting their trip, the team's fourth bowl game in six years.
"For the most part, I've just been taking things day-by-day, doing the same things I always do," said senior offensive tackle Stephon Heyer. "I've been watching a lot of film and continuing my conditioning. As the game gets closer, we know that we have to step up. We've been given a great opportunity, so we just need to take advantage of that and go out and have fun."
Heyer is one of 13 seniors who will take the field in a Maryland uniform for the final time next week. Last week, two seniors, punter Adam Podlesh and cornerback Josh Wilson, earned Pro Football Weekly All-America honorable mention accolades.
TERP NOTES: Terrapin fans have many options to reach the Champs Sports Bowl with a number of airports within driving distance of Orlando, including Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville and Melbourne. In addition, convenient and reasonable fares can still be found from the Maryland area originating from all three major metropolitan airports. According to Yahoo! Travel, fares from the Baltimore/Washington area to Orlando and surrounding airports are available for less than $325.
