Terps Football Makes Final Preparations for North Carolina
11/14/2008 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 13, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2008 football season has been one of redemption for the Maryland Terrapins.
Following its first two losses of the season, the Terps responded with arguably their most impressive victories in the ensuing games - a 35-27 win over then-No. 23 California on Sept. 13 and a 26-0 defeat of then-No.21 Wake Forest on Oct. 18.
Now Maryland is hoping that trend carries over to Saturday's home showdown with No. 17 North Carolina. Coming off a tough loss at Virginia Tech last week, the Terps (6-3, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) remain in the thick of the conference race, but need to beat the Tar Heels (7-2, 3-2 ACC) in order to keep pace with Atlantic Division foes Florida State and Wake Forest.
"These guys have been resilient all season," head coach Ralph Friedgen said of his team. "But we have to get back, get our minds right and concentrate to play the best we can against North Carolina and get a win."
The Tar Heels, winners of five of their last six contests, have earned their national ranking by developing into a balanced squad that takes tremendous care of the football, while forcing opponents into committing turnovers. North Carolina leads the nation in interceptions (18) and also ranks among the top 10 nationwide in turnover margin (fourth) and turnovers gained (tied for 10th).
The Terps, however, have made a habit of capitalizing on the home-field advantage offered by playing at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium. Maryland has won six consecutive home games dating back to last season, having not lost in College Park in more than a year.
"No matter where you go [in the ACC] it's a tough place to play, and I'm hoping Byrd Stadium will be a real tough place this Saturday," Friedgen said.
Maryland conducted its final preparations for Saturday's game during practice Thursday afternoon, and the two-minute drill portion of practice saw the offensive and defensive units earn a split. Fueled by two big receptions from freshman wide receiver Torrey Smith, the first-team offense found the end zone on a quarterback sneak by Chris Turner. The second-team defense, meanwhile, prevailed on the ensuing drive thanks to pass-breakups by defensive backs Michael Carter and Drew Robinson.
Following Thursday's practice, Friedgen announced the captains for Saturday's game. Offensive lineman Jack Griffin, linebacker Chase Bullock and defensive back Jeff Allen will represent the Terps offensive, defense and special teams' units, respectively.
Friedgen also named defensive lineman Masengo Kabongo and tight end Drew Gloster his scout team players of the week for their performance in practice leading up to the matchup with the Tar Heels.
Defensive lineman Mack Frost will carry the American flag onto the field, and offensive lineman Dane Randolph, a native of Columbia, Md., will bring the Maryland flag. The Terps started the practice of carrying the flags onto the field prior to games at the beginning of the season.
Kickoff for Saturday's game versus North Carolina is set for 3:30 p.m.
The game will be broadcast regionally on ABC and ESPN and can be heard over the Terrapin Sports Radio Network. Comcast SportsNet Atlantic will show a two-hour replay of the game at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Terp Notes
Single-Game Tickets on Sale: Tickets for the Terps' final two home games (North Carolina and Florida State), which start as low as $27, are available through the Maryland Athletics Ticket Office. Fans my call 1-800-IM-A-TERP or click here.
