Maryland Hits the Road Saturday to Face Virginia
9/29/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Saturday, Oct. 4
Maryland (4-1, 1-0 ACC)
at
Virginia (1-3, 0-1 ACC)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Charlottesville, Va.
Stadium: David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium (61,500)
TV: ESPNU - Doug Bell (play-by-play) and Charles Arbuckle (color) are scheduled to call the action. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic will rebroadcast the game at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, just after a replay of the Ralph Friedgen Television Show.
Radio: Terrapin Sports Radio Network - Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), Jonathan Claiborne (color) and Tim Strachan (sidelines) have the call. XM Satellite Radio Channel 190. Pregame with Gary Stein and Scott McBrien begins at 5:30 p.m. Click here to Listen Live on-line. The Terrapin Sports Radio Network (14 affiliates): 105.7 FM (WHFS) - Baltimore (Flagship); ESPN Radio 1300 AM (WJFK) - Baltimore (Flagship); WJFK 106.7 FM - Washington D.C.; WCEM AM 1240 - Cambridge; WBEY 97.9 FM - Crisfield; WGOP AM 540 - Crisfield; WTBO AM 1450 - Cumberland; WFMD AM 930 - Frederick; WARK AM 1490 - Hagerstown; WPTX 1690 AM - Lexington Park, Md.; WVMD 99.5 FM - Midland; WMSG AM 1050 - Oakland; WQMR FM 101.1 - Ocean City; WTGM AM 960 - Salisbury.
Terps on the Air...
Maryland's football broadcasting lineup for 2008-09, includes the Ralph Friedgen Radio Show and the Ralph Friedgen Television Show (FridgeTV). The Ralph Friedgen Radio Show airs from 8-9 p.m. each Wednesday during the season on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network which increased from 10 to 14 affiliates this season. The Ralph Friedgen Television Show, which is presented by Outback Steakhouse, airs weekly at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. The fast-paced, 30-minute show goes behind the scenes with Friedgen and the Maryland football team. Replays of the show are scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday on Comcast SportsNet, just prior to the rebroadcast of the Terps most recent football game. Comcast SportsNet will carry the official rebroadcasts of all 12 University of Maryland football games. Friedgen also appears each Wednesday during the season on Comcast's SportsNite wrap-up show. Comcast goes live "Inside the Coach's Office" with Friedgen at 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday.
First-and-10...
• After opening the conference season with a come-from-behind road win, the University of Maryland travels to interstate rival Virginia Saturday. Maryland rallied from 11 points down last weekend in its ACC opener to post a 20-17 win over No. 20 Clemson. It was the Terps' biggest comeback since coincidentally rallying from 20 points down to defeat Virginia two years ago. The Terps will now try and move to 2-0 in the league against the Cavaliers who have won seven of the last eight meetings between the teams in Charlottesville. Maryland and Virginia will kick off at 7 p.m. from Scott Stadium. The game will be telecast nationally on ESPNU and can be heard over the Terrapin Sports Radio Network. Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic will replay the game at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
• By beating No. 20 Clemson, Maryland has now won four consecutive games against ranked opponents (AP poll) dating back to last season, having also defeated No. 23 Cal on Sept. 13, as well as No. 8 Boston College and No. 10 Rutgers in 2007. The Terps are also one of just three teams nationally so far this season to knock off two ranked teams. East Carolina (No. 17 Virginia Tech. Aug. 30; No. 8 West Virginia, Sept. 6) and Alabama (No. 9 Clemson, Aug. 30; No. 3 Georgia) are the other two teams.
• The win over Clemson has moved the Terps into the national spotlight as they are receiving the most number of votes (46) among those teams not listed in the Associated Press top 25. Maryland is receiving votes (40) in the USA Today poll for the second straight week. The Terps received votes for two weeks last season, but were last in the national polls (No. 21 in the AP) prior to meeting Boston College on Nov. 18, 2006.
• After scoring 86 points over its previous two games, the Maryland offense had to grind it out against Clemson, posting 123 yards on the ground and 172 through the air. Sophomore Da'Rel Scott, who ranks 16h in the nation in rushing (111.5 ypg), headlines the ground attack which ranks fourth in the conference. Junior All-America wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is the Terps' top playmaker, averaging 20.8 yards per reception and 31.0 yards per rush. Junior QB Chris Turner directed his fourth win over a top 25 team Saturday and ranks fourth in the league in passing efficiency (129.6). Opening holes for the running game and protecting Turner is a veteran offensive line which returns six of its top seven performers from a year ago, including senior center Edwin Williams, a member of the watch list for the Rimington Trophy and Lombardi Award. Senior Dan Gronkowski, a member of the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, has posted eight receptions over the last three games, including two for touchdowns.
• After surrendering 260 total yards and 17 first downs to Clemson in the first half Saturday, the Maryland defense clamped down and turned in an exceptional second-half performance. The Terps limited the Tigers to no points, 112 total yards -- including just 26 rushing yards -- and only two first downs during the final 30 minutes. It marked the first half of football this season in which Clemson was held scoreless. Seniors Jeremy Navarre, Dave Philistin and Kevin Barnes help key the defense, though first-year starting linebacker Alex Wujciak has also made plays for the Terps. He has posted 26 tackles over the last two games, including a career-high 16 vs. Clemson. Barnes ranks in the top 10 in the ACC passes defended, while Philistin ranks 11th in tackles (7.8 pg).
• The Terps special teams unit has been an improving unit through the early part of the season. Sophomore punter Travis Baltz and senior place-kicker Obi Egekeze are both in their second seasons as starters. Baltz, a freshman All-ACC choice last season, ranks second in league in punting (44.2 ypp), while Egekeze has connected on his last five field-goal attempts after missing his first five. Sure-handed senior Danny Oquendo is the punt returner for the third straight season, while redshirt freshman Torrey Smith has emerged as a play-maker as the kickoff returner. Smith, a reserve wideout, is averaging 25.4 yards per return which is third in the conference.
Quick Hitters...
• With Saturday's win over Clemson, Maryland is now 4-1 for the first time since the ACC Champion 2001 squad reeled off seven straight victories to start that season and the Ralph Friedgen era.
• Saturday's win over Clemson gives the Terps consecutive victories in Death Valley (also 13-12 in 2006) for the first time in nearly 20 years. Maryland won four straight times at Clemson from 1973-79.
• By overcoming an 11-point halftime deficit and rallying for two second-half touchdowns to beat Clemson, the Terps earned their first comeback victory of the 2008 campaign. It marked the team's first win after being behind at halftime since an upset win over Rutgers last season (9/29/07). It marked Maryland's largest deficit overcome since rallying from a 20-0 halftime margin to beat Virginia on Oct. 14, 2006. The Terps have come back from double-digit deficits six times in the Ralph Friedgen era.
• Maryland still has seven regular season games to play in 2008, but recent history suggests beating Clemson is an indiciation of good thiings to come for the team. In the four previous instances in which Maryland has defeated Clemson during the Friedgen era, the Terps have averaged 10 wins in those season.
• The Terps are playing their first two conference games on the road for the second time in three years. Maryland opened the 2006 season playing at Georgia Tech and at Virginia, splitting those games.
• Maryland is 197-162-4 (.548) all-time in ACC games, including a 34-23 (.596) mark under Friedgen. The Terps have an all-time record of 596-517-43 (.534), including a 60-32 (.652) mark under Ralph Friedgen.
Heyward-Bey Leading the Way...
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey has served as a game-changer for the Maryland offense all season, and Saturday's upset win over Clemson proved no exception. The junior wideout broke loose for a 76-yard run on a reverse play during the third quarter, setting up Maryland's first touchdown and shifting momentum to the Terps, as the team began its comeback bid. It was the longest run by Maryland since Bruce Perry's 80-yard TD scamper against Wake Forest on Nov. 29, 2003, and the longest run surrendered by the Clemson defense since the 2000 season.
• When Heyward-Bey touches the football this season, good things tend to happen for the Terps offense. On six rushing attempts thus far in 2008, Heyward-Bey has totaled 186 yards (31.0 ypc), which is the second most rushing yards on the team and tops in the nation among wide receivers in the FBS.
• Heyward-Bey now has three plays of more than 75 yards in his Terrapins career. He also notched an 80-yard TD catch earlier this season vs. MTSU and had a team-record 96-yard TD reception against Miami during the 2006 season.
• Heyward-Bey did not record a reception on Saturday, but he has still caught at least one pass in 28 of the last 30 contests dating back to the 2006 season. In addition, his 16.0 career yards per catch average ranks No. 6 nationally among active players.
• With his performance this season, Heyward-Bey has continued his ascent through Maryland's career records. He currently sits in fifth place all-time in school history with 1,730 career receiving yards. He stands just 18 yards behind Marcus Badgett (1989-92) for fourth all-time.
• Heyward-Bey's 11th career touchdown reception against Eastern Michigan (9/20) moved him into a three-way tie for fifth all-time at Maryland with Barry Johnson (1987-90) and Badgett.
• Heyward-Bey's 108 career receptions rank tied for sixth all-time with Azizuddin Abdur-Ra'oof (1984-87) on that list. He needs five catches to move from sixth to fifth on the Terps career list.
• Heyward-Bey currently leads the team and ranks ninth in the ACC in receiving yards per game (50.0 ypg). He is second on the team in touchdown scoring (4.8 ppg) and second in all-purpose yards (87.2 ypg).
Did You Know...
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey is one of only four players in the nation (also RB Javhid Best, Cal; WR Darius Passmore, Marshall and RB Marcus Thigpen, Indiana) to have two plays this season of 75 yards or greater. He caught an 80-yard TD pass from Chris Turner vs. MTSU (9/6) and ran a 76-yard reverse to set up a score vs. Clemson (9/27).
Quick Strike Ability...
The Terps have shown a knack for getting on the board quickly this season, and that trend continued on Saturday vs. Clemson. Highlighted by WR Darrius Heyward-Bey's 76-yard run, Maryland drove 80 yards in three plays that took 1:20 in scoring its first touchdown. On the season, 12 of the team's 17 touchdowns have come on drives of five plays or less in fewer than 2:00.
Great Scott...
• Back in action after sitting out one game with a shoulder injury, RB Da'Rel Scott provided a much-needed boost for the Terps offense on Saturday vs. Clemson. His 1-yard touchdown run with 10:25 remaining in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winner. Scott finished with 39 hard-earned rushing yards and tied for the team lead with four receptions for 36 yards.
• On the Terps' opening possession of the game, Scott took a screen pass for 25 yards, marking his seventh gain of at least 20 yards this season and his first via pass reception.
• Scott currently ranks first in the ACC and16th in the nation (FBS) in rushing (111.5 ypg). He also leads the team and ranks fifth in the ACC and 49th nationally in all-purpose yards (128.3 ypg). He also has a team-high tying four TDs and ranks tied for seventh in the ACC in touchdown scoring (6.0 ppg).
• In addition to his season-long 25-yard reception against Clemson, Scott has six carries of at least 24 yards in 2008 (40, 37 and 26 against Delaware; 63 and 24 versus MTSU; 24 against Cal).
Turner on Target...
QB Chris Turner had yet another solid performance in the win over Clemson, completing 16 of 30 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions. The touchdown pass, his sixth of the season, came on a 6-yard pass to WR Torrey Smith during the third quarter.
• Continuing to prove his worth in big games, Turner is now 3-0 as a starter against ranked opponents (wins over No. 20 Clemson and No. 23 Cal in 2008; win over No. 8 Boston College in 2007). He also played an integral role in the other such game (win over No. 10 Rutgers in 2007) during Maryland's four-game winning streak against ranked foes. The Simi Valley, Calif., native has yet to throw an interception vs. a ranked opponent. In four games vs. the top 25, Turner has completed 66 of 96 passes (68.8 percent) for 814 yards and six TDs.
• Turner currently ranks fourth in the ACC and 55th in the nation (FBS) in passing efficiency (129.6). He also ranks fifth in the conference and 86th nationally in passing yards (151.6 ypg).
• Turner has thrown for at least 200 yards in eight of the last 10 games in which he has started dating back to last season. In 16 career games he has thrown for 2,716 yards which ranks 15th on Maryland's all-time list, as he passed Alan Pastrana (1965-68) and Larry Dick (1973-77) with his performance vs. the Tigers (see chart on pg. 6). He also currently ranks 14th in school history with 213 career completions,17th with 344 career pass attempts and tied for 19th with 13 career touchdown passes.
Wujciak's Sweet 16...
LB Alex Wujciak was all over the field against Clemson, tallying a career-high16 tackles and accounting for nearly 20 percent of the team's total tackles.
• By halftime on Saturday Wujciak already had notched a career-high with 12 tackles, helping Maryland stay within striking distance of the Tigers.
• The sophomore Mike LB was at his best during the second half as well. During Clemson's final fourth-quarter posession, Wujciak contributed four tackles, including a stop of the game's decisive play. Wujciak wrapped up Clemson QB Cullen Harper for no gain on fourth-and-one from the Terps' 40-yard line as the Tigers were threatening to move into field-goal range and tie the game. Thanks to Wujciak's big play, the Maryland offense took over on downs and ran out the clock.
• Wujciak's tackle total is the most by a Maryland player since former Terp and current Minnesota Viking Erin Henderson had 18 against Virginia on Oct. 20, 2007.
• Raycom, who broadcast Saturday's game, named Wujciak its Player of the Game for his efforts in Maryland's upset win.
• Wujciak currently leads the team and ranks fourth in the ACC and tied for 56th in the nation (FBS) in tackles (8.6 pg).
Mr. Smith comes from Washington...
Two plays after Darrius Heyward-Bey's 76-yard run against Clemson, fellow WR Torrey Smith caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from QB Chris Turner, cutting the margin to 17-13. It marked the first touchdown of Smith's career and came on his fourth career reception.
• Smith added 92 kickoff return yards on four returns and led the team with 98 all-purpose yards.
• Smith currently ranks third in the ACC and tied for 33rd in the nation (FBS) in kick return average (25.4 ypr). He also stands third on the team in all-purpose yards (84.4 ypg).
Dewey on the Spot...
When Clemson WR Jacoby Ford muffed a punt return during the first quarter, LS Andrew Schmitt was there to pounce on it, giving the Terps offense the ball at the Tigers' 18-yard line. It marked the first career fumble recovery for Schmitt, a senior whose nickname is `Dewey'. The play set up Maryland's first score of the game -- a 23-yard field goal by PK Obi Egekeze seven seconds into the second quarter.
Maryland's Mr. Dependable...
Sure-handed WR Danny Oquendo had four receptions for a team and season-high 49 yards against Clemson (9/27), but his statline did not tell the whole story. The senior wideout caught three passes and accounted for 43 of Maryland's 45 yards on the fourth-quarter, game-winning drive, accounting for three first downs.
• Oquendo currently ranks second on the team in receptions (11) and receiving yards (131) this season.
• With three punt returns for 17 yards vs. Clemson, Oquendo continues to expand his Maryland legacy in that regard. He ranks eighth all-time on the Maryland career list with 448 punt return yards.
Virginia At-A-Glance...
• The Cavaliers (1-3, 0-1) opened ACC play on Saturday with a 31-3 loss at Duke, snapping the Blue Devil's 25-game conference losing streak. Duke capitalized on five second-half turnovers by Virginia to take control in what was a 3-3 game at halftime.
• Virginia opened the season with a 52-7 loss to then-No.3 Southern California before beating Richmond, 16-0.
• The Cavaliers rank among ACC leaders in sacks (tied for second - 11), sacks against (tied for second - five) and kickoff coverage (third). Nationally, they rank tied for 14th in sacks (2.75 pg), tied 20th in TFLs (7.0 pg) and tied 35th in sacks allowed (1.25 pg).
• WR Kevin Ogletree has been the Cavaliers' most consistent offensive weapon so far this season. The junior wideout paces the team with 22 reception for 218 yards. Also serving as Virginia's primary kickoff returner, Ogletree ranks sixth in the ACC in all-purpose yards (107.8 ypg).
• QB Marc Verica has completed 41 of 72 passes for 352 yards.
• LB Clint Sintim leads the ACC in sacks (1.0 pg), and DL Matt Conrath ranks fifth in the conference in TFLs (1.25 pg). LB Jon Copper paces Virginia's defense with 34 tackles.
Maryland-Virginia Series History...
• Saturday's game will mark the 73rd meeting between the Terrapins and Cavaliers, the most between Maryland and any other school in the Terps' 115-year football history. The schools have met every season since 1957.
• Maryland leads the all-time series, which began in 1919, by a 41-29-2 margin.
• Maryland is 20-17 all-time against Virginia in Charlotttesville, though the Cavaliers have won seven of the last eight on their homefield.
• Last season Virginia won 18-17 in College Park on a last-minute touchdown.
• Two years ago Maryland won 28-26 in Charlottesville, outscoring the Wahoos 21-7 in the final quarter to complete its comeback win. Keon Lattimore rushed 15 times for 114 yards and gave Maryland its go-ahead score with a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter. Erin Henderson intercepted a pass three plays later and ran 45 yards down the field for what would be the winning touchdown.
• From 1969 through 2000, play between the two schools had been basically feast or famine for one team. From 1969-87, the Terrapins held an 18-1 advantage in the series and at one point ran off 16 wins in a row, the longest streak in the series. Then from 1988 to 2000, the series swung almost exclusively to the Cavs as they were 11-2 in that span. Maryland has won four of the last seven.
• On a cold, blustery Thursday night in 2003, Josh Allen ran for 257 yards, the third best rushing total in school history and the seventh-best in all of Division I-A college football that year as the Terrapins beat UVA, 27-17.
• Maryland's win in 2001, Ralph Friedgen's first season, broke a string of nine-straight losses to Virginia. In their 41-21 win - a victory that moved the team to 5-0 on the season in what was then its best start in 23 years - the Terps allowed a 24-7 lead to be cut to three in the third quarter before scoring 17 unanswered points in the fourth to win going away.
Ball Hawk...
Playing a greater role due to injuries in Maryland's secondary, DB Jamari McCollough has proven extremely valuable defensively this season. The junior safety accounted for his third interception of the season when he tracked down an overthrown deep pass by Clemson QB Cullen Harper near the end of the second quarter. The play gave McCollough three picks in a six-quarter span dating back to the game against Eastern Michigan (9/20).
• McCollough, who did not have any interceptions entering the season, currently leads the team, ranks tied for seventh in the ACC and tied for 17th in the nation in interceptions (.60 pg).
Through the Uprights...
PK Obi Egekeze converted field goals of 23 and 30 yards during the first half against Clemson and has now connected on five consecutive field goals, which marks the second longest streak of his career.
• At his best during conference play, Egekeze has now hit 15 of 16 field goals (93.8 percent) during ACC contests over the course of his career.
• With his performane vs. Clemson, Egekeze moved into a tie with Ed Loncar (1976-78) for 10th place on Maryland's all-time list with 22 career field goals.
Muhtadi's Take Down...
DL Dean Muhtadi earned his second consecutive start at defensive end against the Tigers and made the most of the opportunity, notching his first solo sack as a Terp in the third quarter to help stall a Clemson drive. Muhtadi finished with three tackles against the Tigers.
• A former walk-on, Muhtadi currently ranks third on the team this season with 1.5 sacks.
Special Indeed...
For the second consecutive game, Maryland's special teams unit came up big, playing a key role in the upset of Clemson. One week after LB Adrian Moten blocked a punt and WR Torrey Smith notched a 57-yard kickoff return vs. Eastern Michigan (9/20), LS Andrew Schmitt recovered a muffed punt against Clemson to set up a Maryland field goal. Additionally, PK Obi Egekeze (5 for 5 on field goals) and P Travis Baltz (four of eight punts inside opponents 20-yard line) have contributed standout performances during the two-game span.
Baltz's Punting Prowess...
P Travis Baltz has booted himself into the nation's elite at his position during the early stages of his sophomore season. The sophomore punted seven times for 307 yards (43.9 ypp) against Clemson, including three punts inside the Tigers' 20-yard line, continuing to help the Terps win the field position battle. Baltz' first quarter punt of 36 yards was caught by DB Kevin Barnes at the Clemson 5-yard line, forcing the Tigers to begin their second drive of the game deep in their own territory. For his efforts vs. the Tigers Baltz earned the ACC co-Special Teams Player of the Week award.
• Baltz currently ranks second in the ACC and 13th in the nation (FBS) in punting (44.5 ypp). Thanks in large part to Baltz, Maryland also ranks second in the conference and 12th nationally in net punting (39.7 ypp).
Opportunistic Terps...
Over the last two games, the Terps have taken advantage of their opponents' miscues. When LB Adrian Moten and DB Jamari McCollough contributed big plays defensively against Eastern Michigan (9/20), the Maryland offense capitalized. Both of the Terps' first-half interceptions were converted into scores, giving the team 14 points off turnovers against the Eagles. They also scored three points off a blocked punt. Saturday against Clemson, Maryland turned two first-half fumbles into field goals. Maryland had scored just seven points this season off opponents' turnovers in the first three games, but have tallied 20 off miscues in the last two contests.
Did You See That?
WR Ronnie Tyler was in the right place at the right time to make a key reception for the Terps against Clemson. With Maryland facing third-and-eight from the Clemson 28-yard line during the second quarter, QB Chris Turner's pass deflected off WR Torrey Smith's back into the hands of Tyler for 13 yards and a first down. Tyler's big play enabled the possession to result in a converted field goal for the Terps.
• Tyler notched career-highs with four receptions for 31 yards vs. Clemson. He currently ranks fourth on the team with eight catches for 78 yards.
`Gronk' Going Strong...
One game after TE Dan Gronkowski found the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown pass from QB Chris Turner, the senior proved to be a big target for QB Chris Turner yet again. A candidate for the John Mackey Award bestowed to the nation's top tight end, Gronkowski snared two receptions for 41 yards against Clemson, including a season-long 25-yard reception in the third quarter.
• Gronkowski currently ranks third on the team with 10 receptions and 96 yards, and has already set career-highs in both categories.
Portis Provides Change of Pace...
Second-string QB Josh Portis is using his speed to add a new dimension to the Terps offense this season, accounting for 10 more rushing yards vs. Clemson. With 145 yards on 23 carries so far this season, Portis already has the most rushing yards by a Maryland quarterback since Scott McBrien ran for 259 yards in 2003.
Terp Trickery...
All three of Maryland's first-string wide receivers got involved in a trick play that resulted in a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Eastern Michigan. Darrius Heyward-Bey took a handoff and threw a lateral to fellow WR Danny Oquendo, who threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to WR Isaiah Williams. The play marked Oquendo's first career touchdown pass and Williams' first score of the season. Oquendo became Maryland's first non-quarterback to throw a touchdown pass since RB Josh Allen threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Oquendo vs. Boston College on Nov. 18, 2006.
Tried and True...
True freshman DB Cameron Chism made his Maryland debut against Eastern Michigan (9/20) when he participated on the coverage team on the opening kickoff, and he notched his first career tackle (solo) playing special teams during the fourth quarter. He added a second tackle on Saturday vs. Clemson. Chism is the fourth true freshmen to see action this season, joining RB Davin Meggett, DB Kenny Tate and TE Matt Furstenburg.
Big Play Ability...
The Terps offense notched four plays of 20 yards or more vs. Clemson and now has 30 such gains on the season. Of those 30 instances, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey has accounted for nine of them (six receiving and three rushing) and RB Da'Rel Scott has accounted for seven of them (six rushing and one receiving).
Friedgen Preaches Discipline...
Head coach Ralph Friedgen and his staff continually preach disciplined play to the Terps, and the team seems to be listening. Through the first five games of the 2008 season, Maryland ranks fourth in the ACC and 23rd nationally (FBS) in fewest penalties (4.80 pg).
Philistin: Tackle Machine...
With a pair of stops vs. Clemson, LB Dave Philistin currently ranks second on the team, tied for 11th in the ACC and tied for 93rd in the nation in tackles. The conference's leading returning tackler from a year ago, Philistin has posted at least nine stops in 11 of the team's last 14 games dating back to last season.
Offensive Notes...
• The Maryland offense, which returned nine starters - its most since 1999 - and 23 letterwinners from last season, currently ranks among the ACC's leaders in first downs (third - 83), third down efficiency (third - 44.6 percent), rushing offense (fourth - 182.4 ypg) and total offense (fifth - 366.4 ypg). The unit also is among the nation's leaders in several categories, ranking tied for 11th in fewest fumbles lost (two), 35th in third down efficiency and 39th in rushing.
• During the off-season Ralph Friedgen handed control of the offense over to new offensive coordinator/assistant head coach James Franklin, enabling one of the football's best young offensive minds to have an opportunity to call plays for the Terps. Formerly offensive coordinator at Kansas State, Franklin brings 13 years of offensive expertise to College Park.
• With its offensive output against Clemson (9/27), the Maryland offense has now scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games for the first time since Sept. 22 - Oct. 6, 2007, when it did so against Wake Forest, Rutgers and Georgia Tech.
• The Terps have been able to get on the board quickly on a number of offensive drives this season. In the game vs. Eastern Michigan (9/20), the Terps had a season-high four touchdown drives which lasted five or fewer plays and less than 2:00. For the season, 12 of the team's 17 touchdowns have come on drives of five plays or less in fewer than 2:00.
• Enjoying its biggest offensive outburst of the season vs. Eastern Michigan (9/20), the Terps had season-highs in points (51), total yards (486), first downs (20) and passing touchdowns (three). The 51 points were the most by the Terps since a 55-21 win over Duke on Sept. 25, 2004. The 486 total yards of offense were the most since totaling 524 yards in an overtime win over North Carolina on Nov. 12, 2005.
• Maryland's 86 collective points against Eastern Michigan (9/20) and Cal (9/13) are the team's most during a two-game span since also lighting up the scoreboard for 86 points during wins over North Carolina (59-21) and Virginia (27-17) on Nov. 1 and Nov. 13 of 2003.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey continued to provide a spark for the Terps offense against Eastern Michigan (9/20). The junior wideout snared a 32-yard touchdown strike from QB Chris Turner during the second quarter to extend the Terps' lead to 24-7. In addition to his three receptions totaling 31 yards, Heyward-Bey rushed for a career-high 81 yards vs. Eastern Michigan on a pair of handoffs he took on reverse plays.
• Chris Turner continued to spearhead a productive Terrapins offense against Eastern Michigan (9/20), completing 15 of 23 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns. In addition to the 32-yard touchdown pass to Heyward-Bey, Turner also found TE Dan Gronkowski for a 4-yard score in the third quarter, marking the second consecutive game the duo has hooked up for a touchdown. Turner was at his best against the Eagles on third down, completing 8 of 8 passes for 109 yards.
• WR Torrey Smith showcased his multi-dimensional abilities against Eastern Michigan (9/20). The redshirt freshman had a career-long 57-yard kickoff return on the play prior to Heyward-Bey's 32-yard TD reception. Smith also added a career-long 44-yard catch of his own against the Eagles during the third quarter. Smith, who entered the game with 140 career all-purpose yards, accounted for 184 vs. the Eagles.
• Second-string QB Josh Portis rushed for a game-high and career-high 98 yards against Eastern Michigan (9/20). His 8-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter marked the first of his career and came after he accounted for all 80 yards (all rushing) during that drive. Portis' rushing total last Saturday is the highest by a Maryland QB since Shaun Hill ran for 105 yards on five carries vs. Duke on Oct. 20, 2001.
• RB Morgan Green found the end zone on fourth-and-inches in the first quarter against Eastern Michigan (9/20) to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive. It was Green's first career touchdown, coming on the 10th carry of his career. Green added a 20-yard TD run in the second quarter, extending the Terps' lead to 17-0. The 20-yard run marked a career-long for Green, who finished the game with a career-high 40 rushing yards on 12 carries.
• RB Davin Meggett started the game against Eastern Michigan (9/20) in place of starter Da'Rel Scott, who was nursing a shoulder injury, becoming the first Maryland true freshman tailback to start a game since LaMont Jordan got the nod against Georgia Tech on Nov. 22, 1997. Megget is the team's first true freshman running back to start since FB Cory Jackson did so vs. Wake Forest on Nov. 25, 2006, and the first Terp true freshman to start since OL Bruce Campbell did so against Clemson on Oct. 27, 2007.
• Continuing to prove he is one of the nation's top young ball carriers this season, Scott rushed 19 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns vs Cal (9/13), despite playing less than three quarters (shoulder injury). He found the end zone on runs of 24 and 1 yards on Maryland's first two drives of the game, helping to catapult the Terps to an early lead that proved insurmountable for the Golden Bears.
• Meggett replaced Scott at tailback in the third quarter against Cal (9/13) and the Terps ground attack did not miss a beat. Meggett rushed for a career-high 82 yards, including the second rushing touchdown of his career in the fourth quarter when he ran in from 1-yard out for a score that proved to be the difference. The true freshman's rush for 38 yards in the fourth quarter Saturday marked a career-long.
• Heyward-Bey snared two catches for a team-high 59 yards vs. Cal (9/13), including a 27-yard touchdown reception from Turner in the third quarter that extended Maryland's lead over the Golden Bears to 28-6. That score, the 10th receiving touchdown of Heyward-Bey's career, proved crucial, as Cal mounted a late comeback.
• Turner rebounded from a sub-par effort vs. Middle Tennessee State (9/6) by completing 15 of 19 passes (78.9 percent) against Cal (9/13). That accuracy mark was the 10th-highest single-game completion percentage in school history, tying his own mark he set last season against Boston College (11/10/07). Turner finished the afternoon with 156 passing yards and two TDs with no picks. Turner found Gronkowski for a 1-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter and later connected with Heyward-Bey in the third quarter for a 27-yard strike.
• Gronkowski (career-high four receptions for 24 yards) and fellow TE Lansford Watson (career-high three receptions for 23 yards) were the team's leading receivers against Cal (9/13), marking the first time two tight ends led the team in receptions since John Waerig and Eric James did so against North Carolina on Oct. 23, 1999. Gronkowski caught a 1-yard TD pass from Turner on the first play of the second quarter Saturday. For Gronkowski, it was his second career touchdown and his first since a 2-yard score versus Florida State Oct. 28, 2006.
• After posting 197 yards in the season opener, Scott turned in another impressive rushing performance versus the MTSU (9/6). Scott rushed for 123 yards on 11 carries (11.2 ypc), including a career-long 63-yard burst for a touchdown on the Terps' second offensive play from scrimmage. That run was the longest by a Terp since Lance Ball ran for 65 yards versus Boston College Nov. 19, 2005, and the team's longest run for a touchdown since Bruce Perry scored on an 80-yard run against Wake Forest Nov. 28, 2003. It was also Scott's longest play, surpassing a 57-yard reception he had last season versus BC.
• Scott's 11.2 yards per carry average vs. MTSU (9/6) ranked fourth all-time on the Terps' single-game list (record: 15.0 by Willie Joyner vs. UNC, 1982).
• Scott's performance during the first two games of the season marked the first back-to-back 100-yard rushing games for a Maryland ball carrier since Keon Lattimore ran for 112 and 124, respectively, against Wake Forest (Sept. 29) and Rutgers (Sept. 22) last season.
• Scott's 320 rushing yards during the first two games of the season represented the most in a two-game period by a Terp since Josh Allen rushed for a combined 401 yards against Virginia and NC State on Nov. 13 and Nov. 22, 2003.
• Heyward-Bey's 80-yard TD in the third quarter of the MTSU game (9/6) marked the second-longest of Heyward-Bey's career, trailing only the school-record 96-yarder he had versus Miami Nov. 11, 2006. It was the longest completion of Turner's career, surpassing a 78-yard TD pass to Jason Goode last season against Georgia Tech.
• Turner made his first start of the season in place of fellow QB Jordan Steffy (thumb injury) against MTSU (9/6), throwing for 207 yards, giving him at least 200 passing yards in seven consecutive games in which he started. Despite a solid performance that string was broken during the Cal game (9/13) as Turner threw for 156 yards.
• Making his first career start, Scott provided a record-setting performance vs. Delaware (8/30). The sophomore tailback rushed for 197 yards on 26 carries to set a school record for most rushing yards in season opener (old record: 177 by Charlie Wysocki vs. Villanova, Sept. 6, 1980). Scott's performance tied for 16th on the team's single-game list and are the most rushing yards by a Terp in a game since Bruce Perry recorded 237 against Wake Forest on Nov. 29, 2003.
• Scott was not the only Maryland RB to have a memorable game against Delaware. Meggett had seven rushes for 54 yards. His 14-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter was the first of his career and gave the Terps a 14-0 lead.
• With his score vs. Delaware (9/20), Meggett became the first Maryland true freshman to score a touchdown in his first career game since Josh Allen had an 8-yard TD run vs. Eastern Michigan on Sept. 21, 2002.
• In all, Maryland recorded 271 yards on the ground against Delaware (8/30), the team's most since it ran for 277 yards against Duke on Sept. 25, 2004.
• Following a hard-fought battle in preseason camp, Steffy, a senior, emerged as the Terps' No. 1 quarterback heading into the season. Steffy, who started the first five games last season before suffering a concussion, completed 70 of 104 passes for 686 yards and two touchdowns in 2007. He was 10 of 18 for 115 yards in the season-opener. He suffered a thumb injury in the second half and is out of action indefinitely. Turner, a junior who entered the season as the backup, replaced Steffy in the Delaware game (8/30). Turner started the final eight games of the 2007 season, completing 153 of 241 passes for 1,958 yards.
• The Terps quarterbacks operate behind a veteran-laden offensive line featuring five seniors who have seen significant playing time. C Edwin Williams, a preseason All-ACC nominee, anchors a line that boasts a collective 101 career starts. He is joined by fellow seniors LT Scott Burley, LG Jaimie Thomas, RG Jack Griffin and RT Dane Randolph. Junior Phil Costa started at right guard in the opener with Griffin subbing at right guard. Reserve linemen Campbell, Lamar Young, Danny Edwards and Paul Pinegar round out the two-deep for a unit that was decimated by injuries last season but should represent a strength for the offense in 2008.
• Heyward-Bey headlines a deep receiving corps that returns its top three players from a year ago. He is joined atop the depth chart at WR by seniors Oquendo Williams. Sophomore LaQuan Williams, a reigning freshman All-ACC nominee, also made significant contributions in 2007, but he currently is sidelined with a leg injury. Beneath that veteran layer, a plethora of talented but less-proven WRs awaits opportunities to contribute. Sophomore Adrian Cannon and redshirt freshmen Ronnie Tyler and Smith each had impressive preseason camps and bolster the unit's depth.
• The performances of Scott, Meggett and Green are helping to ease the loss to graduation of last season's dynamic rushing duo of Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball. Senior Rashad Henry and sophomore Dan Bonato round out Maryland's RB corp. Senior FB Jackson open holes for the RBs, with sophomore FB Haroon Brown occupying a reserve role.
• A nominee for postseason honors, Gronkowski starts at TE for the Terps after sharing starting duties a year ago. Gronkowski caught seven passes for 66 yards last season, despite being used primarily as a blocking TE. He is the third-leading receiver on the team this season with 10 catches. Junior Tommy Galt sits beneath Gronkowski on the depth chart, and Watson, a redshirt freshman, is atop the depth chart at H-back. Watson recorded his first collegiate reception in the fourth quarter against MTSU (9/6) when he made an acrobatic catch for 29 yards on a pass from Turner.
Defensive Notes...
• The Maryland defense currently ranks among the ACC's leaders in defensive third down efficiency (third - 29.9 percent) and sacks (tied for fifth - nine). The unit also is among the nation's leaders in several categories, ranking 20th in defensive third down efficiency, tied for 21st in interceptions (seven) and tied for 29th in turnovers gained (10).
• Maryland returns five starters and 20 letterwinners from a defensive unit that ranked fifth in the ACC last season in both run and pass defense. The unit boasts five players who have made at least 15 starts for the Terps, including 40 and 37 career starts, respectively, for DL Jeremy Navarre and LEO Trey Covington. Navarre leads Maryland defensive linemen and ranks tied for fourth on the team with 27 tackles.
• For the first time since 2005, Maryland's entire defensive coaching staff from the previous year remains intact. Chris Cosh, who has served as a defensive coordinator in three of the six BCS conferences, is in his third season running the defense, as well as the inside linebackers.
• Several Maryland players rank among the conference leaders in key defensive categories through the first five games. DB Kevin Barnes is tied for fifth in passes defended (1.0 pg). LBs Alex Wujciak, Dave Philistin and DB Jeff Allen rank fourth (8.6 pg), tied for 11th (7.8 pg) and 23rd (6.4 pg), respectively, in tackles. DB Jamari McCollough rank tied for seventh in interceptions (.60 pg). LB Rick Costa ranks tied for seventh in tackles for loss (1.0 pg).
• After surrendering 260 total yards and 17 first downs in the first half to Clemson (9/27), the Maryland defense clamped down and turned in an exceptional second-half performance. The Terps limited the Tigers to no points, 112 total yards -- including just 26 rushing yards -- and only two first downs during the second half. It marked the first half of football this season in which Clemson was held scoreless.
• The Maryland defense continued to get to the opposing quarterback against Eastern Michigan (9/20). Six players combined on three quarterback sacks vs. the Eagles. DLs Navarre and Bemi Otulaja and LBs Costa, Covington, Adrian Moten and Philistin each contributed half-sacks in the defensive effort against Eastern Michigan.
• With Eastern Michigan threatening to score for the first time against the Terps midway through the first quarter of that game (9/20), McCollough intercepted QB Kyle McMahon's pass in the end zone to preserve the early advantage. It marked the first pick of his career. McCollough picked off another pass - Maryland's sixth of the season - to conclude the contest.
• Moten notched his first interception of the season and second of his career during the second quarter against Eastern Michigan (9/20) when he backpedalled and made an athletic play on QB Kyle McMahon's pass.
• Wujciak posted a game-high 10 tackles - including 1.5 tackles for loss -- in the victory over the Eagles (9/20), and fellow LB Dave Philistin added nine tackles and one-half sack during the same game.
• Cal entered its game against the Terps (9/13) ranked sixth in the nation in rushing offense (297.0 ypg), but Maryland limited the Golden Bears to 38 rushing yards, including just 12 in the second half. The Terps added eight tackles for loss versus Cal, which eclipsed their two-game total entering Saturday's game. The Terps defense did not surrender a TD to Cal until the 6:55 mark of the fourth quarter.
• Fokou accounted for Maryland's first sack of the season when he took down Cal QB Kevin Riley for a 4-yard loss to force the Golden Bears to punt on the game's opening drive (9/13). He added a second sack in the third quarter, setting a career-high for sacks in a game and tying a career-high for sacks in a season. The senior Sam linebacker finished with six tackles (four solo) versus the Golden Bears.
• In all, the Terps tallied a season-high five sacks against Cal (9/13). LB Moise Fokou (2.0), Costa (1.5 sacks) and DLs Jared Harrell (1.0) and Dean Muhtadi (0.5) each contributed to the sack barrage against Cal, which had surrendered just one sack on the season entering the game, and led the Pac-10 in fewest sacks allowed the previous two seasons. The five sacks are tied for the most by the Terps since they recorded six sacks versus Virginia Oct. 10, 2005.
• Philistin notched a game-high 13 tackles against the Golden Bears (9/13), tying for the second-highest total of his career. He added a tackle for loss of three yards in the second quarter on a run by Cal RB Jahvid Best to help force a three-and-out.
• Barnes, who led the Terps with four interceptions a year ago, picked off a pass by Cal QB Kevin Riley during the first quarter of that game (9/13), returning it 17 yards to set up Maryland's second touchdown. Barnes added two pass breakups, including one with a big hit on Cal RB Jahvid Best in the second quarter. The senior cornerback is tied for the team lead with two interceptions this season, having also snared one in the season-opening win over Delaware (8/30).
• Wujciak's knack for making big plays continued against MTSU (9/6). Wujciak notched his first career fumble recovery in the second quarter when he pounced on a dropped lateral to halt a Blue Raiders' drive and give the ball back to Maryland. Wujciak also tallied seven tackles, including a tackle for loss when he stopped Middle Tennessee State RB Desmond Gee four yards behind the line of scrimmage in the first quarter.
• Philistin tied for the team lead with nine tackles against the Blue Raiders (9/6), marking the fifth time in seven games he had led the defense in that category dating back to last season.
• During the season opener Aug. 30 against Delaware, Maryland's defense limited the Blue Hens to 249 total yards - the lowest by a foe since holding Florida International to 163 yards on Sept. 8, 2007.
• Wujciak's collegiate debut proved worth the wait. Seeing his first action against Delaware (8/30) after missing all of last season due to a knee injury, the sophomore got a hand on Delaware PK Jon Striefsky's 46-yard FG attempt in the second quarter, causing the kick to fall short of the uprights. It marked the first blocked field goal by Maryland since Navarre swatted one against Florida State (Oct. 28, 2006).
• Barnes nabbed his first of the 2008 campaign when he picked off a pass by Delaware WR Aaron Love on a flea-flicker during the opening drive of the second half of the 14-7 win over the Blue Hens (8/30). The senior CB also recorded a forced fumble in the season-opening game.
• DB Terrell Skinner is making the most of his first season as a starter for the Terps, having recorded a crucial late interception, the first of his career, to seal Maryland's season-opening victory over Delaware (8/30). Skinner added eight tackles and a pass-breakup vs. MTSU (9/6) before suffering an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of that game. He missed two games, but returned for the matchup with Clemson (9/27), registering four tackles.
• Navarre, a DT who leads active Terps with nine career sacks, anchors a defensive line that replaced starters Dre Moore and Carlos Feliciano from a year ago. He is joined in the starting lineup by DE Mack Frost and Otulaja, though Deege Galt, Dion Armstrong and Muhtadi also see action on the defensive line. Junior Travis Ivey is also a fixture inside after returning from injury to play against Clemson (9/27). After three seasons at defensive end, Navarre bumped inside to tackle in the spring and has flourished.
• With the addition of Wujciak, depth prevails for the Terrapins at linebacker, where three starters are back from 2007 in Covington, Philistin and Fokou. Covington has started 37 of the last 40 games at LEO, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position. He and fellow LEO Costa form a productive tandem for the Terps defense. Philistin ranked fourth in the ACC in 2007 with 124 tackles, and is backed up by fellow senior Chase Bullock. Fokou added 83 tackles and two sacks a year ago, and shares the strongside with his backup, Moten, who earned freshman All-America honors in 2007. LB Ben Pooler started the season as the backup at Mike LB, played in one game and is now sidelined with a season-ending knee injury.
• Barnes is the lone returning starter in the secondary and is expected to provide leadership for the talented unit. Juniors Carroll and Anthony Wiseman share time at the other CB spot. Allen, who ranks third on the team with 32 tackles, joins Skinner atop the depth chart at safety, having served in a reserve role in 2007. USC transfer Antwine Perez and true freshman Kenny Tate provide depth at safety, and senior Richard Taylor served as a reserve CB until being sidelined with a season-ending knee injury. Perez made his first career start against Cal (9/13) in place of Skinner, who had an ankle injury.
• The Terps have had at least one defensive player drafted into the NFL in each of the last 12 seasons, and 18 defensive players overall in that span, including DE Dre Moore last year, a draftee of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Of the Maryland defenders selected, 11 have gone in the first three rounds, including first-round picks Chad Scott (1997) and Shawne Merriman (2005).
• The Terrapins began a season without a Henderson on their roster for just the second time this decade. Following in the footsteps of his older brother A.J., who earned All-America and ACC Player of the Year honors during his stellar Terp career, Erin Henderson was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2007 after leading the conference with 133 tackles. Both brothers now play for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings.
Special Teams Notes...
• The Maryland special teams unit currently ranks among the ACC's leaders in PAT kicking (tied for first - 100 percent), opponents' on-side kicks allowed (tied for first - 0-3), net punting (second - 39.7 ypp) and punt return yardage allowed (second - 4.6 ypr). The unit also is among the best in the nation in several categories, ranking 12th in net punting and tied for 22nd in punt return yardage defense.
• Several Maryland players rank among the conference leaders in key special teams categories. P Travis Baltz ranks second in punting (44.5 ypp), WR Torrey Smith ranks third in punt returns (25.4 ypr) and PK Obi Egekeze ranks tied for first in PAT kicking percentage (17 for 17) and seventh in scoring (6.4 ppg).
• When Clemson WR Jacoby Ford muffed a punt return during the first quarter of that game (9/20), LS Andrew Schmitt was there to pounce on it, giving the Terps offense the ball at the Tigers' 18-yard line. It marked the first career fumble recovery for Schmitt, a senior whose nickname is `Dewey'. The play set up Maryland's first score of the game -- a 23-yard field goal by Egekeze seven seconds into the second quarter.
• The Maryland special teams unit had an outstanding performance against Eastern Michigan, making key plays in place-kicking, punt return coverage and kickoff returns.
• Egekeze converted all three of his field goal attempts (21, 23 and 33-yards) vs. Eastern Michigan, marking the first three-field goal game by a Maryland kicker since Egekeze booted three vs. NC State last season (11/24/07). The senior is also perfect on all 15 PATs this season. Egekeze also had a solid all-around game vs. the Eagles, placing four of his kickoffs in the end zone and adding a solo tackle on one of the six kicks which were returned. He added two more field goals vs. Clemson (9/27) and has hit five in-a-row.
• Baltz only had one punt vs. Eastern Michigan (9/20), but it proved to be a good one. His lone punt in that game went for 44 yards and pinned the Eagles at their own 16-yard line.
• LB Adrian Moten blocked Patrick Treppa's punt following Eastern Michigan's first possession (9/20), marking the first blocked punts for the Terps since Josh Wilson blocked one against Williams & Mary on Sept. 2, 2006. DB Dominique Herald recovered Moten's block and returned it 15 yards to give Maryland's offense exceptional starting field position at the Eagles' 10-yard line.
• Against Cal (9/13), Baltz punted four times for 191 yards (47.8 ypp) and a season-long punt of 55 yards. His average vs. Cal was the second best of his career (5-49.6 vs. Georgia Tech, 2007.
• Smith compiled a then-career-highs with 86 yards on four kickoff returns against MTSU (9/6), including a long return of 30 yards.
• Baltz followed up a strong performance against Delaware (8/30) in which he landed two punts inside the Blue Hens' 20-yard-line by punting four times for 171 yards with a long punt of 54 yards against MTSU (9/6).
• After starting the 2007 campaign with an untested punter and place-kicker, Maryland has the luxury of having proven players occupying those positions this season. Egekeze and Baltz both provided strong performances during their first season at their respective positions in 2007. Egekeze connected on 17 of 23 field goal attempts and was perfect on all 36 PATs last year, ranking sixth in the ACC in both kick scoring and overall scoring. Baltz earned freshman All-America honors in 2007 after averaging 43.1 yards per punt during conference play.
• Maryland is fortunate to have WR Danny Oquendo back for his third season as the team's primary punt returner. With 10 returns for 62 yards thus far in 2008, the sure-handed senior ranks eighth on the Terps all-time punt return yards list (448) and sixth on the career returns chart (58).
• Smith has handled the majority of the kickoff returns thus far in 2008, accounting for 355 yards on 14 returns (25.4 ypr), including a career-long 57-yard return vs. Eastern Michigan (9/20) to set up a Maryland touchdown. DB Terrell Skinner returned one kickoff for 15 yards in the season-opening game versus Delaware (8/30), and fellow DBs Kenny Tate and Trenton Hughes might also be called upon to fill that role.
• Reliable long-snapper Schmitt, a three-year starter, is in his final season with the Terps. After handling just long snaps (punts) up to this point in his career, Schmitt is also the short snapper (PAT/FG) this year.
By The Numbers...
0...Number of sacks allowed by the Maryland offensive line in Saturday's win over Clemson.
3...WR Darrius Heyward-Bey has three plays in excess of 75 yards in his career, including two this season (80-yd TD reception vs. Middle Tennessee State; 76-yd run vs. Clemson). He had a school record 96-yd TD catch vs. Miami in 2006.
5...PK Obi Egekeze has made his last five field-goal attempts after missing his first five on the season.
7...Number of 2007 bowl teams slated to play the Terps in 2008.
9...Number of current players who have completed their degrees. That list includes PK Obi Egekeze, DL Mack Frost, OL Jack Griffin, TE Dan Gronkowski, DL Dean Muhtadi, OL Dane Randolph, QB Jordan Steffy, DB Richard Taylor and OL Edwin Williams. Each of those players is either enrolled in graduate school or pursuing another undergraduate degree.
14...Returning starters (nine on offense/five on defense) from last season.
17...Number of career carries by the Maryland tailbacks (14 by Da'Rel Scott/3 by Morgan Green) entering the season.
21...Twenty one of the top 27 crowds in Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium have occurred during the last seven seasons.
24.2...Darrius Heyward-Bey is averaging 24.2 yards each time he touches the ball this season (18 touches/436 yards).
27...Number of former Terps on NFL rosters (see list on page 18).
30...Number of seniors on this season's roster.
60...The Terps have won 60 games in Ralph Friedgen's seven-plus seasons which is more than they had in the 14 years prior to his arrival (55).
88...The Terps have connected on 88 straight PATs, dating back to 2005 (vs. UNC). Obi Egekeze hit all 36 attempts last season and 17 this year. Dan Ennis was good on all 32 in 2006.
101...The Terps top six offensive linemen - Edwin Williams (31), Dane Randolph (22), Scott Burley (17), Jaimie Thomas (16), Phil Costa (11) and Jack Griffin (4) - have combined to start 101 career games.
135...Career rushing yards for RB Da'Rel Scott entering the 2008 season.
791.20...Danny Oquendo's passing efficiency rating is 791.20. Oquendo completed the lone pass of his career Saturday vs. Eastern Michigan. He took a handoff from Darrius Heyward-Bey on a fake reverse and hit Isaiah Williams on a 43-yard TD.
