Football Makes Final Preparations For JMU
9/10/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 10, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins made final preparations Thursday night for their home opener against James Madison, which is set for Saturday in Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.
After a tough season-opening road loss to No. 12 California, Maryland (0-1) will face a dangerous team in JMU, which is ranked No. 6 in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) poll.
The Dukes enter their season opener expecting to play two quarterbacks - junior Drew Dudzik and freshman Justin Thorpe. Both figure to run the ball, as last season JMU quarterback Rodney Landers led the team in rushing.
"Their quarterbacks to me are like running backs - big running backs," said Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen. "Both of them are over 200 pounds and both run very well. They're like linebackers back there, so that has you concerned."
The Colonial Athletic Association went 2-0 against the ACC last week. William & Mary knocked off Virginia, 26-14, and Richmond downed Duke, 24-16. Villanova moved the conference's record against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams to 3-0 with a 27-24 victory over Temple.
Maryland and James Madison have faced each other just once, with the Terps downing the Dukes 23-15 in 1998.
After a long trip back from the West Coast just four days ago, Friedgen and the coaching staff trimmed practice time this week in order for the team to regain its legs.
During Thursday's practice, the coaches used artificial noise during two-minute drills to help give more reality to an end of the game situation. In two drives, the defense got one stop and the offense scored once. Jamarr Robinson went 4-for-6, with the score coming on a screen pass to Gary Douglas that he took 33 yards into the end zone.
Following practice, Friedgen announced that Kevin Dorsey will serve as special teams captain for Saturday's game. He also named linebackers Ryan Donohue and Darin Drakeford, as well as quarterback C.J. Brown scout team players of the week.
Offensive lineman Andrew Gonnella will carry the American flag onto the field Saturday, and defensive lineman Deege Galt, a product of Good Counsel High School in Silver Spring, will bring the Maryland flag.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 6:02 p.m. EDT, with the game to be broadcast live on the Terrapin Sports Radio Network and streamed on ESPN360.
Tickets for the game are available through the Maryland Athletics Ticket Office. Click here or call 1-800-462-TERP.
Terps Notes
Tyser Tower Dedication: The newly-expanded Tyser Tower in Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium will officially open on Saturday, but the new facility was formally dedicated Thursday evening in a ceremony before over 200 dignitaries. Those in attendance included University of Maryland President C.D. (Dan) Mote, Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow and head football coach Ralph Friedgen. Mote called it "an exciting day" and "important for recruits, alumni, current players and the coaching staff." The upgraded facility, which cost $50.8 million, includes 64 suites, new mezzanine seating for over 400 patrons, new areas for working media and new booths for radio and television. Construction began in phases following the end of the 2007 season with the goal of opening prior to the 2009 season. The facility, which has tripled in size, also includes a new work area for coaches and game-day staff, a new merchandise outlet, enhanced seating for disabled customers.
`Lunch with the Fridge': Head coach Ralph Friedgen will hold three `Lunch with the Fridge' events during the 2009 season. The first one is scheduled for noon Friday. Each of the events will take place in the Young Dining Hall of the Gossett Team House. The ninth-year head coach will preview this weekend's home opener with James Madison (6 p.m. Saturday) and update Terp fans on the season. This year `Lunch with the Fridge' replaces the ever-popular `Breakfast with the Fridge' event. Admission is free and lunch will be sponsored/presented by the Maryland Gridiron Network (MGN) and Buffalo Wild Wings. Lunch, which will be provided by Buffalo Wild Wings, will be free for the first 200 people. The event is open to the public. The final two `Lunch with the Fridge' events are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 and Friday, Nov. 13.
