April 21, 1997
1996 Maryland Football Season Review
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 1996 season saw the Maryland defense surge its way to the forefront of national prominence. In a conference that featured four of the premier tailbacks, the Terp defense finished the season ranked 29th nationally. The six starting seniors on defense saw their nationally rank in total defense improve an amazing 77 positions and 233 yards per game when compared to the 1993 season. The Terps held five opponents to 250 total offensive yards or less and allowed only a very respectable 3320 yards of total offense a game. Six of Maryland's defensive starters earned Honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.
The revamped Maryland offense saw itself transformed from the record-setting Run-and-Shoot to a more conventional pro-style offense that featured a fullback and a tight end. When both units were healthy a performing to their high expectations, the Terps produced a number of impressive victories. Maryland's 52-0 margin of victory over Wake Forest at Homecoming was the greatest margin of victory versus an ACC opponent in school history. The Terps victory over Georgia Tech gave the program four wins at home for the first time since 1990.
The glare of national television shined brightly on Maryland as the Terps were featured on national television five times. The Terps were featured on ABC twice, ESPN once and ESPN twice.
The 1996 season also marked the finale for two of the top producing Terps in the history of the program. Senior linebacker Ratcliff Thomas finished his career as the third leading tackler in school history. Senior wide receiver Geroy Simon amassed 185 career receptions and 2,059 career yards - both rank No. 2 all-time in school history.
A promising linebacker burst onto the scene as Eric Barton became only the second sophomore in school history to lead the team in tackles. He finished with 109 tackles, including a career-best 14 versus Virginia. Barton earned Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for his efforts versus the Cavaliers.
It was a season full of many individual career best performances as well. Simon posted a career-high 136 receiving yards versus Alabama-Birmingham; junior quarterback Brian Cummings passed for a personal-best 21 completions versus Georgia Tech; junior running back Buddy Rodgers rushed for a career-high 176 yards versus Duke and running Harold Westley was named the ACC Rookie-of-the-Week for his 120 all-purpose yards versus Wake Forest.
Maryland's five victories improved its two-year victory total to 11; its best consecutive year victory total since the 1985 and 1986 seasons.
