Previewing the First Third of the Games in the Maryland Football Season

The biggest story line heading into this upcoming season is the new coach Randy Edsall and what he can bring to the table. He has a good foundation to start with, lead by promising sophmore QB Danny O'Brien. Last season, O'Brien amassed 2438 passing yards, 22 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions. An overall QB rating of 134.5, leading his team to a 9-4 record, 7-3 in games with DOB starting. Davin Meggett will surely take over for Da'Rel Scott in the backfield. Meggett, a senior, compiled 720 yards on 126 attempts and 4 touchdowns. His long was a 76 yarder. The biggest question will be who will replace Torrey Smith (WR, drafted to the Ravens in the 2nd round), and LB Alex Wujciak. Kenny Tate will be moved down to linebacker from safety, and he is a good tackler.

On Labor Day, the Terps take on the Miami Hurricanes. This is an exciting match-up for the Terrapins, because many, I believe the count is eight now, have been suspended from the Miami team for this game. Because of this, I'd take the Terps.

Then after 12 days of rest, the Terps will host the West Virginia Mountaineers in the big OOC rivalry game. Lately the rivalry has been one sided, but with the emergance of star QB O'Brien, and the Mountaineers losing speedy RB Noel Devine and WR Jock Sanders, the task becomes a bit easier for the Terps. But the Mountaineers still have Tavon Austin, a speedy WR out of Dunbar High School who dominated us last year, and QB Geno Smith. It's a toss up, and as much as I'd like to say the Terps here, I have to go with West Virginia. Maryland in years past has had struggles defending the speed of West Virginia.

On the 17th of September, the Terps will host the Owls of Temple. After an 8-4 season, Temple looks like it could be weaker, losing top WR Michael Campbell. This should be a Terps W.

Then the Terps take on local FCS team Towson. The Tigers are coming off of an abismal season, going 1-10, and going 0-8 in the very deep and competative CAA. This should be no contest as the Terps get their third win of the season.

-Andrew