2008 Maryland Terrapins football team
2008 Maryland Terrapins football | |
---|---|
Humanitarian Bowl champion | |
Humanitarian Bowl, W 42–35 vs. Nevada | |
Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference |
Atlantic Division | |
Record | 8–5 (4–4 ACC) |
Head coach |
|
Offensive coordinator | James Franklin (1st season) |
Offensive scheme | West Coast offense |
Defensive coordinator | Chris Cosh (3rd season) Al Seamonson (interim) (2nd season) |
Base defense | "Terp" (3–3–5 variant)[1] |
Home stadium | Byrd Stadium |
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Atlantic Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston College xy | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 21 Florida State x | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maryland | 4 | – | 4 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wake Forest | 4 | – | 4 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clemson | 4 | – | 4 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NC State | 4 | – | 4 | 6 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coastal Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 15 Virginia Tech xy$ | 5 | – | 3 | 10 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 22 Georgia Tech x | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina | 0 | – | 4 | 0 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Miami (FL) | 4 | – | 4 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virginia | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duke | 1 | – | 7 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AP Poll
|
The 2008 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It was the Terrapins' (also officially known as the "Terps") 56th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and its fourth within the framework of the ACC Atlantic Division.
The 2008 season in the ACC was described as chaotic, and for Maryland, there was no exception.[2][3] The Terrapins were within grasp of the ACC Atlantic Division championship at the end of Week 12, but lost their final two games and fell to a four-way tie for third place. Maryland closed the regular season with a 7–5 record—including four wins against Top 25-ranked teams—which was enough to secure bowl eligibility. In the postseason, Maryland defeated Nevada of the Western Athletic Conference in the Humanitarian Bowl.
Before the season
Coaching changes
In December 2007, Maryland hired
Key losses
Maryland lost several important players from the
Key returns
Despite the loss of some of the previous year's important players, Maryland entered the 2008 season with a seasoned squad. Forty-six of sixty-two
Recruiting
The 2008 recruiting class was ranked 52nd in the nation by
Quarterback controversy
There was some controversy
In the season opener against Delaware, Steffy suffered an injured thumb, and Turner took over in the fourth quarter. He remained the starter for the rest of the season,[29] and Steffy saw no further game action. Portis saw limited playing time throughout the season, usually being put in for a single option play at a time.[30]
Schedule
The
Maryland also played four non-conference games. For the season opener, the Terrapins met the
Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 30 | 3:45 pm | Delaware* | ESPNU | W 14–7 | 49,119 | ||
September 6 | 7:00 pm | at CSN | L 14–24 | 22,605 | |||
September 13 | 12:00 pm | No. 23 California* |
| ESPN | W 35–27 | 49,527 | |
September 20 | 1:00 pm | Eastern Michigan* |
| ESPN360 | W 51–24 | 48,023 | |
September 27 | 12:00 pm | at No. 20 Clemson | Raycom | W 20–17 | 81,500 | ||
October 4 | 7:00 pm | at Virginia | ) | ESPNU | L 0–31 | 50,727 | |
October 18 | 12:00 pm | No. 21 Wake Forest |
| Raycom | W 26–0 | 46,257 | |
October 25 | 3:30 pm | NC State |
| ESPN360 | W 27–24 | 45,018 | |
November 6 | 7:30 pm | at Virginia Tech | No. 23 | ESPN | L 13–23 | 66,233 | |
November 15 | 3:30 pm | No. 17 ABC | W 17–15 | 46,113 | |||
November 22 | 7:45 pm | Florida State | No. 22 |
| ESPN | L 3–37 | 51,620 |
November 29 | 3:30 pm | at No. 20 Boston College | ABC | L 21–28 | 42,767 | ||
December 30 | 4:30 pm | vs. Nevada* | ESPN | W 42–35 | 26,781 | ||
|
Personnel
Injuries
Injuries had devastated the Maryland roster the previous year,[38][39][40] and while 2008 was more forgiving by comparison, several key players were injured. Starting cornerback Kevin Barnes suffered a season-ending scapular fracture against Wake Forest and missed the last six games.[41] Sophomore LaQuan Williams and true freshman Kevin Dorsey, both wide receivers, sat out the entire season due to leg and foot injuries, respectively.[42] Leading receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey sat out the Boston College game due to a calf injury, and leading rusher Da'Rel Scott suffered a left shoulder injury in the third game against California, which plagued him throughout the season, although he missed just one game. Running back Morgan Green, who had contended for the starting position during summer camp, had an injury-riddled season, before seeing his first real action in the bowl game.[43] Starting quarterback Jordan Steffy was put out for the season by a thumb injury on his throwing hand in the first game.[44]
Depth chart
Information as of December 10, 2008[45] | |||||||||||
OFFENSE
|
DEFENSE
|
SPECIAL TEAMS
| |||||||||
Injured:
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Fr: Freshman |
Boldface indicates a starting player for the respective position. |
Bold indicates starter as of September 28, 2008 | ||||||
OFFENSE
TE-F
Injured:
|
DEFENSE
Injured:
|
SPECIAL TEAMS
| ||||
Coaching staff
Name | Position | Current seasons |
Previous seasons |
Alma Mater |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ralph Friedgen | Head coach | 8 | 5 | Maryland (1970) |
James Franklin | Assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach | 1 | 5 | East Stroudsburg (1995) |
Chris Cosh† | Defensive coordinator, inside linebackers coach (regular season) | 3 | 1 | Virginia Tech (1983) |
Lee Hull | Wide receivers coach | 1 | – | Holy Cross (1988) |
Tom Brattan | Offensive line coach | 8 | – | Delaware (1972) |
John Donovan | Running backs coach | 8 | – | Johns Hopkins (1997) |
Kevin Lempa | Secondary coach | 2 | – | Southern Connecticut State (1974) |
Al Seamonson‡ | Outside linebackers coach, special teams assistant | 7 | – | Wisconsin (1982) |
Interim defensive coordinator (bowl game) | ||||
Dave Sollazzo | Defensive line coach, recruiting coordinator | 8 | 3 | The Citadel (1977)
|
Danny Pearman† | Special teams, tight ends (regular season) | 1 | — | Clemson (1988) |
Dwight Galt | Strength and conditioning coach | 17 | 6 | Maryland (1981) |
Brian White‡ | Intern | 3 | — | Juniata College |
Interim tight ends, assistant special teams (bowl game) | ||||
Legend | ||||
A vacated position An interim position |
|
Game summaries
Delaware
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Delaware | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Maryland | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 0–0
- Opponent final record: 4–8
- Pre-game line: Lines are not released for games between FBS and FCS teams
The previous season, Delaware finished as the Division I FCS championship runners-up and scored more than 40 points in seven of 15 games. However, their star quarterback, Joe Flacco, and running back, Omar Cuff, both graduated and went on to the NFL.[46] Later in the season, the Blue Hens finished 2008 with eight losses for the first time in school history.[47]
Delaware
In his first career start, Scott ran for 157 yards, but Friedgen thought he could have done better. Friedgen said, "He was a little tired from camp ... Normally, he would break some of those runs. I don't think he quite had his third gear today." Steffy played a solid first half, but in the second, threw two interceptions before suffering a season-ending thumb fracture. He was replaced by back-up Chris Turner who started for the remainder of the season. Regarding their loss, Delaware head coach K. C. Keeler said, "This is not like a moral victory. I don't believe in moral victories ... This was not a payday for us ... We play a home game, we make more money than playing this game down here. When we scheduled this game, I thought our program would possibly be in a position to beat a solid ACC school."[49]
Middle Tennessee State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
MTSU | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 0–1
- Opponent final record: 5–7
- Pre-game line: Maryland −13[12]
The previous week, Middle Tennessee made two rapid-fire fourth-quarter touchdowns in a failed comeback attempt against the eventual Sun Belt Conference champions, Troy. The week following the Maryland game, Middle Tennessee nearly upset Kentucky. The Blue Raiders lost that game, 20–14, after wide receiver Eldred King caught a 61-yard pass only to be ankle-tackled at the Kentucky one-yard line as time expired.[50]
After receiving the kickoff, Middle Tennessee quarterback Joe Craddock led an 80-yard, 10-play drive. It included a fake punt that caught Maryland off-guard, which allowed the punter to complete a 28-yard pass for a first-down conversion. Craddock ended the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass. On Maryland's second offensive play of the game, Da'Rel Scott broke free for a 63-yard run for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Middle Tennessee re-took the lead with a 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Turner threw an interception that was returned 25 yards to the Maryland five-yard line, and Middle Tennessee subsequently scored on a rushing play. On Maryland's next possession, Turner completed a short pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey who ran for an 80-yard touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Maryland advanced inside the Middle Tennessee 35-yard line three times, but was unable to capitalize. Middle Tennessee defenders saved two potential touchdowns with interceptions on their own two-yard line and in the end zone to preserve a Blue Raider victory, 24–14.[51]
The game marked Middle Tennessee's first ever win over an ACC opponent, although they had come close in Charlottesville the year prior, when Virginia made a go-ahead field goal with eight seconds remaining. It was Middle Tennessee's fourth win against an opponent from a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) conference. The other three all came against Vanderbilt.[51]
California (#23)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#23 California | 3 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 27 |
Maryland | 14 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 35 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 2–0
- Opponent final record: 9–4
- Pre-game line: Maryland +14[12]
The Washington Post called the previous week's ten-point loss to Middle Tennessee the "worst defeat of [Ralph Friedgen's] eight-year tenure,"[52] and with the narrow margin of victory over Delaware, most analysts strongly favored 23-ranked California in its first meeting against Maryland. The previous week, California routed Washington State, 66–3.[53]
The game began with a Maryland kickoff to California, who were stopped for a net loss of 4 yards and forced to punt. On Maryland's first possession, it mounted a 60-yard drive that culminated in a 24-yard touchdown rush by
The Maryland offense scored five touchdowns against California, which bettered the combined total of four in the Terrapins' first two games. California running back Jahvid Best, an early Heisman Trophy contender,[56] ran for 311 yards in his first two games, but was held to 25 yards on 10 carries against Maryland. In total, California's rushing offense was held to 38 yards.[53] This was the first of four Maryland victories over ranked opponents during the 2008 season.[12]
Eastern Michigan
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Michigan | 0 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
Maryland | 10 | 14 | 10 | 17 | 51 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 1–2
- Opponent final record: 3–9
- Pre-game line: Maryland −21[12]
Against Mid-American Conference opponent Eastern Michigan, Maryland showcased its offense, which scored on nine out of thirteen possessions. Starting tailback Da'Rel Scott sat out the game because of a shoulder injury suffered against California, and he was replaced by Morgan Green.[57]
Linebacker Adrian Moten blocked an Eastern Michigan punt, which gave Maryland excellent field position for their first possession on their opponents' 10-yard line. They were, however, were held to a field goal. Eastern Michigan responded with a 75-yard drive to the Maryland five-yard line, but threw an interception to safety Jamari McCollough. Maryland mounted an 80-yard drive, which included a 35-yard run by
Clemson (#20)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | 0 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
#20 Clemson | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 3–1
- Opponent final record: 7–6
- Pre-game line: Maryland +12[12]
Maryland traveled to Clemson to play in "Death Valley", traditionally one of the most difficult ACC venues for opponents to play.[58] Clemson firmly held the momentum of the game for the first half, and their running backs exploited holes in the Maryland defensive line. During that time, Clemson recorded two touchdowns and a field goal. Despite gaining excellent field position through recovering a fumbled punt on the Clemson 19-yard line and a recovered fumble on the Clemson 30-yard line, Maryland was able to produce just two field goals from those turnovers. The Terrapins drives were also blunted by penalties for two false starts and a holding call.[59]
In the first possession of the second half, the Terrapins were forced to punt after a run attempt for loss, a false start penalty, and two incomplete passes. The Maryland defense took the field and stopped a Clemson drive. On the first play of their second series, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey executed a reverse to gain 76 yards before being stopped at the Clemson four-yard line. This set up a short Chris Turner touchdown pass to receiver Torrey Smith, and shifted the game's momentum in favor of Maryland. In the fourth quarter, three completions to Danny Oquendo set the stage for a one-yard rush into the endzone by Da'Rel Scott. In the second half, the Maryland defense allowed Clemson just 31 rushing yards and zero points, compared with 204 rushing yards and 17 points in the first half.[59]
The upset marked the fourth consecutive Maryland win against a ranked opponent (the others: #23 Cal, and, in the 2007 season, #8 Boston College and #10 Rutgers). It was also the fourth consecutive time that the visiting team has won the Maryland–Clemson series.[59]
Virginia
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Virginia | 7 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 1–3
- Opponent final record: 5–7
- Pre-game line: Maryland −13.5[12]
Virginia went into the game with a 1–3 record and at the bottom of the ACC. They mustered only 36 points (and just 20 points against Division I FBS teams) in the previous four games, while allowing their opponents 128 points. Their last game had been a 31–3 defeat at the hands of Duke, which finally broke the Blue Devils' 25-game ACC losing streak.[60]
The Maryland offense had difficulty converting third downs, and managed only four on 13 attempts, while their defense allowed 226 passing yards and 201 rushing yards. Late in the first quarter, Virginia quarterback
In the third quarter, things got worse for Maryland as the Cavaliers added a field goal and another touchdown. In a final drive for 46 yards, Maryland attempted to avert a shutout. The effort fell short when a Turner pass was intercepted. The final result was 31–0.[60]
It was the first time Maryland was shut out since 2004, when they were similarly defeated by Virginia in Charlottesville, 16–0.[60] It was Maryland's worst shutout loss since losing to Virginia in 1997, 45–0, and the largest margin of loss since losing to Virginia Tech in 2004, 55–6.[61]
Wake Forest (#21)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#21 Wake Forest | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Maryland | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 26 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 4–1
- Opponent final record: 8–5
- Pre-game line: Maryland +1.5[12]
After an embarrassing 31–0 loss against struggling Virginia, the Terrapins continued their inconsistent season against nationally ranked Atlantic Division front-runner 21st-ranked Wake Forest.[62][63]
Maryland first scored with a halfback option, when Chris Turner pitched to Da'Rel Scott, who connected with Darrius Heyward-Bey for a nine-yard pass into the end zone. In the second and third quarters, Maryland placekicker Obi Egekeze made four field goals. In the final quarter, Danny Oquendo brought down a short pass from Turner and ran it in past two defenders for a touchdown totaling 50 yards.[62]
Against Wake Forest's best-ranked pass defense in the nation, Chris Turner threw for a season-high of 321 yards and a career-best 68% completion rate (28–41). Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott twice fumbled to give Wake Forest excellent field position, but both opportunities were wasted with missed field goal attempts. Wake Forest's leading scorer, placekicker Sam Swank, was out due to injury.[62]
Ralph Friedgen stated that "We finally put a full game together. I think by far it's the best we've played all year." It was Maryland's fifth consecutive defeat of a ranked opponent, and the third of the season, making them 3–0 against ranked opponents, but just 2–2 against all others. The game also marked the first time that Wake Forest had been held scoreless in 124 games when it lost to Air Force in 1998, and it was the first time since 1957 that the Terrapins had bounced back to shut out an opponent following a shutout of their own. The last Maryland shutout of a ranked opponent was in 1955 against UCLA.[62]
NC State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NC State | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Maryland | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 2–5
- Opponent final record: 6–7
- Pre-game line: Maryland −12[12]
In a frigid driving rain at College Park, NC State brought an inspired effort in an attempt to break a three-game losing streak. In the first series of the game, the Wolfpack used 14 plays and 8 minutes to drive 73 yards and score first. Maryland immediately responded with a drive that ended with a 13-yard Turner pass to Dan Gronkowski. In the following series, NC State again scored a touchdown, and Maryland kicked a field goal in response. NC State running back Andre Brown fumbled on the first play, and Maryland recovered on the Wolfpack 24-yard line. The Terrapins capitalized on the turnover with a Davin Meggett run into the endzone. After a Wolfpack field goal, the score was even at halftime, 17–17. In the third quarter, Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott rushed 24 yards for a touchdown. Late in the quarter, Danny Oquendo fumbled a punt return on the 50-yard line and the Wolfpack recovered. NC State equalized once more with a Russell Wilson pass, which brought the score to 24–24.[64]
With 4:50 remaining on the clock, and the ball on their own eight-yard line, Maryland drove 89 yards to the Wolfpack three-yard line, which included a pass to Davin Meggett for 31 yards. This set up a 20-yard field goal attempt by Obi Egekeze with eight seconds on the clock. The kick was good and put Maryland ahead for good, 27–24.[64]
The Wolfpack lost its fourth straight game to remain the only ACC team winless in conference play (ACC: 0–4). The favorite Terrapins once again struggled against an underdog opponent, but managed to edge the Wolfpack and secure a sixth win for
Maryland had a bye in Week 10, while ACC Atlantic rival 16th-ranked Florida State lost to Georgia Tech. This allowed Maryland to take the uncontested lead in the Atlantic Division and rise in the AP Poll to number-23 and USA Today Coaches' Poll to number-21. Florida State fell to 24th, while once 19th-ranked Tulsa, 20th-ranked Minnesota, 23rd-ranked Oregon, and 24th-ranked South Florida were all dropped from the rankings after their own loses.
Virginia Tech
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#23 Maryland | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 13 |
Virginia Tech | 7 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 5–3
- Opponent final record: 10–4
- Pre-game line: Maryland +3.5[12]
The two teams met for a Thursday night game at Blacksburg, a time and site where the Hokies have traditionally excelled. In the first quarter, Maryland drove 56 yards, but was held to a 46-yard field goal attempt, which was missed by Obi Egekeze. In the next series, Tech quarterback Sean Glennon led the Hokies on an 80-yard drive that culminated in a short pass to Greg Boone for a score. The next series went into the second quarter, and Maryland was again forced to attempt a field goal, which was made good. Hokies tailback Darren Evans then broke away for a 50-yard carry to the Maryland 30-yard line, and later capped it with a one-yard rush into the endzone. Before the half, Tech managed a field goal to expand their lead, 17–3.[65]
In the second half, Chris Turner hit Darrius Heyward-Bey for a short bubble screen pass behind the line of scrimmage, and Heyward-Bey ran it 63 yards for the score. During the next series, the Terrapins were held three-and-out, but the punt was fumbled and recovered by Maryland on the Hokies 11-yard line. However, the Terrapins were again forced to settle for a field goal, which made it a one-possession lead for VT at 20–13 with 2:29 left in the third quarter. In the final quarter, the Hokies managed another field goal and held onto the lead for a final result of 23–13.[65]
Hokies tailback Darren Evans ran for a school-record of 253 yards, and exceeded 100 rushing yards in a game for the first time in his career. The Hokie defense shut down the Terrapins running game and held them to −12 yards on 18 carries. Maryland also proved unable or unwilling to blitz against Sean Glennon, the Tech quarterback hobbled by an ankle injury. Glennon threw for 127 yards and a touchdown.[65]
North Carolina (#16)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#16 North Carolina | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Maryland | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 7–2
- Opponent final record: 8–5
- Pre-game line: Maryland +3[12]
In another driving rainstorm at
The victory was Maryland's sixth consecutive against ranked opponents, which set a school record. At the time, Maryland was the only team in the nation with four wins over ranked opponents during the 2008 season. Only BCS National Championship Game participants Florida and Oklahoma later finished with more wins against ranked teams. Maryland also improved their home record to 6–0 for the season. Head coach Ralph Friedgen improved his record against North Carolina to 5–1, and kept North Carolina winless in College Park since 1997.[66]
ACC Atlantic Division championship race
The results of that weekend's games improved the clarity of the ACC Championship Game picture, but did not decide it. Maryland improved their ACC record to 4–2 and took the uncontested lead of the Atlantic Division. Florida State lost to Boston College that same day, which meant four teams were still able to secure the division title: Boston College, Florida State, Maryland, and Wake Forest.[67]
Boston College (ACC: 3–3) could travel to the ACC Championship Game if they won out by beating both Wake Forest and Maryland. Boston College eventually did just that, and lost to Virginia Tech in the 2008 ACC Championship Game. Florida State (ACC: 4–3) would have won the Atlantic Division if they beat Maryland, Maryland beat Boston College, and Boston College beat Wake Forest. Under those circumstances, Florida State would have finished with a 5–3 record, tied with Maryland, but win the tiebreaker because they had defeated Maryland head-to-head. However, Maryland lost to Boston College, which relegated Florida State to a second-place finish in the division. Wake Forest (ACC: 4–3) would have won the division if they won their last game against Boston College, and both Florida State and Boston College beat Maryland. In that case, Florida State and Wake Forest would have had identical conference records (ACC: 5–3), and Wake Forest would have won the tiebreaker because they defeated Florida State earlier in the season.[67]
Maryland (ACC: 4–2) would have won the division title if they had either: (1) beaten both Florida State and Boston College; (2) beaten Florida State, while Boston College lost to Wake Forest; or (3) beaten Boston College, while Boston College lost to Wake Forest. That last scenario would have caused a three-way tie between Maryland, Florida State, and Wake Forest. All would have possessed a 5–3 conference record, and no head-to-head tiebreaker would have been possible. In that case, the winner would have been decided by divisional record, of which the Terrapins would have had the best (ACC Atlantic: 4–1).[67]
Florida State
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida State | 0 | 21 | 3 | 13 | 37 |
#22 Maryland | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 7–3
- Opponent final record: 9–4
- Pre-game line: Maryland +1.5[12]
After Wake Forest lost to Boston College earlier in the day, Florida State required a win over Maryland to proceed to the ACC Championship Game. The Seminoles also needed Maryland to win against Boston College the following week.[68] As a testament to the must-win nature of the game for Florida State, it was designated as a "Sod Game", where, if won, the team would bring home a piece of Byrd Stadium's sod to be commemorated in their "Sod Cemetery".[69]
Maryland received the opening kickoff and pushed into Florida State territory. On third down, Chris Turner was sacked and Maryland was forced to punt. Florida State was held three-and-out and punted. The Terrapins again pushed down field, before, on fourth and four on the Florida State 27-yard line, elected to attempt a field goal. Obi Egekeze's 44-yard attempt went wide of the uprights far to the right.[68]
Florida State started a drive in the first quarter for 73 yards which culminated with a seven-yard Christian Ponder pass to Preston Parker for the score. The two teams traded punts, and Terrapins running back Da'Rel Scott fumbled the ball on the Maryland 26-yard line. Seminole linebacker Derek Nicholson picked up the ball and ran it into the endzone to bring the score to 14–0. On the next possession, Chris Turner threw his first interception in five games. Florida State then went three-and-out and punted. Maryland drove for 53 yards before another Turner pass was intercepted by Toddrick Verdell, who returned it for 34 yards. Florida State quarterback Ponder completed a 17-yard pass to Parker, and then ran it himself for 16 yards to the Maryland five-yard line. Two Antone Smith rushes brought the score to 21–0 at the half.[68]
At the beginning of the second half, the Terrapins kicked off to the Seminoles before both teams traded field goals. Those were the only points for Maryland all night. In the fourth quarter, Florida State added another field goal. On the next possession, Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott and receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey both made short runs for a first down. Scott lost his second fumble of the night on the Terrapin 43-yard line. Florida State took over and scored another touchdown. After Maryland went three-and-out, Seminoles kicker Graham Gano made his third field goal of the night.[68]
The Seminoles defense accumulated six sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. The loss ended Maryland's aspirations for the Atlantic Division title and, with it, a shot at the ACC Championship. Florida State remained in the running until Maryland lost to Boston College the following week.[68]
Three hours before kick-off, Florida State safety Myron Rolle successfully interviewed for a Rhodes Scholarship in Birmingham, Alabama. Rolle then took a private flight to arrive at the game in time to play late in the first half.[68]
Boston College (#20)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
#20 Boston College | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 8–3
- Opponent final record: 9–5
- Pre-game line: Maryland +6.5[12]
Maryland entered the game having been knocked out of the running for the Atlantic Division title the previous week, but able to play spoiler for Boston College. The Eagles were playing to earn a berth to the ACC Championship Game for the second consecutive year. Additionally, competing within a closely contested ACC, Maryland could have greatly improved its standing for bowl selection with an eighth win. The Eagles were the fifth ranked team to face Maryland. The Terrapins were, to that point, 4–0 against top-25 opposition and the only team to beat four ranked opponents in 2008. Boston College was fielding second-string quarterback Dominique Davis in his first career appearance. He replaced starter Chris Crane, who had suffered a broken collarbone the previous week.[70]
Boston College kicked off, and Torrey Smith made a 27-yard return to the Maryland 31-yard line. After a Terrapins false start and Eagles offsides penalty, Chris Turner connected with Torrey Smith for 12 yards and a first down. Turner gained another first down with a completion to Danny Oquendo to put them into BC territory. A rush for no gain and two incomplete passes forced a punt. Boston College responded with a 14-play, 88-yard drive that resulted in a seven-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jarvis. On the next possession, Turner completed passes to Emani Lee-Odai and Torrey Smith for 16- and 43-yard gains, respectively, and placed them at the Boston College one-yard line. Turner capped the drive with a one-yard rush for a score to tie the score, 7–7.[70] To end the first quarter, Boston College linebacker Mike McLaughlin literally hurdled over 5-ft 8-in Davin Meggett to sack Turner in what was ranked an ESPN SportsCenter "Play of the Day".[71] The Eagles and Terrapins traded punts twice, and then Boston College turned over on downs before Maryland was forced to punt again. After a Boston College punt, Chris Turner threw an interception to Mark Herzlich. On the next play Dominique Davis threw to Rich Gunnell for a 45-yard touchdown reception.[70]
The second half started off with traded punts. Boston College took over with excellent field position on the Maryland 34-yard line, but was held to fourth and eight yards on the Terrapins' nine-yard line. The Eagles faked a field goal attempt, and
Boston College ended Maryland's six-game winning streak against ranked opponents. With a 7–5 record, the Terrapins' postseason bowl game options were also limited. The Eagles secured the ACC Atlantic Division title and, with it, a trip to Tampa for the ACC Championship Game to face Virginia Tech for the second-straight season. Boston College held the Maryland run to −6 yards, forcing reliance on Chris Turner's passing ability. It was the second game of the season the Terrapins were held to negative rushing yards (this had also occurred against Virginia Tech). Turner, however, was able to throw for 360 yards, bettering Boston College's total offensive yardage of 318 yards.[70]
Bowl selection process
Maryland achieved
After Maryland suffered a fifth loss in the season closer against
On December 7, 2008, Maryland accepted a bid to play in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl against Nevada. The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) team likewise finished with a 7–5 record. Nevada was ranked the number-five total offense and number-two rushing offense in the nation with 510.6 total yards per game. In 2008, running back Vai Taua ran for 1,420 and quarterback Colin Kaepernick for 1,115 yards, and the latter threw for an additional 2,479 yards.[79][80] The Humanitarian Bowl executive director, Kevin McDonald, said, "We look forward to welcoming a Maryland [team] that defeated four Top 25 opponents and spent three weeks ranked ... Nevada comes in having played two teams, Texas Tech and Missouri, that were then ranked nationally in the top ten. They also gave ninth-ranked Boise State their toughest [WAC] game."[80][81]
Nevada (2008 Humanitarian Bowl)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maryland | 13 | 15 | 0 | 14 | 42 |
Nevada | 14 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 35 |
- Opponent pre-game record: 7–5
- Opponent final record: 7–6
- Pre-game line: Maryland +1.5[12]
Prior to the game, Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen placed a partial-game suspension on seven players who violated the team's pre-bowl curfew, including leading rusher, Da'Rel Scott, and senior wide receiver Danny Oquendo. Consequently, a much younger line-up started for Maryland, including, according to Friedgen, some who probably would not have seen playing time otherwise.[82]
The game started with Maryland receiving the kick-off and on the first series, quarterback Chris Turner linked up with freshman Adrian Cannon for a 59-yard touchdown. However, placekicker Obi Egekeze missed the extra point. Nevada quarterback and Western Athletic Conference offensive player of the year, Colin Kaepernick, responded with a drive which included a 68-yard pass to the Maryland 3-yard line. The Terrapin defense stopped two rushing attempts by Vai Taua, but a short pass was good for the score, and with the extra point, Nevada took the lead 6–7. The Wolf Pack then kicked a 69-yard kick-off to Torrey Smith, who returned it 99 yards for a second Maryland touchdown. Egekeze made good the extra point and Maryland regained the lead, 13–7. On the next kick-off, Egekeze attempted to kick the ball as it fell off the tee, resulting in a short squib, which was returned to the Terrapins' 9-yard line. Kaepernick threw into the endzone where it was intercepted by Maryland safety Kenny Tate for a touchback, but the Terrapins were soon forced to punt. Kaepernick advanced the ball downfield before a Taua 17-yard touchdown run. In the next series, Maryland sophomore Morgan Green rushed for three yards and then a 53-yard touchdown breakaway. Later, Turner converted on third down with a 16-yard toss to Ronnie Tyler and threw again to Tyler for a 14-yard touchdown. Turner tallied a two-point conversion with a throw to Davin Meggett, and Maryland led at halftime 28–14.[82]
Wolf Pack running back Taua was able to capitalize after a Turner-thrown pick and narrow their deficit, 28–21. A sack against Turner knocked the ball loose, was recovered by Nevada, fumbled again, and finally recovered by the Terrapins' Scott Burley. Turner then connected with Darrius Heyward-Bey for an 11-yard first down and a fresh Da'Rel Scott made his first touch of the game for another first down on the Nevada 23. Turner was again sacked and fumbled, and Nevada recovered. Kaepernick then completed 38-yard and 21-yard passes to even the score, 28–28. Turner converted on third down with a 26-yard toss to Torrey Smith. Scott was soon able to break open down the middle for a 49-yard touchdown run. On the next Maryland series, Da'Rel Scott was handed the ball four times in succession and scored his second touchdown. With 4:01 remaining, Kaepernick led a drive starting from the Nevada 23, before a scramble for a touchdown made it a one-possession game with 2:19 remaining. Jaekle attempted an on-side kick, but it was recovered by Maryland. Scott picking up a first down and clinched a 42–35 Maryland victory.[82]
Maryland freshman wide receiver Torrey Smith, with his 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, broke the all-time ACC record for single-season kickoff returns with 1,089 yards. Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott rushed for 174 yards, earning Most Valuable Player honors alongside Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick who threw for 370 yards. Scott set the University of Maryland's record for rushing yards in a bowl game, in what was just one-and-half quarters of playing time due to his curfew suspension. He also broke the 1,000-yard per season barrier, making him one of just seven players in school history to do so. Four Maryland back-ups who saw significant play due to the curfew suspensions also scored touchdowns: second-string X-receiver Torrey Smith, second-string slot receiver Ronnie Tyler, third-string slot receiver Adrian Cannon, and third-string running back Morgan Green.[82][83]
Rankings
In Week 9, after defeating Wake Forest to improve to a 6–1 record, Maryland was ranked 25th by both the
Week | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
AP | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 | 23 | — | 22 | — | — | — |
Coaches | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 | 21 | — | 23 | — | — | — |
Harris | Not released | — | — | — | — | — | 23 | — | 23 | — | — | Not released | ||||
BCS | Not released | — | — | 23 | — | 25 | — | — | Not released |
Postseason
Coaching changes
At the end of the regular season, but before the postseason bowl game, Maryland lost two members of its coaching staff. On December 5, 2008, the school announced that
After the bowl game, in February 2009, the athletic department named offensive coordinator James Franklin the "head coach-in-waiting", meaning that he would be the eventual successor to Ralph Friedgen.
All-star games
Five Maryland players were selected by postseason all-star games. Defensive lineman
NFL Draft
Five former Maryland players were selected in the
Additionally, several former Terrapins were signed by NFL teams as free agents shortly after the draft. These consisted of: linebacker
Awards
All-conference honors
All-ACC honorees were selected by a 67-member committee from the Atlantic Coast Conference Sports Media Association (ACSMA). Maryland tied with Atlantic Division Co-Champion Boston College for most All-ACC honorees at nine. Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech each secured eight All-ACC honors.[110] Three Maryland players were selected to the first team: punter Travis Baltz, running back Da'Rel Scott, and center Edwin Williams. Linebacker Alex Wujciak was named to the second team. Offensive linemen Scott Burley and Jaimie Thomas, tight end Dan Gronkowski, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, and defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre were named as honorable mention All-ACC players.[110]
Players of the Week
- Travis Baltz (P): ACC Football Player of the Week for special teams, September 29, 2008[111]
- Bruce Campbell (OL): ACC Football Player of the Week for offensive lineman, October 20, 2008[112]
- Chris Turner (QB): ACC Football Player of the Week for offensive back, October 20, 2008[112]
- Edwin Williams (C): ACC Football Player of the Week for offensive lineman, November 17, 2008[113]
Other awards
- Obi Egekeze (K): Lou Groza Star of the Week (awarded for top-three placekicks), October 18, 2008[114]
- Chris Turner (QB): ESPN/Pontiac Game Changing Performance nomination, November 15, 2008[115]
Watch lists
- Draddy Trophy semifinalist[116]
- Dan Gronkowski (TE): 2008 John Mackey Award watch list[117]
- Dave Philistin (LB): 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list[118]
- Dave Philistin (LB): 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list[119]
- Da'Rel Scott (RB): 2008 Maxwell Award watch list[120]
- Edwin Williams (OL): 2008 Rimington Trophy watch list[121]
- Edwin Williams (OL): 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list[119]
Statistics
Team statistics
|
Offense
Passing
Player | GP | GS | Rating
|
Cmp. | Att.
|
Cmp. % | Yards | TD | Int. | Long |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Turner | 13 | 12 | 119.3 | 214 | 374 | 57.2 | 2,516 | 13 | 11 | 80 |
Jordan Steffy | 1 | 1 | 87.0 | 10 | 18 | 55.6 | 115 | 0 | 2 | 36 |
Danny Oquendo (WR) | 13 | 5 | 395.6 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 43 |
Da'Rel Scott (RB) | 12 | 11 | 252.8 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
Josh Portis | 8 | 0 | 44.5 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Rushing
Player | GP | GS | Car.
|
Yards | Y/G | Y/C | Long | TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Da'Rel Scott | 12 | 11 | 209 | 1,133 | 94.4 | 5.4 | 63 | 8 |
Davin Meggett | 13 | 2 | 89 | 457 | 35.2 | 5.1 | 38 | 4 |
Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR) | 12 | 12 | 15 | 202 | 16.8 | 13.5 | 76 | 1 |
Josh Portis (QB) | 8 | 0 | 31 | 186 | 23.2 | 6.0 | 33 | 1 |
Morgan Green | 10 | 0 | 24 | 112 | 11.2 | 4.7 | 53 | 3 |
Danny Oquendo (WR) | 13 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 3 | 0 |
Cory Jackson | 13 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 4 | 0 |
Emani Lee-Odai (WR) | 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 3 | 0 |
Austin Walker | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 |
Torrey Smith (WR) | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Jordan Steffy (QB) | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | -5.0 | -1.7 | 3 | 0 |
Chris Turner (QB) | 13 | 12 | 43 | -154 | -11.8 | -3.6 | 13 | 1 |
Receiving
Player | GP | GS | Rec.
|
Yards | Y/G | Avg. | Long | TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Darrius Heyward-Bey | 12 | 12 | 42 | 609 | 50.8 | 14.5 | 80 | 5 |
Danny Oquendo | 13 | 5 | 29 | 371 | 28.5 | 12.8 | 50 | 2 |
Torrey Smith | 13 | 6 | 24 | 336 | 25.8 | 14.0 | 44 | 2 |
Dan Gronkowski | 13 | 12 | 29 | 287 | 22.1 | 9.9 | 25 | 3 |
Ronnie Tyler | 13 | 1 | 20 | 225 | 11.3 | 20 | 1 | |
Da'Rel Scott | 12 | 11 | 21 | 171 | 8.1 | 25 | 0 | |
Isaiah Williams | 13 | 6 | 10 | 124 | 12.4 | 43 | 1 | |
Emani Lee-Odai | 13 | 1 | 12 | 115 | 9.6 | 23 | 0 | |
Lansford Watson | 13 | 1 | 10 | 115 | 11.5 | 32 | 0 | |
Cory Jackson | 13 | 6 | 12 | 106 | 8.8 | 29 | 0 | |
Davin Meggett | 13 | 2 | 9 | 79 | 8.8 | 31 | 0 | |
Adrian Cannon | 13 | 1 | 3 | 75 | 25.0 | 59 | 1 | |
Haroon Brown | 12 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 20.0 | 20 | 0 | |
Laquan Williams | 3 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 11 | 0 | |
Tommy Galt | 13 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 18 | 0 | |
Taylor Watson | 5 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 | |
Morgan Green | 10 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 6 | 0 |
Kicking
Player | XPs
|
XP Att. | XP % | FGs
|
FG Att. | FG % | Long | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Obi Egekeze | 32 | 33 | 97.0 | 15 | 24 | 62.5 | 47 | 77 |
Defense
Name | GP | GS | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Defense | Fumbles | Blocked Kick | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Solo | Ast | Total | TFL–Yds | #–Yds | Int–Yds | BrUp | PD | QBH | Rcv–Yds | FF | ||||
Alex Wujciak | 13 | 13 | 56 | 77 | 133 | 8.5–26 | 1.5–9 | 0–0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1–0 | 0 | 1 |
Dave Philistin | 13 | 12 | 41 | 53 | 94 | 5.0–15 | 2.0–9 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Moise Fokou | 13 | 12 | 41 | 36 | 77 | 12.0–49 | 5.0–29 | 0–0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Jeremy Navarre | 13 | 13 | 32 | 38 | 70 | 7.5–22 | 2.5–13 | 0–0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Jeff Allen | 13 | 13 | 34 | 32 | 66 | 2.0–3 | 0–0 | 1–0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Terrell Skinner | 11 | 11 | 32 | 31 | 63 | 3.0–6 | 0–0 | 1–6 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Anthony Wiseman | 13 | 13 | 32 | 17 | 49 | 1.0–2 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Trey Covington | 12 | 9 | 22 | 16 | 38 | 3.0–8 | 2.5–8 | 0–0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Nolan Carroll | 10 | 4 | 20 | 17 | 37 | 1.0–3 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Jamari McCollough | 13 | 2 | 29 | 8 | 37 | 1.0–8 | 1.0–8 | 4–10 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 1–0 | 0 | 0 |
Chase Bullock | 13 | 1 | 15 | 20 | 35 | 1.0–1 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 |
Travis Ivey | 9 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 4.0–12 | 1.0–4 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0–0 | 1 | 0 |
Total | — | — | 497 | 466 | 963 | 71–254 | 28–148 | 10–43 | 49 | 59 | 2 | 7–0 | 9 | 4 |
Special teams
Name | Punting | Kickoffs | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Yds | Avg | Long | TB | FC | I20 | Blkd | No. | Yds | Avg | TB | OB | |
Travis Baltz | 61 | 2,506 | 41.1 | 59 | 7 | 18 | 24 | 0 | 5 | 243 | 48.6 | 1 | 2 |
Obi Egekeze | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 57 | 3,603 | 63.2 | 8 | 0 |
Total | 61 | 2,506 | 41.1 | 59 | 7 | 18 | 24 | 0 | 62 | 3,846 | 62.0 | 9 | 2 |
Name | Punt returns | Kick returns | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | No. | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | |
Torrey Smith | 0 | — | — | — | — | 42 | 1,089 | 25.9 | 1 | 99 |
Kenny Tate | 0 | — | — | — | — | 6 | 84 | 14.0 | 0 | 17 |
Dan Gronkowski | 0 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 | 8 |
Terrell Skinner | 0 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 15 |
Danny Oquendo | 20 | 104 | 5.2 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
Cory Jackson | 0 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 |
Morgan Green | 0 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 |
Tony Logan | 6 | 49 | 8.2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | — | — | — | – |
Adrian Moten | 1 | 21 | 21.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | – |
Dominique Herald | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | — | — | — | – |
Total | 28 | 189 | 6.8 | 0 | 45 | 54 | 1,212 | 22.4 | 1 | 99 |
References
- ^ "A defense called 'Terp'". The Diamondback. October 2, 2008. Archived from the original on May 28, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ Strelow, Paul (November 21, 2008). "ACC is a BCS Mess". The State. Archived from the original on March 17, 2009. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
- ^ Latter, Sam (November 21, 2008). "ACC Faces Confusing Playoff Fight". The (Hanover) Evening Sun. Archived from the original on March 17, 2009. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
- ^ a b Franklin Hired as Terps Offensive Coordinator Archived December 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, December 23, 2007.
- ^ James Franklin Bio Archived January 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, Retrieved January 4, 2009.
- ^ Prisbell, Eric (September 9, 2008). "Franklin to Turner: Take Ownership of Team". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 3, 2012. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
- ^ Carig, Marc (January 2, 2008). "Terrapins LB Henderson Will Go Pro". The Washington Post.
- ^ Player Bio: Erin Henderson Archived September 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved January 9, 2009.
- ^ a b c 2008 Maryland Terrapins Football Preview, CollegeSports-Fans.com, retrieved November 16, 2008.
- ^ a b c Early Bird 2008 College Football Preview: Maryland Terrapins, National Champs.net, December 2007, Retrieved November 16, 2008.
- ^ "2007 Cumulative Season Statistics". University of Maryland. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ Phil Steele's 2009 College Football Preview, vol. 15, p. 118, Summer 2009.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (December 30, 2008). "Terps' Seniors Seek a Proper Send Off". The Washington Times. Retrieved December 30, 2008.
- ^ a b "Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ a b "2008 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Football Recruiting, Scout.com, retrieved November 19, 2008.
- ^ "Player Bio: Cameron Chism". University of Maryland. Archived from the original on October 27, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Individual Game-by-Game Summaries Archived October 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ^ Player Bio: Matt Furstenburg Archived October 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Player Bio: Kevin Dorsey Archived October 27, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Maryland Commit List for 2008, Rivals.com, retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ 2009 University of Maryland Football Depth Chart[permanent dead link] (PDF), University of Maryland, retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ "Davin Meggett Profile". Scout.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Barr, Josh (November 15, 2007). "Surrattsville Rises With Its Star". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2007.
- ^ "Player Bio: Davin Meggett". University of Maryland. Archived from the original on October 27, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Davin Meggett Stats, ESPN, retrieved June 29, 2009.
- ^ Barker, Jeff (August 31, 2008). "Quarterback Controversy Back On". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on September 4, 2008. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
- ^ "Direct From Franklin". The Washington Times. August 18, 2008. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
- ^ "At Maryland, it's Quarterback Controversy II". National Collegiate Athletic Association. September 2, 2008. Archived from the original on July 23, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (December 17, 2008). "The Portis Breakdown, Revisited". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on January 2, 2009.
- ^ "Jeff Sagarin NCAA football ratings". USA Today. April 1, 2006.
- ^ 2008 College Football Rankings Archived July 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Cosgrove Computer Rankings, College Football Poll.com, January 9, 2009.
- ^ "ACC 2006 through 2015 Conference Football Schedule" Archived September 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Atlantic Coast Conference, 2005, retrieved January 6, 2008.
- ^ Months after Michigan upset, Appalachian State completes FCS 3-peat, ESPN, December 14, 2007.
- Office of the President, University of Maryland. February 1, 2004. Archived from the originalon February 9, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ Yanda, Steve (September 11, 2008). "Scheduling Play Dates Is Far From Kid's Stuff". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ "California Football Future Schedules" Archived December 31, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, University of California, December 12, 2007.
- ^ Ginsburg, David (November 7, 2007). "Despite Injuries, Terps Haven't Abandoned Hope of Bowl Bid". USA Today.
- ^ Carig, Marc (August 27, 2007). "Injury Bite Bugs the Terrapins". The Washington Post.
- ^ Carig, Marc (October 28, 2007). "Injury-Plagued Terrapins Lose Chance at Division Title, See Bowl Hopes Endangered". The Washington Post.
- ^ "What Does the Barnes Injury Mean for Maryland's Chances?". The Washington Post.
- ^ ACC Injury Report Archived December 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, ESPN, November 28, 2008, retrieved January 8, 2009.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (September 18, 2008). "Morgan Green: "August Was Bad"". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on August 6, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
- ^ Thumb injury shelves Steffy at least several weeks, ESPN, September 3, 2008.
- ^ 2008 University of Maryland Football Depth Chart, University of Maryland, December 10, 2008.
- ^ Delaware 2007 Schedule/Results, ESPN, retrieved January 5, 2009.
- ^ Villanova 21, Delaware 7, ESPN, November 22, 2008.
- ^ Delaware vs. Maryland Complete Play-by-Play, ESPN, August 30, 2008.
- ^ Maryland uses three QBs to squeak past Delaware, ESPN, August 30, 2008.
- ^ Last-gasp effort just short, MTSU falls to Kentucky, ESPN, September 13, 2008.
- ^ a b Craddock, Middle Tennessee surprise Maryland, ESPN, September 6, 2008.
- ^ Prisbell, Eric (September 7, 2008). "A Sizable Loss for Maryland". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b c d Maryland holds Cal without touchdown until closing minute, ESPN, September 13, 2008.
- ^ Kevin Barnes' early Senior Bowl invite Archived May 1, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, The Washington Times, October 1, 2008.
- ^ Prisbell, Eric (September 17, 2008). "Terps' Barnes Has Become a Big Hit On the Internet". The Washington Post.
- South Florida Sun-Sentinel, December 26, 2008.
- ^ a b Maryland goes on scoring spree, drills Eastern Michigan, ESPN, September 20, 2008.
- ^ On ACC All Access This Week Archived February 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Atlantic Coast Conference, October 15, 2007.
- ^ a b c Maryland overcomes second-half deficit to upset No. 20 Clemson, ESPN, September 27, 2008.
- ^ a b c d Virginia finds its offense in shutout of Maryland, ESPN, October 4, 2008.
- ^ Maryland Historical Scores, Stassen College Football Information, retrieved January 10, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Maryland blanks Wake for 5th straight win over ranked team, ESPN, October 18, 2008.
- ^ Vanquished in Va.[dead link], Los Angeles Times, October 5, 2008.
- ^ a b c Egekeze's field goal with 6 seconds remaining lifts Terps, ESPN, October 25, 2008.
- ^ a b c Evans powers Virginia Tech past #23 Maryland, ESPN, November 6, 2008.
- ^ a b Terps keep North Carolina winless in Maryland since 1997, ESPN, November 15, 2008.
- ^ a b c Heather Dinich, What we (kind of) learned in the ACC: Week 12[permanent dead link], ESPN, November 16, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f Maryland picked apart by unranked Florida State, ESPN, November 22, 2008.
- ^ Florida State Completes Its On Field Preparations For No. 22 Maryland, Florida State University, November 20, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Another Flutie makes key play to carry BC into ACC Championship, ESPN, November 29, 2008.
- ^ Steve Conroy, Boston College's Mike McLaughlin steps up Archived May 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Boston Herald, December 3, 2008.
- ^ NCAA-Record 10 ACC Teams Head to Bowls Archived 2012-01-19 at the Wayback Machine, Atlantic Coast Conference, December 7, 2008.
- ^ Mark Schlabach and Bruce Feldman, Bowl Projection, ESPN, retrieved December 2, 2008.
- ^ a b Jeff Barker, Terps eye bowl possibilities, The Baltimore Sun, December 1, 2008.
- ^ Heather Dinich,Navy, Maryland meant to be rivals[permanent dead link], ESPN, December 2, 2008.
- ^ Patrick Stevens, ACC pick for bowl in D.C. uncertain, The Washington Times, December 2, 2008.
- ^ "Update: Maryland's Bowl Fate Hinges on Ball State's Answer". The Washington Post.
- ^ Heather Dinich, Another ACC team possibly out of league's bowl tie-ins Archived December 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, ESPN, December 2, 2008.
- ^ a b Jeff Barker, "Maryland will go bowling vs. Nevada in Boise", The Baltimore Sun, December 7, 2008.
- ^ a b Maryland Headed to Humanitarian Bowl Archived December 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, December 7, 2008.
- Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, December 7, 2008.
- ^ a b c d Scott benched early, then leads Maryland past Nevada, ESPN, December 30, 2008.
- ^ Maryland Holds Off Nevada, 42–35, to Win Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, University of Maryland, December 30, 2008.
- ^ Maryland AP Football Poll Summary Archived September 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, AP Poll Archive, retrieved February 7, 2009.
- ^ Heather Dinich, Maryland Terrapins defensive coordinator Chris Cosh returning to Kansas State, ESPN, December 5, 2008.
- ^ Player Bio: Chris Cosh Archived December 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved December 5, 2008.
- ^ a b Eric Detweiler, Terps adjusting to coaching losses, The Diamondback, December 10, 2008.
- ^ Player Bio: Danny Pearman Archived January 4, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ^ Heather Dinich, Swinney hires Maryland assistant, Koennig moving on Archived December 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, ESPN, December 3, 2008.
- ^ Player Bio: Dabo Swinney Archived December 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Clemson University, retrieved December 3, 2008.
- ^ Franklin to succeed Friedgen as coach, ESPN, February 6, 2009.
- ^ "Maryland's Friedgen Says He Might Stay On". The Baltimore Sun. July 1, 2009. Archived from the original on June 3, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
- ^ Five Terps Headed to Postseason All-Star Games Archived January 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, January 12, 2009.
- ^ Fokou added to Senior Bowl roster Archived January 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, January 20, 2009.
- ^ "ACC Again Scores Big At 2009 NFL Draft". Atlantic Coast Conference. April 26, 2009. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- New York Daily News. Archivedfrom the original on April 29, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ "Don't blame Heyward-Bey, Mitchell for Raiders' sins". CBS Sports. April 27, 2009. Archived from the original on April 28, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2009.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (April 26, 2009). "Raiders snag Heyward-Bey". The Washington Times.
- ^ Reid, Jason (April 27, 2009). "Redskins Surprise U-Md.'s Barnes". The Washington Post.
- ^ NFL Draft 2009 - Moise Fokou Archived April 29, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, National Football League, retrieved April 28, 2009.
- ^ NFL Draft 2009 - Jaimie Thomas, National Football League, retrieved May 20, 2009.
- ^ Dan Gronkowski Draft Archived April 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, ESPN, retrieved May 20, 2009.
- ^ "Seahawks". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on April 30, 2009. Retrieved May 20, 2009.
- ^ Reid, Jason (April 26, 2009). "Skins Sign Chase Daniel, Maryland Lineman". The Washington Post.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (April 27, 2009). "Two more Terps ink deals". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009.
- ^ Wright, Michael C. (April 26, 2009). "Jaguars Sign 18 Undrafted Free Agents After Draft". The Florida Times-Union. Jacksonville.
- ^ Stevens, Patrick (April 27, 2009). "Redskins agree to terms with 13 undrafted free agents". The Washington Times.
- ^ Maryland ties headed to NFL, The Baltimore Sun, April 27, 2009.
- ^ a b Stevens, Patrick (May 6, 2009). "Checking in with Dean Muhtadi". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012.
- ^ a b Maryland Football Places Nine on All-ACC Teams – Terps join Boston College for most all-league honorees Archived December 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, December 1, 2008.
- ^ Baltz Earns ACC Player of the Week Honor Archived November 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, September 29, 2008.
- ^ a b Two Terps Earn ACC Football Player of the Week Honors Archived October 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, October 20, 2008.
- ^ Atlantic Coast Conference Announces ACC Football Players of the Week for November 17 Archived February 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Atlantic Coast Conference, November 17, 2008.
- ^ 2008 ACC Football: The Road to Tampa, Release No. 14 (PDF), Atlantic Coast Conference, November 24, 2008.
- ^ Heather Dinich, Video: Game-Changing Nominees, Week 12 - ACC[permanent dead link], ESPN, November 16, 2008.
- ^ Gronkowski Chosen as Semifinalist for 2008 Draddy Trophy Archived November 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, October 1, 2008.
- ^ Gronkowski Named to Mackey Watch List, University of Maryland, July 31, 2008.
- ^ Philistin Named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List Archived August 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, May 12, 2008.
- ^ a b Philistin, Williams Named to Lombardi Award Watch List, University of Maryland, August 27, 2008.
- ^ Sophomore running back one of nine players added Archived October 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, October 7, 2008.
- ^ Williams Named to Rimington Trophy Watch List Archived June 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Univ. of Maryland Terrapins official website, May 7, 2008.
- ^ Maryland Terrapins 2008 Statistics, ESPN, retrieved January 4, 2009.
- ^ Cumulative Season Statistics Archived October 19, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, University of Maryland, retrieved January 4, 2009.