It doesn’t receive the same attention as Florida State-Miami or Clemson-South Carolina, but Maryland and Virginia can be one of the fiercest rivalries in the region.
When the Terrapins and Cavaliers clash Saturday in Charlottesville, Va. Maryland senior offensive lineman Edwin Williams is expecting a real battle.
“It’s always been that trash talk: UVA is this, and Maryland is that. It’s like polar opposites, two different gangs,” Williams said. “People try to play it like that, and that’s how sports are.”
Maryland (4-1) has the lead in the all-time series, 41-29-2. But Virginia (1-3) holds the most recent advantage, an 18-17 win in College Park last season.
“It definitely sticks with me and I think that it has stuck with anybody who was there and witnessed it,” Williams said of last year’s loss. “It was a tough one to swallow.”
The closely-waged battle added to what has become one of many border rivalries in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This rivalry is unique, in that both head coaches understand the history at their respective schools.
“I think it’s kind of indicative that both [Cavaliers coach Al Groh and I] went to our schools,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “I am sure he’s preaching that to his players just like I am to ours.”
Both coaches have taken heat early in the season. Groh for the Cavaliers’ blow-out losses to USC and Connecticut, and last weekend’s 31-3 loss to Duke, which was the first ACC victory for the Blue Devils since 2004.
Friedgen was under fire after a loss to Middle Tennessee State. But things have calmed down in College Park after three straight wins — two against top-25 foes, No. 23 California and No. 20 Clemson.
The Terrapins now draw some motivation off being left out of the national rankings despite those headline wins.
“I knew they weren’t going to rank us after [beating Clemson, 20-17, last Saturday]. Even though we did beat Cal, there’s going to be that excuse,” senior defensive end Jeremy Navarre said. “That Middle Tennessee loss is going to be with us for a while until we beat some more teams.”
Rivalry aside, this week is crucial for the long-term success of the Terrapins season. A win against Virginia would send Maryland into its off-week on a four-game winning streak.
Senior linebacker Moise Fokou said the Terrapins quickly become “the hunted” upon reaching a 5-1 record.
“Everyone will be gunning for you,” Fokou said. “Getting this game is definitely big, especially because of the rivalry. We know we’re going to get Virginia’s best shot.”
Up next
Maryland (4-1) at Virginia (1-3)
When » Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where » David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.
TV/Radio » ESPNU/ 105.7 FM, 1300 AM
