Maryland and Navy are polar opposites
There are only two Division I football schools in Maryland. But that’s all that Maryland and Navy have in common.
While Navy is coming off a 10-win season, Maryland is licking its wounds from its first 10-loss season in school history. While Navy hopes to keep rising-star coach Ken Niumatalolo in Annapolis, Maryland has considered exit strategies for Ralph Friedgen.
When the teams meet on Labor Day in Baltimore, however, many expect the game to be as competitive as their 2005 meeting, a 23-20 Maryland win in which Sam Hollenbach capped an 82-yard drive with a touchdown pass with 61 seconds left.
Maryland is a six- to seven-point underdog, according to multiple Las Vegas betting services. That puts Navy in an unusual position, favored to beat a team from a BCS conference.
“Our mindset is this — [Maryland] has a great football coach. They have a great program,” Niumatalolo said. “Six of the last nine seasons they’ve been to a bowl game.”
While the Midshipmen appeared loose at the close of practice on Tuesday, singing happy birthday to three of their own, the Terrapins’ approach is cautious optimism as they aim to prove last year was an aberration.
“Last year sucked for us, but we’re past that,” Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith said. “We worked hard all spring and summer. It’s time for us to be rewarded.”
The Mids and Terps are in no way mirror images. Navy runs the triple-option offense; Maryland uses a pro-set. Navy has a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback in Ricky Dobbs; Maryland enters with Jamarr Robinson on shaky ground. Navy has an experienced, cohesive offensive line; Maryland brings a unit full of question marks.
The Terps have a significant edge, however, at the running back and receiver positions, with more depth, experience and speed.
“Outside we got speed, so get them the ball as quick as possible and let them make plays,” Robinson said. “We got the playmakers out there.”
The differences extend to the defense as well. Navy brings a strong front three led by junior end Jabaree Tuani, but will start a new foursome of linebackers. Maryland, however, has a green defensive line, but one of the best linebacking crews in the ACC, led by senior Alex Wujciak, who as the man in the middle will be particularly challenged by the Navy option.
“I think we’re happy with playing them the first game of the year,” Wujciak said. “We’re able to prepare for them a long stretch of time. It’s going to be a challenge for our defense.”
