A nationally televised game on Thursday night.
A sell-out crowd, including sections of students wearing black.
Two undefeated teams that represent schools within driving distance of each other.
“That?s what makes the rivalry I think,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “Their fans are going to be talking about it all year just like our fans would be. As far as Maryland is concerned, we need rivalries.”
Maryland will face its biggest rival this season tonight at Byrd Stadium in front of a national television audience on ESPN at 7:45.
But for the Terrapins (2-0), its game against West Virginia (2-0) represents more than a rivalry: It?s an opportunity to defeat the fourth-ranked team in the country, which would likely vault Maryland into the Top 25.
“A game of this magnitude against a worthy opponent and such a highly-ranked opponent it definitely does a lot, not only for our program today, but for our program in the future,” junior linebacker Erin Henderson said. “I think that?s something we all understand here. If we want to get to where we want to go to?to the top 25 and all the rankings, and be considered for all the bowls?this is a game we have to have.”
Maryland was given the same opportunity last year. But West Virginia jumped out to a 28-0 leadin the first quarter behind a potent rushing attack. The Terps look to use that defeat as motivation this season.
“I think we went up there last year and had some stage fright and bad things happened to us,” Friedgen said. “I hope it has an effect on players. It?s had an effect on me; I?m working harder than I?ve ever worked.”
West Virginia is trying to maintain the advantage its held for the past three seasons – all Mountaineer victories.
“It?s been a rivalry since before I?ve been here,” said West Virginia junior running back Steve Slaton, who ran for 195 yards and two scores last year. “So we?ve got to keep that that way.”
Maryland players could also pull a late surprise – their alternate black jerseys.
“We?ll surprise you,” Henderson said with a grin. “We?ll let you know.”
WVU at Terps
» When: Tonight, 7:45
» Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park
» TV: ESPN
» Radio: 105.7 FM/1300 AM
» Tickets: Sold Out
» Parking: Cars without permits will be barred from campus after 4 p.m.
