Terps need some R&R

“It?s a real big letdown,” junior linebacker Wesley Jefferson said after a 38-24 loss to visiting Wake Forest. “We were playing for the ACC championship and a possible trip to the Orange Bowl. It just didn?t hit us ? and now it?s too late.”

After playing for their postseason lives for roughly two straight months, the Terps (8-4 overall, 5-3 ACC) were worn out ? mentally and physically.

“I think it?s more psychological,” Jefferson said. “We just need to realize what we have in front of us and we need to go take it.”

The Terps must now refocus their efforts towards whatever bowl game they agree to. But knowing that the schedule includes no conference title game, and thus, no chance at the Orange Bowl, is a painful realization.

“We worked too hard over the summer to lose like that,” freshman receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey said. “Going to Jacksonville was one of our goals. I?m disappointed. … Everyone?s disappointed.”

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said after the game he felt as if his players weren?t in the right mindset. Jefferson felt some players were waiting for the game to be handed to them. If the Terps have learned anything this season, it is that wins do not come easily in the ACC.

“We can?t use the excuse that we were tired,” senior left tackle Stephon Heyer said. “The team needed to overcome that and focus on the task at hand. We needed to start ready [Saturday], and we didn?t do that.”

In response, Friedgen has given the players the week off.

“I think we really need this week to rest up, gather ourselves, and be ready to go,” Jefferson said.

Being ready is still important. Though it?s not the Orange Bowl ? more likely the Meineke Car Care or Gaylord Hotels Music City bowl ? there is one game left.

“We?re still going to a bowl,” Jefferson said. “We?ve got to take things in perspective and keep moving forward.”