It’s hard to tell who has lost more — the coach or the roster.
Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen dropped 105 pounds over the offseason. He has also lost 30 seniors from last season. You wonder whether either has enough left to muscle through another ACC season.
Actually, Friedgen is still working on another 45 pounds, an amazing accomplishment for the 62-year-old. But his team might not have the same determination this season. The Terrapins have only 10 starters returning from last year’s 8-5 Humanitarian Bowl squad, including four on defense. There’s also a new defensive coordinator, which some say is a positive.
Still, when a team touts its two preseason All-Americans as the punter and kick returner — that’s not good. The Terps special teams may be awesome, but punter Travis Baltz might get a workout each game if the offense stalls.
Maryland opened camp on Monday with third-year starting quarterback Chris Turner behind a questionable offensive line. The Terps are loaded with skill players at running back and receiver, but if the line caves with three first-time starters then the rest doesn’t work.
“The key is Chris has to come through and have a good year for us,” Friedgen said. “I’m going to be patient [with the offensive line]. If they play well for us, we’ll be pretty good on offense.”
You have to love the Terps’ chances with Turner because the senior always plays well in big games, going 4-1 versus ranked teams last year. Maryland opens against No. 12 California on Sept. 5. They also face No. 7 Virginia Tech and No. 19 Florida State, plus five teams that received votes in the AP poll. Turner gives the Terps a puncher’s chance every time.
It’s another watershed season for the Terps. An expanded stadium adds 3,000 seats, but a mediocre season will leave them empty. Friedgen also has an heir on the sideline in assistant James Franklin, whom the crowd will seek should the Terps underperform much like last season despite a winning mark.
But Friedgen looks refreshed after dropping the weight of a cheerleader from his frame. His left leg is still numb sometimes, causing a limp, but there’s no physical reason for Friedgen not to finish the final three seasons of his deal. The same grouchy coach who kicked the program from perennial loser before his 2001 arrival to bowl contender will be one to watch again.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or
e-mail [email protected].
