Ask any college student what time of year they fear the worst. The most popular answer is likely finals week.
With that in mind, Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen has opted to give his players a break this week from bowl preparation practice while they study for their exams.
“It?s always a tough time at this time of year because everything comes to a head ? papers are due and exams are coming up,” Friedgen said.
The Terps (8-4) will leave for Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 22 for the Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl against Purdue (8-5).
Like many of his players, Friedgen is ready to see that day come. He doesn?t exactly have fond memories of exam week.
“I remember when I was in school ? and it?s the only time that I?m glad I?m not a college student anymore,” Friedgen said.
With a daughter in College Park and an entire team hitting the books this week, Friedgen took a moment to reminisce upon his undergraduate experiences.
“I was telling my daughter, I used to go to the McKeldin Library in the stacks and just lock myself in there and just cram. She?s never been in the McKeldin Library yet, which worries me,” Friedgen said with a laugh.
Holding practice during exam week also worried Friedgen, who recalled the team?s practice routine prior to the Orange Bowl in 2001, a game they lost to Florida, 56-23.
“It?s better to just not add another thing to it,” Friedgen said. “When I did that, we didn?t do well on exams and we didn?t do well in the game.”
Friedgen said there are some comparisons that can be drawn between football and exams. For graduating seniors such as J.P. Humber, Stephon Heyer, Josh Allen and Sam Hollenbach, the coming weeks will provide a final test in more than one way.
“It was such a relief when it was over,” Friedgen said. “It?s almost like the season. When you have one exam, you?re focusing on that. And when that one?s over, you move to the next. And to put football in there, I know they?re not going to be focusing on football.”
Once the Terps get through their finals, it?s on to a final cram session for Purdue.
Champs Sports Bowl
» Who: Maryland (8-4) vs. Purdue (8-5)
» Where: Orlando, Fla.
» When: 9 p.m., Dec. 29
» TV: ESPN
