Ralph Friedgen suggests there is an invisible line at the 20-yard line that renders his team nearly powerless.
After all, how else can Maryland’s coach explain the Terrapins’ offensive and defensive failures near the end zone?
“We’ve had some mental issues down there,” he said. “We just haven’t done what we need to do in executing.”
Case in point: The Terrapins’ 37-3 loss to Florida State last week.
*In two trips inside Florida State’s 20-yard line, the Terrapins came away with just a 34-yard field goal by Obi Egekeze.
*In five trips inside the Maryland’s 20-yard line, the Seminoles scored three touchdowns and two field goals.
For the Terrapins, what happened against Florida State continued a trend in which they have failed to make the most of their opportunities in the red zone. Maryland has trekked inside the opposition’s 20-yard line 34 times this season, but have scored a touchdown just 16 times (47 percent). Maryland’s opponents, however, have reached the end zone 20 times in 40 trips inside the red zone.
“That’s something we haven’t been good at all year. We get in the red zone and sputter out,” junior quarterback Chris Turner said. “We didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that were there for us.”
The Terrapins (7-4 overall, 4-3 ACC) will have to make the most of their opportunities on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 if they are to greatly improve their bowl standing with a victory at Boston College (8-3, 4-3 ACC) to close the regular season.
The Eagles clinch the Atlantic Division and berth in the ACC championship game on Dec. 6 against the Coastal Division winner by defeating the Terrapins. Florida State wins the division with a Terrapins’ victory in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
“This week is a little more different,” Maryland senior center Edwin Wiliams said. “I’m not saying Thanksgiving is a distraction, but it’s a little different than other weeks. School lets out [Wednesday], and you’re going to be with family. There’s somewhat of a distraction. The tough part is not stuffing yourself on Thursday. That’s the first challenge.”
