FanPost

Maryland vs Penn State Rivalry


35-1-1. That's Penn State's record against us in the 37 meetings that occurred since we first played them 96 years ago. The last and only time Maryland won was in 1961 when we beat them 21-17 and the last time we played them was more than 20 years ago on October 2nd 1993 where we were hammered 70-7 AT COLLEGE PARK. Despite an extremely skewed record and point distribution (PSU 1132-411 UMD which is 2.75-1 ratio) there is something in this match up that makes it a rivalry.

Regional bragging rights are the first thing that come up with these schools as both are large flagship state institutions with similar academics. Both schools are in a state which hold 2 metropolis' and have professional rivalries as well (Ravens-Steelers, Redskins- Eagles). We are considered a more urban school while they are considered a more rural type. We battle consistently on the recruiting trail in the same areas for basically the same players with 2 running back commits to UMD switching to PSU in the last two years. Both schools have plenty of Alumni near each other. And finally both schools represent the pride of their states so when they play it is not just a game between 2 universities but a battle between 2 states that have rivalries in many sports.

While the absence of recent games has bogged down this rivalry, I think that after OSU and Michigan, this will be the biggest Rivalry in the BIG (no pun intended). In fact I can draw a lot of comparisons between that rivalry and this. Michigan led the rivalry in the early years kind of like PSU is now. Then OSU makes some changes and turn the table which UMD could very well do in the next couple of years. Then OSU establishes dominance which dear God I hope UMD does. Just like many Ohio players going to play for Michigan we have had a lot of Pennsylvania players come to play for us. The only reversal is that Michigan was the more classier school with better academics and in this case I would give that to UMD.

Anyways my point is: just because we haven't played for at least 20 years doesn't mean we don't have a rivalry with those Nittany Lions. I personally am looking forward to the November 1st match up next year at the Beaver stadium and I just hope that we could switch the tables from here on out when we play them. What do you guys think? Will we be competitive with them or will we let them dominate us? Or How many of are bold enough and say that we will dominate from here on out for the foreseeable future?

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