What: Ralph Friedgen tries to salvage his job as Maryland takes on bowl-bound Boston College
When: 3:30
Where: Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, College Park, Md.
Where to Watch: ESPNU
In a Nutshell: Boston College is a team with, to be frank, a terrible passing offense. Dave Shinskie is below-average as a QB and their receivers are nothing special. A solid OL and a balanced, talented RB in Montel Harris gives them a good rushing attack they lean heavily on. More important for them is their defense, which has no real weakness but no dominating strength, either. Maryland will have to play a balanced attack and score when they get their chances.
Keys:
- Turnovers - Much like last week, Maryland's playing a QB with questionable decision-making. At least one or two INTs will be crucial.
- Convert on opportunities - Boston College will hold the ball for a long time while running Harris into the ground. Maryland has to score when they can.
- Special teams - Maryland can't afford to have their special teams be at all below-average. A big play from the ST unit would be a huge plus, but no mistakes is basically a must-have.
Players to Watch:
- Da'Rel Scott, RB, Maryland - How hard will Maryland lean on him today? Scott's a BC-killer by trade, so I'm expecting a long TD.
- Montel Harris, RB, Boston College - Okay, it's obvious that Harris the best player on BC's offense. He's also the guy that's going to beat Maryland.
- Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland - Harris' main enemy today, Wujciak needs a big game to corral BC's running attack.
- Cameron Chism, CB, Maryland - Time for another interception or two against a bad QB.
- All of BC's Defense - It sounds like a cop-out, but it's true. These guys are strong all the way through. If you're looking for specific guys, keep Luke Kuechly, a true freshman and mini-Wujciak, in mind.
Gameday Reading
Ralph Friedgen's nine-year tenure with Maryland could end soon - WaPo
"Never before has Friedgen faced questions about his job security during what has been the only head coaching job of his four-decade-long career. An emotional Friedgen choked up several times during his news conference this week, declined to address his future and said he would tell disgruntled fans that "we took our lumps this year, but we won't be taking our lumps next year." '
Friedgen nears judgment day -- Sun
"If Friedgen remains, his relationship with Yow would require mending. His supporters have grown frustrated by her refusal to publicly back him as fan criticism mounted along with the losses. Yow instead said she would evaluate Friedgen's performance after the season concluded, a practice she always goes through with coaches. Meanwhile, Friedgen's assistant coaches clashed with the school in a contract dispute over unpaid bonuses they believed were owed them from last season."
Breaking down why Terrapins broke down - Washington Times
"Rarely does a single moment assure disaster in any season, and that wasn't the case for the Terrapins (2-9, 1-6 ACC). An accumulation of problems both major and minor left Maryland relegated to playing meaningless games for much of November. "
Maryland, BC have different goals in ACC finale - Boston Herald
'"It’s the last game of the season and my last game ever in college. For all the seniors it’s going to be very emotional," said Costa, a starting center of one of Maryland’s co-captains. "We want to finish with a win. It’s very important for the coaching staff and the players."'
Terps Aren't Giving Up - Carroll County Times
"Like the Terrapins, the Eagles were expected to struggle this season, although they have found a way to overachieve under first-year head coach Frank Spaziani. Boston College was picked to finish last in the ACC’s Atlantic Division in the conference’s preseason poll, one spot behind Maryland."
Though losses mount, Friedgen sees progress - Capital
"Today will be Maryland's last chance - the last chance to break through for a victory, the last chance for 14 seniors who'll be playing their final game, the last chance for Friedgen to convince school officials that he should be retained after a disastrous season."
BC faces Maryland to close out regular season - The Boston Globe
""There is nothing to lose? I don’t like that,’’ said defensive cocaptain and middle linebacker Mike McLaughlin. "We’re playing an ACC game at a place like Maryland. If I don’t come out with my best game, shame on me. That’s disrespectful to the game of football and disrespectful to my teammates.’’"
Terrapins test BC’s heart - Boston Herald
'"After watching them on film, they’re not a 2-9 team," said senior defensive end Jim Ramella. "They’ve lost a bunch of close games that could have gone either way and we’ve won a bunch of close games. They’ve got a lot of pride, too. It’s their senior day, so we’re going to get their best from them."'
Final football test not end of line for Boston College - The Enterprise
"Four wins, maybe five, seemed a reasonable prediction for BC, which was picked to finish last in the ACC’s Atlantic Division. The Eagles stand at 7-4 heading into today’s game against the Terrapins, and they still had a chance of reaching the conference’s championship game until a loss to North Carolina last week. "