In a replay of last-year, the University of Maryland has suffered a crushing loss to Middle Tennessee State.

Up 31-29 , MD got to the MTS 30-yard line with 2mts 22 seconds on the clock. The Terps offensive-line committed a penalty, that drove them back 5 yards. Subsequently Ferrara missed a 42-yard FG attempt, giving MTS the opportunity to drive for the win.

Starting at their own 25 yard-line, MTS drove all the way to the MD 1 yard-line, as the Terps played a passive-defense. As time expired, MTS kicked in the game-winner.

This is a crippling loss, and coming off the OT effort against James Madison, it calls into question the Coaching at Maryland. Head Coach Ralph Friedgen, Defensive Coordinator Don Brown, and Offensive Coordinator (and HC in waiting) James Franklin have explaining to do.

It is not their fault that the Terps committed 4 turnovers today, but it is their fault for not getting more out of the talent assembled.

Make no mistake about it, there is talent on this Terrapin roster. Being pushed to the limit vs. James Madison, and losing to Middle Tennessee is not acceptable.

I said before the season that I expected a record of 8-4 overall, and 5-3 in conference. Even after this disaster, I think that is still obtainable.

Even if that is still obtained, it really should not be considered sufficient. That should be what is accomplished in down years. In good years, MD should be capable of 9 or 10 wins, and winning the ACC Atlantic Division.

I have been terribly disappointed in Don Brown’s defense so far. The pass-rush was better today, but that was more of the result of the MTS offense. Using 4 and 5 receiver sets, MTS had a lot of empty back-fields, which allowed unblocked defenders to get free-licks in on the MTS QB Dwight Dasher. Promised a defense that would be innovative, confusing for the opposition, and bring pressure; MD has consistently played on their heels.

People can point to the loss of NT Dion Armstrong in the pre-season, and injuries of CB’s McCollough, and Carroll all they want; that does not explain playing a passive prevent-zone against MTS with your season on the line. The defensive-line clearly has limitations, but that could be countered by constantly rotating the depth that you do have. Having Wujciak shadow Dasher all game today, did little but tire out Wujciak. Didn’t you have to vary the approach at some-point?

Outside of being a good-recruiter, I continue to wonder why James Franklin has been appointed the Head Coach in waiting for the Terps. Franklin earned the reputation of being a strong Offensive Coordinator from his time with Kansas State, but the Terp offense under-achieved last year, and that has continued into this season. I understand the existing offensive-line issues, but there is simply too much skill-position talent for the Terps to not be able to control the results against this caliber of opponent.

Scott had 2 fumbles today, and that is on Scott and not Franklin. However, Scott also had 13 carries for 114 yards. That is an 8.2 yard per carry average. With that type of success from Scott, why did Franklin find 18 carries for Meggett, who only gained 51 yards rushing?

Why is the TE a total non-option in this offense? Go back and look at the recruiting rankings of Lansford Watson, and Devonte Campbell. Watson came to college ranked as a Top 3 National TE. Campbell came to college ranked as a Top 12 National TE. While both players have responsibilities fo their own development, Franklin does as well.

Ultimately, wins and losses fall on the shoulders of the man in charge. In this case it is Coach Friedgen. I have to say I am a fan of Coach Friedgen. He came back to College Park, and has great success in improving the program. Prior to him becoming the HC, Maryland had been to 1 bowl game in the previous 15 years. Since he arrived, MD has been to 6 bowl games, winning 4 times.

Beyond achieving those on-field results, Friedgen has improved the facilities, attendance, and fund-raising for the program. Each of these events has allowed MD to consistently improve their recruiting.

As I write this, I am thinking about how just last-year, MD defeated 4 Nationally ranked-teams. All of which, becomes forgotten when you suffer deflating losses like today.

I think it was a mistake for Maryland and Coach Friedgen to announce Coach Franklin as the Head Coach in waiting. To me, all it does is serve as a death notice for the Friedgen era.

At this point, I would like to see MD bite the bullet, and pay Coach Franklin the money he is contractually owed if he does not become the Head Coach. If Coach Friedgen’s weight-loss is an indication he is willing to put in the work necessary to stay on as HC, I can get behind that.

If he does not have the focus (or desire) to stay on as Coach, and have Maryland positioned as the consistently Top 25 they should be; then I think 2009 should be his last year.

Whenever Coach Friedgen’s run comes to an end, the next HC has to be someone that has the potential to elevate the program. If the Terps struggle all of this year, and Friedgen leaves, is Franklin going to return this program where it needs to be?

I would say no, and part of that would not be about Franklin himself. Are boosters, fans, and recruits going to unite around the Coordinator whose offense under-achieved?

Clearly the answer is no.

If Friedgen does not return, it should be about finding someone with the credentials and name-recognition to bring new-life to the program.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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