2-1 Maryland travels to Morgantown to face #9 West Virginia tomorrow at Noon. The 2-0 Mountaineers have beat Marshall (69-34), and James Madison (42-12).
West Virginia beat Maryland by just 6 last year in College Park, but competing in Morgantown will be difficult for the Terps.
These two teams have met 48 times previously, with WVU leading the series 45-41-2. Maryland beat WVU four times early in Friedgen’s era – including the 2004 Gator Bowl – but West Virginia has won the last 6 meetings overall.
This game (along with Clemson and FSU) are the games I have believed Maryland had little to no chance of competing in. However, I want to believe the adage that ‘Any given Saturday…’
I think Brian Stewart’s defense has a chance to give Maryland a chance. You can tell Stewart spent time in the NFL, as his defense just looks more ‘professional.’ The fundamentals are much better, and as the health improves, the defense has looked better each week. That said, WVU’s spread offense probably has the ability to make anyone but Alabama look silly at the College level.
I believe for Maryland to really have a chance, the Terps will have to be able to run the ball, and move the clock. I also think they would need a Special Teams or a Defensive TD.
One thing that should help MD some, is that they have already experienced a road game. Hopefully there is no early ‘shock and awe’ at the WVU crowd, as MD has absolutely no chance if they quickly fall behind.
Random Thoughts:
1) Kenny Tate is returning, which is good to see. I still wish he was returning to the Secondary.
2) Hills needs to continue to run a bit. He is not Brown, but he has shown an ability to absorb contact and keep his legs moving. Of course the Terps are probably justifiably a bit scared to have him running at all, and further risking him to injury.
3) With Brandon Ross returning to action this week, it will be interesting to see how Maryland utilizes their RB’s. I like what we have seen so far from Wes Brown.
4) If Maryland is going to have a chance tomorrow, the Terps have to be able to run the ball. West Virgina has a new Defensive Coordinator, and has gotten away from the 3-3-5 alignment they have run with success. The WVU defense has lost some play-makers, and has does not have a ton of size or experience in their Front 7. As we said above, the Terps hope is to run the ball, and keep WVU off the field. If they can run the ball, they can get play-action going to Furstenburg and Campbell. FB Tyler Cierski is back and could help with the pressure packages from WVU, and the MD running game.
5) Every time Baltimore’s Tavon Austin touches the ball tomorrow, remind yourself of all the Maryland fans who believed Caleb Porzel was going to be much better. Ouch.
6) It would be easy to say there is no pressure on the Terps. WVU is the team with National Title aspirations. Maryland is the 28 point dog. My feeling is that Maryland should be going into this game with a combination of something to prove and fear. Maryland has enough talent on the roster, that they can make WVU uncomfortable at times. Maryland also had enough limitations, that if they are ready to play, they could be embarrassed. The goal for the Terps going into the game should be extending the game for as long as they can. The longer they stay close, the greater pressure WVU will feel.
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.