The calendar says November 2009, and shows 4 games remaining for the Terps. The reality is the calendar has already turned to 2010, and preparation for next-season.
Today against NCST, and during the remaining games, you have to prepare for the future.
Previously, we have discussed what the 2010 roster could look like:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/10/terps-football-2010-what-roster-could.html
Coach Franklin is already on the record as stating there would be a drop in production from QB Chris Turner, to Jamarr Robinson if a move was made now.
At 2-6 overall, and Turner obviously not back for 2010, I think you still make that move.
While Turner is averaging more yards per game this year than last year (229 vs 193), his QB rating is basically unchanged, and he has 9 picks to his 10 td’s.
If that minimal production is the baseline, it should be reasonable to at least equate those numbers.
Count me as one that would rather see Robinson get 4 games of playing experience to end this season, vs. heading into Spring 2010 having no idea of what you have.
Beyond Robinson, what I will be watching for these next 4 games is the development of the offensive, and defensive lines.
The skill-position talent is there, but will only be successful if the offensive-line improves.
Hopefully Campbell will choose to return, and prove himself over the course of an entire college-season. Beyond Campbell, I would want to be starting Lamar Young over Pinegar at LG, and giving Danny Edwards near equal-time at Center behind Costa. I would continue to play Justin Lewis, and RJ Dill as much as possible on the right-side.
I would not burn Pete White’s red-shirt, but would look for additional opportunities to find snaps for Justin Gilbert, Maurice Hampton, Andrew Gonnella, and Nick Klemm.
While there has been talk of the offensive-line all year, the defensive-line also has to be looked at.
I understand that Ivey, and Galt are Seniors, and have earned their opportunity at playing time. However, they can not return for 2010. Let us see further playing time for the players who can be on the next-winning Terps team.
Instead of Zack Kerr backing up AJ Francis, how about seeing Kerr eat into the playing time of Ivey?
How about getting Joe Vellano, and Justin Anderson into that rotation?
I would also like to see Masengo Kabongo alternating series with Galt.
When the game kicks off-today in Raleigh, we will see if the Maryland Coaching staff still sees 2009 on the calendar, or if they are starting to make the adjustments necessary to compete in 2010.
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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.