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Lucy
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<a href='http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/sports/colleges/9297795.htm' target='_blank'>`Small' receiver generates big-time production</a>

Quote:No. 21 Maryland Terrapins

Conference: Atlantic Coast

Coach: Ralph Friedgen (31-8 in three seasons)

2003: 10-3, 6-2 in ACC, 2nd

Bowl: Defeated West Virginia 41-7 in Gator Bowl

Why Maryland is No. 21: The Terps have 31 victories in coach Ralph Friedgen's first three seasons. Maryland might not make it to double digits in victories this season, but it has the personnel and the schemes to be a contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Best-case scenario: A consistent quarterback emerges to run Friedgen's versatile offense. The running game is as solid as it has been the past three seasons, and the defense is able to plug significant holes in the secondary.

Worst-case scenario: Another slow start wrecks the team's confidence and unlike the past two seasons, it's unable to bounce back. The quarterback position doesn't perform up to par and that cripples the offense.

Starters returning: Five on offense, four on defense.

Key players: Junior RB Josh Allen, senior guard C.J. Brooks, sophomore QB Joel Statham, freshman QB Jordan Steffy, sophomore QB Sam Hollenbach, junior WR Derek Fenner, senior WR/KR Steve Suter, junior LB D'Qwell Jackson, senior CB Domonique Foxworth, senior K Nick Novak.

Cheers: After 31 victories in three seasons, it's apparent that Friedgen has built a consistent, winning program. Maryland has shown the ability to bounce back from stumbling starts each of the past two seasons; that sort of resiliency makes for consistency. There are plenty of talented players on offense and the defense is improving.

Jeers: While Friedgen is flexible with his schemes and game plans, he'll be relying on a young, untested quarterback (either Statham, Steffy or Hollenbach). The secondary returns just one starter.

It all means: Maryland might not be able to record a fourth consecutive season with double-digit victories. But the Terps' program is such that it will be competitive in the tougher ACC and will again go bowling.

Datebook: Maryland plays at Clemson on Oct. 23. Both teams have legitimate credentials as ACC darkhorses. If the Terps want to challenge for the ACC title, they'll need to win this game, which starts a formidable four-game stretch (at Clemson, Florida State, at Virginia, at Virginia Tech).

Figuring: In Friedgen's three games against Florida State, the Terps have lost by the combined score of 124-51. The Seminoles visit Maryland on Oct. 30.

Extra points: With the ACC using an unbalanced schedule to accommodate an 11-team league, Maryland catches a break by not playing newcomer Miami. ... Maryland is one of five teams with at least 10 victories each of the past three seasons. The others are Miami, Washington State, Oklahoma and Texas. ... Maryland's coaching staff has been pleased by the summer workout leadership provided by senior center Kyle Schmitt. ... Maryland travels to West Virginia on Sept. 18. The Terps have beaten the Mountaineers the past three meetings by the combined score of 123-31. ... Nick Novak has 324 career points and needs three points to become the ACC's career scoring leader. ... Since 1900, only two coaches have won more games in their first three seasons than Friedgen - Miami's Larry Coker (35) and Oklahoma's Barry Switzer (32). ... Maryland has sold a school-record 31,500 season tickets. ... Friedgen says that Statham will enter preseason practice as the No. 1 quarterback. ... Senior offensive guard C.J. Brooks is serious about music. He hosts a radio show on the campus station, playing an eclectic mix of songs. He's known on the air as DeeJay Solitude.
08-04-2004 10:08 AM
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