Military Bowl 2010: 10 Things To Know About Maryland vs. ECU
The college bowl schedule has been released, and the Maryland Terrapins (8-4) will be playing close to home when they take on the East Carolina Pirates (6-6) in the Military Bowl at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.
Maryland was hoping for a much more prestigious bowl game heading into the season's last two games, but a loss at home to Florida State eliminated any chances of an ACC title and a possible BCS bowl berth.
ECU, on the other hand, began the season with much promise before losing four of five games to round out the year. At 6-6, the Pirates are just barely bowl eligible.
The game will be played on December 29th at 2:30 PM, but until then here are 10 things you need to know about the 2010 Military Bowl.
ECU Is 1-2 Against the ACC This Season
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The Pirates went 5-3 in Conference USA play. Unfortunately they went 1-3 in four non-conference games, including two losses to ACC opponents.
ECU went on the road to play Virginia Tech and lost its first game of the season 49-27. Just one week later the Pirates traveled to Chapel Hill and got steamrolled by the Tar Heels 42-17.
ECU did, however, squeak out a 33-27 OT victory over NC State at home.
Maryland, another ACC team, went 5-3 in the conference this season and will be playing close to home.
Maryland's Significant Home Field Advantage
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The Terps won't have to travel far for this bowl game. College Park is just minutes from DC. Expect Maryland fans to travel considering the Terrapins didn't qualify for a bowl game last year.
ECU is just 2-4 on the road this season, allowing an average of 42.5 points in both wins.
ECU's Offensive Advantage
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The Pirates don't play in a premier college football conference, but that still doesn't dismiss their offensive dominance.
ECU ranks seventh in the NCAA in passing offense (319.3) and averages more than 126 yards on the ground per game.
Maryland's offense is no joke, however. The Terrapins can run the ball and have a promising young quarterback in Danny O'Brien.
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Dominique Davis
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Davis is one of the great unknown quarterbacks in college football. The junior has had a magnificent season, throwing 36 touchdown passes, passing for 3,700 yards and completing 65 percent of his passes.
Davis also has nine touchdowns on the ground and has thrown a touchdown pass in every game this season.
Torrey Smith's Playmaking Ability
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The junior wideout has been superb this season for Maryland and a large part of the Terps' offense.
Smith has over 1,000 yards receiving this year to go along with 12 touchdowns. He presents a significant threat to the ECU defense considering he averages over 16 yards per catch and has surpassed 140 yards receiving four times this season.
Just two weeks ago Smith finished with 14 catches for 224 yards and four touchdowns in Maryland's win over NC State.
Terps' Turnover Advantage
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Maryland went from two wins a season ago to eight this year, largely because of their turnover differential. The Terps and quarterback Danny O'Brien (ACC Rookie of the Year) have done well to protect the ball and their defense.
Their turnover margin is tied for seventh in the nation.
Maryland's Recent Bowl Success
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Though Maryland didn't qualify for a bowl game last season, the Terps have still been a successful bowl team in recent years.
Maryland has won four of its five past bowl games, averaging a tad over 30 points in each game.
Meanwhile, ECU has lost four out of its five past bowl games.
First-Year Coach Vs. Experienced Coach
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We can't forget how important coaches are in bowl games. The Military Bowl will feature two very different coaches.
ECU's Ruffin McNeill is in his first year, and his team is struggling as of late. Maryland's Ralph Friedgen is as tenured as they come and was named the ACC's Coach of the Year this season.
Both will be challenged to lead their teams to victory.
ECU's Defensive Uncertainty
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The Pirates have given up points in bunches this season, ranking just 118th in the nation, giving up an average of 43.4 points per game.
ECU gave up 76 points to Navy in a home loss earlier this season, and if they're not careful Maryland could put them in a hole early.
Teams Going in Opposite Directions
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Maryland and ECU seem to be headed in different directions. The Terps increased their win total from a season ago by six wins, while the Pirates are in the midst of a losing streak and suffering from an inexperienced defense.
The Terps look to be on the rise in the future with freshman quarterback Danny O'Brien playing well and a defense that looks to get even better.
This bowl game could wrap up each team's season rather fittingly. A Maryland win would satisfy the Terps faithful until next season, and an ECU loss would probably be expected by Pirates fans and be an appropriate end to a 6-6 season marked by mediocrity.
Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.
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