2010 Military Bowl: Why the Maryland Terrapins Will Come Out On Top
The Northrop Grumman Military Bowl will feature an ACC and Conference USA clash, as the Maryland Terrapins (8-4) take on the Eastern Carolina Pirates (6-6) tomorrow in Washington D.C.
In their first bowl game since a 2008 victory in the Humanitarian Bowl, Maryland will look to take full advantage of the national spotlight. After a disappointing year last season, finishing 2-10 and 1-7 in conference play, the Terps have turned around their program this season, finishing second in the ACC at 8-4. Head coach Ralph Friedgen, who was fired recently, in spite of being awarded ACC coach of the year this season, will be coaching his last game for the Terrapins. The team finished the season winning four of their last six, and are currently an eight point favorite going into Wednesday’s showdown.
Eastern Carolina, on the other hand, has had a disappointing second half of the season. Having lost four of their last five games overall and three of their last four in conference play, the Pirates will look to turn things around against the Terps. However, to their advantage, the team boasts experience, playing in their fifth consecutive bowl game.
With both programs looking to make a statement, tomorrow’s bowl game will be no walk in the park for either team. These are the three keys to tomorrow’s 2010 Military Bowl and a prediction.
1)Torrey Smith and O’Brien Riding Momentum
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In his first season, freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien has had Maryland playing their best football late. After throwing nine touchdowns and three interceptions in his first five games, O’Brien finished the year scoring 13 touchdowns, with one on the ground, in his last five games.
Much of his late season success can be attributed to Torrey Smith, junior wide receiver for the Terps, who has been nothing short of spectacular for the team as of late. His 1045 yards ranks among the top 20 in college football and is nearly as many yards as he recorded in his first two seasons combined.
In their last outing against North Carolina State (8-4), ranked 24th in the nation at the time, Smith recorded 224 yards and scored four touchdowns in the upset.
Look for Smith to attack the sideline and make plays for O’Brien to throw the deep ball against the worst defense in the nation, allowing over 43 points and 478 yards a contest (statistics from ESPN).
Photo by Nick Wass / AP
2)The Pirate Passing Attack Against the Terps Secondary
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When it comes to offense, the Pirates are worry free. Junior quarterback Dominique Davis has put on a clinic throughout the regular season. His FBS leading 36 touchdowns and fourth ranked 3,699 yards has helped the seventh best passing offense flourish this season.
As of late Davis has been on fire, recording 15 touchdowns to go along with over 1,300 yards in the air. Dwayne Harris, a senior wide receiver this season, has been a big help to Davis, posting over 1,000 yards and scoring in four of his last five games.
In order for Eastern Carolina to score points, his veteran experience at the position will be vital. Putting pressure on the Terrapin defense will be key in coming out with the win.
Photo by Rhett Butler / AP
3) Ralph Friedgen Running The Show One Last Time
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One of the more surprising stories in recent college sports news has been the firing of head coach Ralph Friedgen, as tomorrow will be the last game he will coach for the Terrapins.
His tenure with the Terps was put to an end several weeks ago, as the school bought out the rest of his contract after Friedgen declined the school’s request for him to resign. Friedgen has recorded 74 wins with the team and has been awarded ACC coach of the year twice, both this year and in 2001.
The move caught most by surprise, and certainly the players. Given the circumstances of the move, players will more than likely use it as motivation, in hopes to have their coach leave with a bang tomorrow. The last bowl game Friedgen coached in the Terps came out on top, winning in 2008 against Nevada.
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The Prediction
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Tomorrow’s game will be a story of momentum. The Terps come in winning four of their last six while the Eastern Carolina Pirates are losers of four of their last five.
Despite the Pirates fire power through the air, their defense will hurt them in the end, as they have allowed at least 42 points in each of their last five games, twice allowing more than 60. The worst defense in college football has been playing even worse as of late, which should give O’Brien and company a lot to work with on offense.
Photo by Nick Wass / AP
Prediction: Maryland Terrapins
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