Let the record show this has not been an ideal season for Maryland. Granted, Virginia Tech saw it's hopes go from national title to second-tier ACC-- and Virginia's "October Surprise II" ended a few weeks early-- but for the first time in a decade the Terps are clearly out of the mix. Most had this team slated for a second-tier finish in the ACC Atlantic, but few had things going this bad... and around the beltway there are the expected "Fridge on the hot seat" columns. I think he survives this year even if they lose their last two to finish 2-10 ( a first ever double-digit loss season, although teams played a maximum of ten games until the early 70's).
First, this fall can be viewed as an aberration-- Ralph has been successful for the bulk of his tenure in College Park. Second, this program is much better now than it was when Friedgen took over-- coming off a decade plus of losing. Finally, Friedgen has two years remaining on his current contract and offensive coordinator James Franklin will be owed a million dollars if he isn't coaching the team by 2012. This is a school that is more fiscally restrained than others-- hey, they charge the media $15 to use the press box taco bar...and I can't imagine them paying Fridge off.
#20 VIRGINIA TECH routed MARYLAND 36-9 in a game that wasn't that close. The seats at Byrd Stadium had a fall foliage feel-- plenty of red yet plenty of orange and even some purple.
Hokie Highlights-- taking care of business with an inferior opponent...Tyrod Taylor ran for 81 yards while tossing three touchdown passes... Ryan Williams rumbled for 126 yards (it will be interesting to see how the backfield reshuffles next year with the return of Darren Evans to the lineup)... Hokie Humblings-- minimal...they controlled the game for 60 minutes-- there was never any doubt about the outcome.
Terrapin Triumphs-- Jamarr Robinson ran for 129 yards in his debut (and that includes the yardage lost on sacks) while throwing for 104 yards...with no interceptions. Just one penalty and no turnovers... reversing a season-long trend. Terrapin Troubles-- the offensive line allowed six sacks- four in the first half... the running backs gained a combined 3 yards on 6 carries. The defense couldn't get off the field in the first half (VT was 5 of 7 on 3rd down).
VIRGINIA continued its November descent with a 14-10 loss to Boston College. Cavalier Congrats-- Chris Cook put the Cavs on the board with a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown...and the defense held BC to just a pair of touchdowns after allowing 52 the week before to Miami. Cavalier Catastrophes-- the offense gained just 77 yards rushing and was unable to get into the end zone...UVa hasn't reached the 20 point plateau since their win at Maryland.
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