Senior quarterback Sam Hollenbach will look to lead the Terps back to a bowl game this season. After three straight winning seasons, the Terps were 5-6 each of the last two years.
THE MATCHUP
Maryland TerrapinsWilliam & MaryTribe
0-0 (0-0 ACC)0-0 (0-0 A10)
WHEN: Tomorrow, 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium, College Park
TV/RADIO: CSN
LIVE GAME COVERAGE: www.diamondbackonline.com
TERP TRACKER
2005 team stats
TerpsW&M
Passing (ypg)249.1218.7
Rushing (ypg)134.8159.3
Total (ypg)383.9378.0
Points per game24.532.5
Sacks2217
Penalties5639
OPENING SUCCESS
The Terps are 68-43-2 all-time in season openers and 3-2 under Friedgen.
The last two openers have been a little close for comfort with a 23-20 win over Navy last year and a 23-20 win over Northern Illinois two years ago.
The Terps lost their home opener to Clemson last year 28-24.
LAST TIME VS. DIV. I-AA
TERPS 61 THE CITADEL 0
In their 2003 home opener, the Terps demolished Division I-AA The Citadel 61-0. The win was the Terps’ first of the season – in three tries – and it started a five-game winning streak.
The Terps ended the year 10-3 and defeated West Virginia 41-7 in the Gator Bowl.
EYEING ERNESTO?
With Tropical Storm Ernesto making its way up the Atlantic coast, heavy rains and storms are forecast to hit College Park throughout the weekend.
If the Terps and Tribe play in steady rain, the running game becomes even more important.
“Yes we’re going to have rain,” Friedgen said. “My father always told me rain is a tremendous equalizer. Better watch out; anything can happen.”
SERIES RECORDS
ALL-TIME SERIES William & Mary leads 2-1
LAST MEETING 1946
ALL-TIME MEETINGS
1946- (A)- L, Terps 7, William & Mary 41
1945- (H)- L, Terps 14, William & Mary 33
1905- (A)- W, Terps 17, William & Mary 0
KEY MATCHUP
TERP RECEIVERS vs.
WILLIAM & MARY
SECONDARY
Depth and experience are concerns at wide receiver with sophomores Isaiah Williams and Danny Oquendo slated to start. The two have four combined catches.
The Terps lost over 86 percent of their 2005 receiving yards and senior Drew Weatherly’s status for the game is uncertain. Ralph Friedgen said the lack of depth at receiver makes every player important when the team uses three or more receivers at a time.
“Wide out is pretty clear cut,” Friedgen said. “We’re two deep and that’s it, if that.”
Williams and Oquendo will be challenged by veteran DBs Richard Riley and Alan Wheeling. If Williams can stretch the defense, it could allow Oquendo more space.
FOUR DOWNS
1. OFF TO THE RACES
Against a William & Mary team that’s projected to finish fourth in the Atlantic 10’s Southern Division, the Terps should be able to rack up points early and put the game out of reach.
Even assuming first-game jitters, the talent gap should be enough for the Terp offense to settle into a groove and for the defense to contain Tribe running back Elijah Brooks and even force some turnovers.
2. POUND THE ROCK
In Josh Allen, Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore, the Terps have a versatile three-headed rushing attack that should be exploited as much as possible.
The Terps will want to control the pace with the running game, especially if rain complicates passing. The array of styles the backs have will allow all of them to get into the game.
3. GIVE SAM A CHANCE
Sam Hollenbach has the benefit of being the only returning starter at quarterback during Friedgen’s tenure, but 15 interceptions left a bad taste about his play.
Wanting to shed that reputation and erase memories of the the five TDs that came as a result of Hollenbach turnovers, a solid effort could give him more range to make big plays later in the season with less fear.
4. KICKING UP A STORM
With wind and rain in the forecast, tomorrow could provide an ideal opportunity to test kickers Dan Ennis and Obi Egekeze. Friedgen said Ennis will probably start, but Egekeze could get a chance to attempt his first college field goal.
Both kickers struggled under pressure in camp, and a real live stadium atmosphere could provide a good barometer.
HEAD 2 HEAD
OFFENSE
William & Mary’s star running back Elijah Brooks put up big numbers last season, but Lance Ball put up similar ones against much better competition.
The Tribe receivers are more seasoned, but the Terps have tons of untapped potential in Isaiah Williams and Darrius Heyward-Bey.
DEFENSE
The Terps enjoy consistently good play from DT Conrad Bolston and CB Josh Wilson and benefit from speed and depth in the linebacking corps.
Tribe top LB Josh Rutter (109 tackles) mans the middle, but even he is overmatched by the Terps’ Wesley Jefferson.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Despite questions about whether Dan Ennis or Obi Egekeze can develop into a solid kicker, the Terps dominate in this category because of punter Adam Podlesh.
Podlesh consistently booms punts deep (43.6-yard average) and the Terps haven’t had a punt blocked since 1999.
COACHING
Jimmye Laycock has built a good reputation in his 26 years at William & Mary. Friedgen even worked under Laycock in 1980.
There’s little doubt that the Tribe are well-coached, but Friedgen’s accomplishments and offensive prowess put him ahead.
INTANGIBLES
In its last 11 games against Division I-A opponents, William & Mary is 1-10. And though rain could dampen the festivities opening day fervor will help the Terps.
It doesn’t help the Tribe that the Terps are determined to make people forget about last season’s transgressions.
PREDICTION
(Terps) 45– (W&M) 6
