After embarrassing the Tennessee Volunteers in the Peach Bowl, and finishing with a second consecutive 10-win season, what will the Maryland Terrapins do for an encore? Many Terp fans and national sports publications are predicting a conference championship. Street and Smith's College Football Annual has given the Terrapins the highest accolades, ranking them 11th nationally and predicting that they win the conference title. While head coach Ralph Friedgen has had a rather large impact on the school's football program, he has yet to defeat the Seminoles, and has failed miserably in his two attempts with the Terps. With 15 returning starters, and the return of former 1,000-yard rusher Bruce Perry from injury, the third try could be the charm.

Though players like E.J. Henderson received much of the national attention last season, gritty quarterback Scott McBrien was one of the team's unsung heroes. Despite being forced into the starting role, he did an admirable job leading the team and overcoming a considerable amount of adversity. He is the catalyst of the Maryland offense, and when he is on his game, the Terps are tough to beat. He brings a dual-threat attack to the table, and his ability to both run the option effectively and stand in the pocket often poses serious problems for opposing defenses. In addition to being a viable running threat, he also managed to throw for just under 2,500 yards and toss an impressive 15 touchdown passes. His 10 interceptions, some at inopportune times, showed his inexperience, but for the most part he makes good decisions. His tough mindset and impeccable leadership exemplify what Maryland football is all about. McBrien reminds one of an '84 Cutlass. He isn't always pretty, but he gets the job done. Georgia-native Joel Staham is the likely backup.

At running back there is as much uncertainty as excitement. Back in 2001, Bruce Perry was one of the nation's best tailbacks. His 1,200 yards rushing helped him earn ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors, and not surprisingly helped Maryland win the ACC title. His shifty running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him one of the most versatile players in college football. He can be a special back, but can also be a fragile one. He struggled with numerous injuries last season, and managed a mere 340 yards on the year. If he can return to form, the Terps will undoubtedly have one of the more dangerous offenses in the league. Sophomore Josh Allen made an immediate impact in 2002, and scored a touchdown every seven and a half times he touched the ball. Allen rushed for over 400 yards, and if Perry isn't ready to go, he will get the bulk of the carries.

While much of Maryland's offensive focus has been geared to the rushing attack in recent years, the return of four of the team's top five receivers ensures that the passing game will not be forgotten in 2003. Seniors Jafar Williams and Latrez Harrison are both physical, possession type receivers who should be poised to end their careers with breakout seasons. Undersized junior Steve Suter is Maryland's most dangerous playmaker, and usually lines up from the slot position. JoJo Walker is similar to Suter in stature and style, and like a shot of espresso, adds a little extra energy to the Terps receiving corps. Sophomores Rich Parsons and Dan Melendez round out the rotation. At 6-foot-4, and 260-pounds, tight end Jeff Dugan is an enormous downfield target. A fourth-year senior, he has the experience to make big plays in the clutch. Incoming freshman Vernon Davis was one of Maryland's most highly touted recruits, and should make an immediate impact.

The loss of veterans Todd Wike and Matt Crawford leave glaring holes up front, but a trio of returning starters should help keep the line intact. Much to the delight of Perry, senior guard Lamar Bryant, one of the league's more talented run blockers, returns to anchor the interior. Mammoth tackle Eric Dumas, and crafty guard C.J. Brooks also return. Collectively, this group could improve in the area of pass blocking, but few lines are more efficient grinding it on the ground. With four starters weighing in at well over 300lbs, and three battle-tested veterans returning to pave the way, expect a big season from the big uglies.

How much of an impact did E.J. Henderson have on the Maryland football program? Before his arrival, the school had about as much national respect as Rodney Dangerfield. Henderson's passion for the game, and All-American swagger helped establish Maryland as one of the conference's premier programs. His presence will be missed, but the Terps do return nine defensive starters, and will feature a starting lineup that includes eight seniors.

It all starts in the defensive backfield, where few teams in the country can match Maryland's talent, depth or experience. Corners Dominique Foxworth and Curome Cox are the league's best tandem, and in addition to being fine cover men, both also excel in stopping the run. Foxworth is especially talented. Not only did he lead the team with five interceptions, but he also paced the conference in pass break-ups. Safeties Madieu Williams and Dennard Wilson are both big-time playmakers and are perfect compliments to Foxworth and Cox on the outside. Trying to pass the ball on Maryland this season will be easier said than done. This group has the size, speed and attitude to be special and with four battle-tested upperclassmen leading the way, they should be.

In the trenches, the Terrapins should be characteristically strong. Senior Nose Tackle C.J. Feldheim is the rock of the unit. He has excellent size, and great athletic ability and range for his position. He did suffer an ACL injury late last year, but should be fully recovered by the start of the season. The status of All-ACC performer Randy Starks is still up in the air and whether or not he will be able to participate this season is unknown. As a sophomore, Starks led the team with 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He may be the most active tackle in the league, and if he is eligible this fall, Maryland's interior strength will be one of the best. If not, the Terrapins will rely on youngsters Jason Duffie and Robert Armstrong to fill the void. The graduation of Durrand Roundtree leaves a question mark at end, but senior Scott Smith has the experience to be a viable replacement.

Though Henderson is gone, there is an abundant amount of talent at linebacker. Athletic Leon Joe is the team's returning tackler, and has all-league potential. He is a quick, lively player, and has superb gameday instincts. He should be the next great Terrapin backer. Joining Joe on the outside is fellow senior Leroy Ambush. His game mirrors that of Joe's, and he possesses excellent speed. D'Qwell Jackson will get the first shot at filling Henderson's shoes but needs to add weight to his 217-pound frame. Reserve Shawn Merriman has great potential and could break into the starting lineup early in the season. Incoming freshman Wesley Jefferson has all of the physical tools, and at 6-foot-3 and 230-pounds he should see playing time immediately.

With such parity in the ACC, having a great kicker can be the difference between winning the conference and finishing in the middle of the pack. Few teams have a better one than the Terrapins. Junior Nick Novak converted on 24 of 28 attempts last season and is almost automatic inside 50 yards. All-American punter Brooks Barnard is gone, but freshman Adam Podlesh has gotten rave reviews so far. The aforementioned Steve Suter returns kicks better than The Karate Kid and earned first team All-League honors in 2001.

The Seminoles have outscored Maryland 148-48 the last three seasons, and with the exception of the first half of the 2001 meeting, have thoroughly dominated every aspect of each game. Don't expect the same results in 2003. Fueled by their thrashing of Tennessee in the Peach Bowl, the Terrapins have enjoyed a motivated and highly optimistic off-season. With 19 of their projected 22 starters being upperclassmen, and experience and leadership gleaming from nearly every position, Maryland looks suited for another run at the ACC crown. They may be virtual newcomers to the top of the conference, but the Terrapins are on a mission, and are poised to shell-shock college football once again.

Last Year: Game story/stats * Notebook * Photos * Bowden Q&A * Grades/MVP

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