I don't think people are listening to my bandwagon plea. I think Maryland fans are already giving up on the Terps. I wasn't at the game, but the Diamondback's Steve Whyno was and he did a good job of running a live journal. He mentions that the fans wondered in late, left before half time, although the Terps only had a touchdown lead, and the fans booed the team multiple times after an interception and a three and outs.
The fan's angst is understandable. Everyone, including myself, was expecting the Terps to roll into Byrd Stadium today and release their frustration from West Virginia all over Florida International. Instead, the game went to the very last play, when Maryland's Christian Varner intercepted what could have been a game winning pass from the Golden Panthers.
14-7 at halftime isn't a big deal. Many times these games open up in the second half. Instead, Maryland was shut down -- shut down -- in the second half of the game. There was some offensive line mix ups, with guard Stephen Heyer leaving for some of the first half and Donnie Woods leaving for most of the second. But these excuses shouldn't matter. The Terps need to go out and put it on teams like these. I don't care what Ralph Friedgen says about this team having really talented players. Big universities always say that about the smaller schools before they crush them. Maybe the Fridge was just making excuses early because he knew the trouble his team has. An ESPN360 announcer mentioned that the Golden Panthers had one of the best defenses in the country. That may very well be true, and I hope it is, but Maryland needs to show they can function on both ends of the ball.
One of the bright spots was Josh Allen, who scored a touchdown on a screen pass and hauled in a nice 21 yard catch. Hopefully, he's getting closer and closer to where he was. He was excellent at his prime.
The defense did their job well. To hold any opponent to 10 points is good. They gave the offense and chance to win, although they gave up a huge touchdown play. Big plays should not be tolerated like that. They also made it too close at the end than they should have. Otherwise, they did well.
I understand fans frustartions. For the first four weeks, we get weak games against AA teams and one humiliation dealt out by West Virginia. Now we have a bye week before we even get into ACC play. This is been one of the most boring first five weeks in college football. Hopefully, the Terps will use that week off to start fixing some things. If not, it's going to be a long season that's not going to get any more entertaining.
