Terps vs JMU Game Thread

[Birds of B'more]

Is anyone watching this on ESPN360.com? Not that it should come as a huge surprise, but the score is tied 21-21 late in the 3rd qtr. Maryland has looked absolutely lethargic in the second half. This is just a terrible, terrible football team.

[Birds of B'more]

And just like that, Turner throws a pick-6. JMU up 28-21.

[PaulBako]

Goodness this team sucks. (points to Chris Turner and offensive line)

[Birds of B'more]

Not excusing the offense by any means, but the defense has been non-existent today. JMU is doing whatever they want offensively in the 2nd half.

[square634]

Wow it is absolutely embarrassing to even be close against a Division I-AA team. Horrendous.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I'm glad ESPN360 is free, because I'd be demanding a refund.

I'm sticking with this being a young team, but things are going to be brutal until some of these guys play like their talent says they should.

[Birds of B'more]

Terps even it up early in the 4th. Both sides of the ball seem to be looking better since Turner's INT.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Nice run by McBri-I mean Turner, followed by a fantastic reverse to Smith. That's what our offense needs to look like, along with the pass a couple plays earlier (only, you know, with a catch :p). The line has looked good on this series, too, and the defense was good on the last series.

Hope that INTD was the wake-up call they needed.

[Birds of B'more]

And JMU goes back on top. Ugh.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Another nice run by Turner. That could take some pressure off the line if he can make this a regular thing.

[BaltimoreTerp]

When did our play-calling grow a pair? Nice call, nice pass, nice run after the catch.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I can't believe we're in a shootout with f'ing James Madison.

[Birds of B'more]

TD. Now it's all up to the defense.

[Birds of B'more]

Way to let JMU have great starting field position there. :rolleyes:

[Birds of B'more]

Nice screen on 3rd and long.

[Birds of B'more]

This JMU coach is irritating. He's done nothing but scream at the refs all day.

[JohnnyK27]

Nice screen on 3rd and long.

what chnnel os espn 360 on direct tv??

[Birds of B'more]

what chnnel os espn 360 on direct tv??

It's on espn.com only.

[Whatss]

So the Dukes were at 4th and 1 and the announcer said 3rd and three...

[BaltimoreTerp]

what chnnel os espn 360 on direct tv??

http://www.ESPN360.com ;)

[Birds of B'more]

Good lord, overtime. Regardless of the outcome here, MD will be lucky just to be bowl eligible.

[JohnnyK27]

It's on espn.com only.

thanks :D

[Peace21]

Go to 105.7 the Fan.com and listen live.

JMU just missed a FG in OT

MD ball at 25

[Birds of B'more]

OK Terps, all we need is a field goal.

[Birds of B'more]

On the 7-yard line...it's a chip shot FG from here.

[Peace21]

Terps about to go for FG and win.

[Peace21]

Goood terps win 38-35!!!! Phewwww

[Birds of B'more]

That baaaaaarely was good.

[Peace21]

Meanwhile USC missed their FG. Still 10-7 Bucks.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Nick Ferrera is...associate Christ, I guess :p

[Birds of B'more]

Did you see the way the Terps were dancing around like they won a BCS Bowl after needing overtime to beat a 1-AA team? Further evidence that this team is not worthy of being in the upper echelon of Div 1...they should just shake JMU's hand and get into the locker room as quickly as possible after the way they played that game.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Did you see the way the Terps were dancing around like they won a BCS Bowl after needing overtime to beat a 1-AA team? Further evidence that this team is not worthy of being in the upper echelon of Div 1...they should just shake JMU's hand and get into the locker room as quickly as possible after the way they played that game.

Cripes, it's a bunch of young kids, many of whom are playing (or at least starting) their second game, and they came from behind to protect their home field against an underdog smelling blood.

We shouldn't be happy, but I think whining about them being happy is just that. There's enough to complain about without grasping for those kind of straws.

[Birds of B'more]

Cripes, it's a bunch of young kids, many of whom are playing (or at least starting) their second game, and they came from behind to protect their home field against an underdog smelling blood.

We shouldn't be happy, but I think whining about them being happy is just that. There's enough to complain about without grasping for those kind of straws.

Whining? Look, if these players don't expect any better out of themselves than beating the James Madison's of the world by the skin of their teeth, then that's about all they are ever going to achieve. I'm not saying they should hang their heads, but it seemed to me like they totally lost sight of the big picture at the end of the game. I can only hope that Fridge laid into them really good in the locker room and let them know that far better is expected of them. Then again, games like this against lower-division opponents have become business as usual in College Park, so maybe Friedgen isn't getting that message across. At least the fans that were there didn't buy into that nonsense...I wonder if the players were waiting for them to rush the field and tear down the goalposts?

[OregonBird]

Whining? Look, if these players don't expect any better out of themselves than beating the James Madison's of the world by the skin of their teeth, then that's about all they are ever going to achieve. I'm not saying they should hang their heads, but it seemed to me like they totally lost sight of the big picture at the end of the game. I can only hope that Fridge laid into them really good in the locker room and let them know that far better is expected of them. Then again, games like this against lower-division opponents have become business as usual in College Park, so maybe Friedgen isn't getting that message across. At least the fans that were there didn't buy into that nonsense...I wonder if the players were waiting for them to rush the field and tear down the goalposts?

C'mon dude, they've got a right to be happy. They just beat a team w/about 30 less scholarships. Take that JMU! :p

[section18]

I was told before the season that Friedgen had to have a good year or he would be out. This was his final year unless the team showed improvement.

Well!......we know the answer to that question.....although it's only two games and he never has his team ready in September.

If MD had lost that game last night would he have retired or announced he was leaving? Are Franklin and the new Defensive coach competent enough to be at College Park? 52 and 35 points in the first two games. Did anyone expect this? What happened? Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting! It's always recruiting.

[TyCobb]

Stop knocking my Dukes. They are going to be a great team this year. I am hoping in a few years we switch to Divison 1 A.

[Birds of B'more]

Stop knocking my Dukes. They are going to be a great team this year. I am hoping in a few years we switch to Divison 1 A.

Based on these first two weeks, I would think the entire Colonial Athletic Association should move to Div 1-A. Followed immediately by the demotion of the ACC to 1-AA.

[Birds of B'more]

I was told before the season that Friedgen had to have a good year or he would be out. This was his final year unless the team showed improvement.

Well!......we know the answer to that question.....although it's only two games and he never has his team ready in September.

If MD had lost that game last night would he have retired or announced he was leaving? Are Franklin and the new Defensive coach competent enough to be at College Park? 52 and 35 points in the first two games. Did anyone expect this? What happened? Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting! It's always recruiting.

Well, Fridge has one more season left on his contract after this year. And we know the UMd Athletic Dept isn't exactly flush with cash right now. So if they do let Fridge go and eat the remaining year on his contract, I'd say it is 100% guaranteed that Franklin takes his place, since they won't be able to pay him a cool million as well and then hire a new coach and an entire new staff on top of that. Debbie Yow and Co. really painted themselves into a corner this time.

[OregonBird]

Well, Fridge has one more season left on his contract after this year. And we know the UMd Athletic Dept isn't exactly flush with cash right now. So if they do let Fridge go and eat the remaining year on his contract, I'd say it is 100% guaranteed that Franklin takes his place, since they won't be able to pay him a cool million as well and then hire a new coach and an entire new staff on top of that. Debbie Yow and Co. really painted themselves into a corner this time.

Franklin isn't ready IMO and Fridge won't be gone until his contract is over. That is my best guess.

Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. Right now we have neither and have quite a few suites that aren't sold. Go out and get a hardworking OC at some big program that has a prolific spread offense.

[RShack]

Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. Right now we have neither and have quite a few suites that aren't sold. Go out and get a hardworking OC at some big program that has a prolific spread offense.
They don't need a prolific spread offense. What they need is what used to be the traditional Fridge offense. When he was OC at GT, it was great: You never knew what the hell they were gonna do. Same thing when he first went to College Park. A Fridge-run offense is one of the more entertaining and high-scoring things you can do on a football field.

What the hell happened? Did he forget his very own kind of offense? Or can't he recruit the guys he needs? Or what?

[Dr. FLK]

They don't need a prolific spread offense. What they need is what used to be the traditional Fridge offense. When he was OC at GT, it was great: You never knew what the hell they were gonna do. Same thing when he first went to College Park. A Fridge-run offense is one of the more entertaining and high-scoring things you can do on a football field.

What the hell happened? Did he forget his very own kind of offense? Or can't he recruit the guys he needs? Or what?

He went to a "pro-style" offense for some reason, which by nature is boring and predictable. I believe he made the change based on personnel. How I miss the McBrien days...

[OregonBird]

He went to a "pro-style" offense for some reason, which by nature is boring and predictable. I believe he made the change based on personnel. How I miss the McBrien days...

Did Fridge just wake up w/Brain damage one day? I don't get this decision.

[Danielos38]

I've been really busy since Saturday, so I haven't had time to post my observations from that "game".

I'll start with attendance. Not too bad. All I was able to see from the student section was the bowl which was mostly full. Pretty good turnout there. Didn't see the upper deck, but I'll assume it was generally empty as always.

Now, onto the game... HORRENDOUS. Not much else to say there. This team is screwed moving forward as well. Without our best defensive back and lineman, we're as good as done. During this game I also lost a lot of respect for Franklin. The offensive play calling was Cosh-esque (horrendously conservative). It was the most unimaginative play calling I've ever seen. On D, I'm still waiting to see something good out of Don Brown. I'm very unimpressed as of yet.

Now to the celebration at the end of the game. What a joke. No offense to JMU (I know they are a top 1-AA team), but if we were a decent team, we would have won by 21 at the very least. But somehow, this team wants to celebrate after BARELY beating a 1-AA team!!!! Are you kidding? I've never been closer to booing one of my own teams before in my life. Honestly, I really could have cared less about the result of that game. I learned all I needed to know about the team by the way they preformed and acted after the game. Also, does the rest of the student body have absolutely no concept of when to go crazy? It was like a friggen mosh pit when we made an easy field goal to beat a team that isn't in 1-A. I was depressed througout that entire game. No chance I wasgoing to celebrate that win.

In my eyes, this was the worst MD football preformance in the last 5 years. Worse than the loss to Northern Illinois and MTSU.

This may be the first "reactionary" post I've ever made, but I'm just so dissapointed in this team. The idea of them ever becoming a usual contender in the ACC is such a joke right now.

I knew we were going to suck coming into this season, but THIS bad, no way.

The game against Va Tech is going to be a massive embarassment. It'll be at least 1/3 Tech fans and we'll get beat by 35. And for the first time, when a Tech fan tries to make fun of the MD football program, I won't even try to defend it. I wish we could trade programs with them badly at this point.

I would absolutely love it if this team can make a miraculous comeback in the season and make me look like an idiot for this post. But the chances of that are next to none.

[Dr. FLK]

Did Fridge just wake up w/Brain damage one day? I don't get this decision.

Well, he hasn't had the personnel he had that first year or two. He's never had another McBrien at QB, and I think he's had to go conservative to match the lack of talent.

[Baltimore Chop]

I've been really busy since Saturday, so I haven't had time to post my observations from that "game".

I'll start with attendance. Not too bad. All I was able to see from the student section was the bowl which was mostly full. Pretty good turnout there. Didn't see the upper deck, but I'll assume it was generally empty as always.

Now, onto the game... HORRENDOUS. Not much else to say there. This team is screwed moving forward as well. Without our best defensive back and lineman, we're as good as done. During this game I also lost a lot of respect for Franklin. The offensive play calling was Cosh-esque (horrendously conservative). It was the most unimaginative play calling I've ever seen. On D, I'm still waiting to see something good out of Don Brown. I'm very unimpressed as of yet.

Now to the celebration at the end of the game. What a joke. No offense to JMU (I know they are a top 1-AA team), but if we were a decent team, we would have won by 21 at the very least. But somehow, this team wants to celebrate after BARELY beating a 1-AA team!!!! Are you kidding? I've never been closer to booing one of my own teams before in my life. Honestly, I really could have cared less about the result of that game. I learned all I needed to know about the team by the way they preformed and acted after the game. Also, does the rest of the student body have absolutely no concept of when to go crazy? It was like a friggen mosh pit when we made an easy field goal to beat a team that isn't in 1-A. I was depressed througout that entire game. No chance I wasgoing to celebrate that win.

In my eyes, this was the worst MD football preformance in the last 5 years. Worse than the loss to Northern Illinois and MTSU.

This may be the first "reactionary" post I've ever made, but I'm just so dissapointed in this team. The idea of them ever becoming a usual contender in the ACC is such a joke right now.

I knew we were going to suck coming into this season, but THIS bad, no way.

The game against Va Tech is going to be a massive embarassment. It'll be at least 1/3 Tech fans and we'll get beat by 35. And for the first time, when a Tech fan tries to make fun of the MD football program, I won't even try to defend it. I wish we could trade programs with them badly at this point.

I would absolutely love it if this team can make a miraculous comeback in the season and make me look like an idiot for this post. But the chances of that are next to none.

I wouldn't be sooooo fast to write them off quite yet. Usually someone steps up around week 4 or 5 that nobody saw coming. I am hoping that happens again this year.

Regarding the fact that MD eeked by a I-AA team -- there are other teams out there struggling against I-AA teams. UVA lost by 12 to William and Mary. Duke lost to Richmond. Florida State eeked out a win against Jacksonville State (they scored two TDs in the last 35 seconds of the game to turn a 9-7 deficit into a respectable looking 19-9 win). FLORIDA STATE. Almost lost to Jacksonville State.

At least MD held on against last year's I-AA champs -- they were a good team and probably could beat their share of I-A teams.

One thing to keep in mind about this year's squad is that something like 58 of the 94 players on it have three years of eligibility or more. So, there is going to be a learning curve. Fridge knows how to develop players. Keep in mind that his teams tend to be better towards the end of the season than in the beginning of it.

So -- I wouldn't write this team off quite yet. Now, if injuries set in, then you can start writing them off -- the injury to Nolan Carroll certainly hurts, as does having Bruce Campbell out. However, Campbell should come back which should help the offense.

Oh, and by the way, these are college kids. They have every right to celebrate a close win, regardless of who the opponent is. This young team scratched and clawed to come back, when they easily could have mailed it in. Let's not lose sight of that.

ETA: One other thing to keep in mind is that the number of scholarships for football has levelled out between I-A and I-AA. Basically, this has levelled the playing field somewhat between the two. So, I'm not so sure you are going to be seeing as many drubbings between TOP I-AA teams and I-A teams as you would have in the past.

[Danielos38]

I'm never this quick to write a team off... but I just don't see anything in them. There is just a lack of talent on the field that I don't think they can make up for. There are a few guys who can really play, but I think that the majority of them are middle of the road.

As for the celebration, I'm aware that they can celebrate a big game. I just feel like our expectations should be high enough that they wouldn't want to celebrate a game like that. I hoped that the players would feel as I did: they can and should play better and should have never been in an overtime game in the first place.

[Dr. FLK]

One thing to keep in mind about this year's squad is that something like 58 of the 94 players on it have three years of eligibility or more.

So you're saying we're stuck with most of these bums for a while?;)

[Baltimore Chop]

So you're saying we're stuck with most of these bums for a while?;)

You could say that, sir. [/comments directed at DFLK]

Look, the bottom line for this team is they are probably going to be similar to Gary's basketball teams the last few years that had a lot of youth on them (or the O's pitching staff the second half of this year). They will be inconsistent, but I am sure that they will win their share of games. This team is going to do what all young teams anywhere do -- learn. Maryland's final record might not be pretty, but I get the impression that this year is more about player development and figuring out what they have with this young talent. And, who knows -- maybe the lights go on for several in this collective young bunch, and they wind up with 7-8 wins.

Danielos, I remember Fridge a few years ago answering questions about why he was scheduling I-AA teams. One of his responses was something to the effect of to look at which I-AA teams are being scheduled. These teams are usually at the upper echelon of that division, and quite frankly, are better than some of the crappier I-A teams. The CAA is a pretty darn good football conference, and their top teams probably are better than the worst 20 or so teams in I-A. So, while I understand the argument that no MD team should be celebrating a victory over a I-AA squad, I'm not sure it's a totally fair one to make, either.

One other thing I'm not sure I agree with is the "lack of talent on the field." Is it lack of talent you are seeing or lack of experience? I know they are hard to differentiate, so I honestly don't know which we are seeing. At this point, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and tilt it towards lack of experience (once again, reference the O's pitching staff the second half of the season). One thing I have learned about college sports in all the years I have watched it is the importance of experience. As that builds, I think this team will get better.

I think what I'm trying to say is that it is not wise, at this point, to completely write this team off.

[Danielos38]

You could say that, sir. [/comments directed at DFLK]

Look, the bottom line for this team is they are probably going to be similar to Gary's basketball teams the last few years that had a lot of youth on them (or the O's pitching staff the second half of this year). They will be inconsistent, but I am sure that they will win their share of games. This team is going to do what all young teams anywhere do -- learn. Maryland's final record might not be pretty, but I get the impression that this year is more about player development and figuring out what they have with this young talent. And, who knows -- maybe the lights go on for several in this collective young bunch, and they wind up with 7-8 wins.

Danielos, I remember Fridge a few years ago answering questions about why he was scheduling I-AA teams. One of his responses was something to the effect of to look at which I-AA teams are being scheduled. These teams are usually at the upper echelon of that division, and quite frankly, are better than some of the crappier I-A teams. The CAA is a pretty darn good football conference, and their top teams probably are better than the worst 20 or so teams in I-A. So, while I understand the argument that no MD team should be celebrating a victory over a I-AA squad, I'm not sure it's a totally fair one to make, either.

One other thing I'm not sure I agree with is the "lack of talent on the field." Is it lack of talent you are seeing or lack of experience? I know they are hard to differentiate, so I honestly don't know which we are seeing. At this point, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and tilt it towards lack of experience (once again, reference the O's pitching staff the second half of the season). One thing I have learned about college sports in all the years I have watched it is the importance of experience. As that builds, I think this team will get better.

I think what I'm trying to say is that it is not wise, at this point, to completely write this team off.

First off, I have to say that 99% of the time, I'm on your side of the argument. I came into the season knowing that it would be a tough one with few wins and a lot of player development.

But, I just see a lack of talent on the field. I don't think are players are stupid and making freshman mistakes. All of our leaders on the field are upper classmen. But it's the half walk-on offensive line that can't block, and the DB's (other than Carroll) who constantly get blown by in coverage, and the linebackers who can't consistently miss open field tackles and the ultra-conservative offensive play calling. To me, none of those things will improve too much with age.

All of this being said, the recruiting classes of 2009 and 2010 are very promising. So, I think (and hope) that we'll just have to sit through this season and probably next, of crappyness until we start seeing some real talent on the field and some more wins.

[Birds of B'more]

One other thing I'm not sure I agree with is the "lack of talent on the field." Is it lack of talent you are seeing or lack of experience? I know they are hard to differentiate, so I honestly don't know which we are seeing. At this point, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and tilt it towards lack of experience (once again, reference the O's pitching staff the second half of the season). One thing I have learned about college sports in all the years I have watched it is the importance of experience. As that builds, I think this team will get better.

Well, let's see here. This past weekend we had not one, but two true freshmen QBs, the most important position on the team, lead their teams to victory over ranked opponents....both of them had to direct late game come-from-behind scoring drives, one of them even on the road in a hostile environment. For those who didn't follow, I'm talking about Michigan's Tate Forcier and USC's Matt Barkley.

Now, let's look at Maryland....who, despite having 85 scholarships available like every other Div-1A school, can't recruit players good enough to earn any more than 3 out of 5 starting positions on the offensive line. So to fill the other spots they grab a couple big kids out of the Student Union and hope they can coach them up just well enough to keep their skill players out of the hospital.

That's not a lack of experience, that is a lack of talent.

[Baltimore Chop]

Well, let's see here. This past weekend we had not one, but two true freshmen QBs, the most important position on the team, lead their teams to victory over ranked opponents....both of them had to direct late game come-from-behind scoring drives, one of them even on the road in a hostile environment. For those who didn't follow, I'm talking about Michigan's Tate Forcier and USC's Matt Barkley.

Now, let's look at Maryland....who, despite having 85 scholarships available like every other Div-1A school, can't recruit players good enough to earn any more than 3 out of 5 starting positions on the offensive line. So to fill the other spots they grab a couple big kids out of the Student Union and hope they can coach them up just well enough to keep their skill players out of the hospital.

That's not a lack of experience, that is a lack of talent.

Wow, I hope you are being facetious with the bolded part. These players certainly have high school experience, and probably were recruited to I-AA level schools. Plus, they have to be in excellent shape to even be able to play. Fridge has a rigorous fitness test that all players must pass to make it onto the field.

I'm not going to that recruitment of linemen (both sides of the ball) was an issue. So what? You have to play the hand you are dealt.

UM missed a few years ago on recruiting. It happens. Teams go up, teams go down in college sports. Frankly, I lay that on the hands of the recruiting coordinators at the time, who are no longer in that position.

However, to dismiss them as having no talent without allowing them to develop at all is folly. That basically assumes that players who are graded at 2 or 3 stars coming in can never rise to be a 4 or 5 star player when all is said and done. I simply don't agree with that argument at all.

My point is this -- let's cast judgment after a few more games into the season, when we have more of an idea if it is lack of experience or lack of talent. It very well might be lack of talent -- it's just that I'm not willing to make that call yet.

[Birds of B'more]

Wow, I hope you are being facetious with the bolded part. These players certainly have high school experience, and probably were recruited to I-AA level schools. Plus, they have to be in excellent shape to even be able to play. Fridge has a rigorous fitness test that all players must pass to make it onto the field.

I'm not going to that recruitment of linemen (both sides of the ball) was an issue. So what? You have to play the hand you are dealt.

UM missed a few years ago on recruiting. It happens. Teams go up, teams go down in college sports. Frankly, I lay that on the hands of the recruiting coordinators at the time, who are no longer in that position.

However, to dismiss them as having no talent without allowing them to develop at all is folly. That basically assumes that players who are graded at 2 or 3 stars coming in can never rise to be a 4 or 5 star player when all is said and done. I simply don't agree with that argument at all.

My point is this -- let's cast judgment after a few more games into the season, when we have more of an idea if it is lack of experience or lack of talent. It very well might be lack of talent -- it's just that I'm not willing to make that call yet.

Yeah, there was definitely some sarcasm in my Student Union comment. I know the walk-ons have playing experience, and some may have been offered scholarships to lower level schools. And if I'm not mistaken, NCAA rules permit somewhere around 95 players on a roster...so I'm sure even the Florida's and USC's have about 10 "Rudy's" on their roster, just so they can have some depth to help in practices. But having to rely on players like that to the point that you end up with two of them filling five of your O-line spots is terrible. As you pointed out, it speaks to the recruiting that MD has done the past several years. Either they were short-sighted and did not see a while back that they would need to replace several offensive lineman going into this season, or the guys they did get were not good enough to play at this level. Either way, that's pretty bad.

And as for the statement I bolded, Dave Sollazo is and has been the recruiting coordinator for a number of years now. Not only that, but the RC before him was James Franklin, who was the WR Coach at the time, left, and is now back as Offensive Coordinator.

[Dr. FLK]

You could say that, sir. [/comments directed at DFLK]

Look, the bottom line for this team is they are probably going to be similar to Gary's basketball teams the last few years that had a lot of youth on them (or the O's pitching staff the second half of this year). They will be inconsistent, but I am sure that they will win their share of games. This team is going to do what all young teams anywhere do -- learn. Maryland's final record might not be pretty, but I get the impression that this year is more about player development and figuring out what they have with this young talent. And, who knows -- maybe the lights go on for several in this collective young bunch, and they wind up with 7-8 wins.

And I have the same problem with this team that I do with a lot of Gary's: youth does not equate to long term success. You need young talent with a lot of upside. The recruiting on this team is pretty poor. I don't know how much that is on the coaches, and how much of that is just reality for MD football...

[Baltimore Chop]

And I have the same problem with this team that I do with a lot of Gary's: youth does not equate to long term success. You need young talent with a lot of upside. The recruiting on this team is pretty poor. I don't know how much that is on the coaches, and how much of that is just reality for MD football...

Long term success is bizarre in the world of college sports, as players have a set amount of time on them. Everyone acknowledges that recruiting matters, however there are several fans that don't seem to give the players time to actually develop (not accusing you of this, but there are plenty of people out there that do this).

Look at Florida hoops -- after their consecutive Natty's, they haven't exactly lit the world on fire. Look at Oklahoma -- after a few great years, they have fallen off the map. Heck, Ga. Tech has been world beaters of late at recruiting. Not so much on the basketball court.

The one thing about Gary's teams (and Fridge's teams, too) is that they tend to be better at the end of the season than at the beginning. That tells me that the coaches are good teachers of the game, and are able to get a high amount of effort/talent out of the players they bring in.

DFLK, I think we were at UM at the same time (1998-2002), based on comments you have made on this board. I would think you would agree with me that the world of college sports has substantially changed since we were there. This is one of the reasons why I am not quite as hard on Fridge/Gary as I would have been in the past had we been seeing similar results in recruiting/on the field/court.

[Dr. FLK]

DFLK, I think we were at UM at the same time (1998-2002), based on comments you have made on this board. I would think you would agree with me that the world of college sports has substantially changed since we were there. This is one of the reasons why I am not quite as hard on Fridge/Gary as I would have been in the past had we been seeing similar results in recruiting/on the field/court.

I put Gary and Fridge in completely different categories, and I am much harder on Gary. Gary has every resource imaginable, while Fridge is the head coach at a mediocre ACC football school with top-25 potential.