Depressing or Frustrating?

[BaltimoreTerp]

I think it's safe to say after the first two games that this team isn't looking as good as most thought. Or really as anyone at all thought.

That said, in the second half of the James Madison game, there seemed to be a change in the way the Terps were playing from the first game-and-a-half. The offensive play-calling seemed more aggressive. The line appeared to block better, possibly thanks to less pressure from the play-calling. The defense was playing better as well, though they were still giving up big plays off of missed tackles.

I wouldn't say that they were playing "better" than before, but they were definitely showing more flashes of talent and greatness with bad plays and dumb penalties mixed in. It was frustrating, more than it was simply depressing.

So, assuming that the team is going to improve (and considering the inexperience of the players as a whole that seems likely), which would you rather see: the frustrating flashes and stupidity, or the steadiness that is likely to just be depressing?

[TWpj]

Both?

For the life of me I wish someone on some board or radio show would explain to me why MD has two walk-ons starting on the oline and why the dline talent is so weak.

Also, according to ralph, nolan carroll broke his fibula, so he's done. Awesome.

[OregonBird]

I wouldn't call it depressing or frustrating, I'd call it "expected." Anyone who has watched MD football in the Friedgen era knows this team underperforms the first 3 games of the season, then beats a team they shouldn't and loses to a team they shouldn't. It's another exciting year that will produce a 6 or 7 win season and a Nut bowl or Human bowl berth.

I hate to say it but I knew this game was going to be close. I'm just happy for the win. We'll know how good this team is when it plays Clemson. This team will eek out a few wins versus Middle Tennessee and Rutgers. Fans will say "Gee...why aren't we getting Top 25 consideration?" right before Clemson hammers us.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I wouldn't call it depressing or frustrating, I'd call it "expected." Anyone who has watched MD football in the Friedgen era knows this team underperforms the first 3 games of the season, then beats a team they shouldn't and loses to a team they shouldn't. It's another exciting year that will produce a 6 or 7 win season and a Nut bowl or Human bowl berth.

I hate to say it but I knew this game was going to be close. I'm just happy for the win. We'll know how good this team is when it plays Clemson. This team will eek out a few wins versus Middle Tennessee and Rutgers. Fans will say "Gee...why aren't we getting Top 25 consideration?" right before Clemson hammers us.

Of course, with the youth on the team that could be the time when they start hitting their stride.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Very expected. I knew this would be close.

This is just a very dissapointing time period for MD and their fans.

Is it too much to expect this team to be able to recruit at least slightly above average? Is it too much for the team not to always be in development mode or finding an identity mode throughout every game of every season?

This is what Friedgen's teams do...They are out of it by the 3rd game of every season...They are woefully unprepared and unmotivated (at least it appears that way...if not they are vastly under-talented and that is at least as big of an indictment on Friedgen) They will play their best against a team they shouldn't beat and then lose 21-3 against someone they should crush.

It's time for a change in leadership...5 years with the same song and dance isn't going to cut it. Friedgen obviously cannot cut it as a major division 1 coach...He hasn't proven that he can put together a class of recruits and win with them.

I'm not being unrealistic in my expectations to expect MD to be a top 25-35 team in the country on a consistent basis, with sometimes reaching up into the top 15 (every 4-5 years or so) Apparently they think alot less of themselves since they thought they won the Super Bowl when they just beat James Madison.

If you are going to criticize, at least have the courtesy to be correct instead of making things up.

I didn't start this as a rant thread. If you want to rant, go create your own thread. I asked a simple question, and if you don't want to answer it then please don't post. Especially if you aren't going to be factual about it.

[EddieO's21]

frusterating...you would think Ralph would finally realize that these "cupcakes" in the front of their schedule aren't actual guarantees

middle tenn comes in next week...let's see if the Fridge learned anything from last year

[Todd-O]

Very expected. I knew this would be close.

This is just a very dissapointing time period for MD and their fans.

Is it too much to expect this team to be able to recruit at least slightly above average? Is it too much for the team not to always be in development mode or finding an identity mode throughout every game of every season?

This is what Friedgen's teams do...They are out of it by the 3rd game of every season...They are woefully unprepared and unmotivated (at least it appears that way...if not they are vastly under-talented and that is at least as big of an indictment on Friedgen) They will play their best against a team they shouldn't beat and then lose 21-3 against someone they should crush.

It's time for a change in leadership...5 years with the same song and dance isn't going to cut it. Friedgen obviously cannot cut it as a major division 1 coach...He hasn't proven that he can put together a class of recruits and win with them.

I'm not being unrealistic in my expectations to expect MD to be a top 25-35 team in the country on a consistent basis, with sometimes reaching up into the top 15 (every 4-5 years or so) Apparently they think alot less of themselves since they thought they won the Super Bowl when they just beat James Madison.


I'm just going to have to disagree with this.

Okay, none of the teams have started crisply under Ralph's reign... that might be true. Most notably, during McBrien's two years, we lost to Notre Dame and NIU (respectively) to start the year which quashed great expectations... and those were probably the two most talented teams Fridge has had. But a lot of Ralph's teams have rebounded quickly and some have gathered a major head of steam quickly.... and have gone on to have some great seasons.

Also, I don't think you could say his teams are "Woefully unprepared and unmotivated." Simply not true. And if you believe that then you are just a casual fan. I'm not going to waste everyone's time listing the NUMEROUS games that the team rose to the occasion and hammered out an inspired win...

Bottom line is that the team is a little thin on the O-line this year. He recruited O-Line guys heavily a few years back and for whatever reason they didn't pan out as hoped. It is what it is. I'm actually not shocked with the first 2 games. Cal is, well... pretty awesome this year. And JMU is no push over team. They have some great athletes and have been in some very competitive contests (within their sub-division) over the last 4 or 5 years. Combine that with MD's raw youth (125th youngest team out of 126 D-1 Football programs) and you have the making of an Appalachian State vs. Michigan... or even Houston vs. Oregon St. IT HAPPENS. Otherwise they wouldn't play the game.

Frankly, the JMU game (if you could ignore the fact it was JMU) was great football to watch. It was exciting... lined with drama... and everyone got their money's worth. Not to mention the fact that MD won. They got a W... and at the end of the year that's all that matters. It's a "W."

We'll get Bruce Campbell back. don't forget he's a hulking 310 lb, 6'-7" Junior. That will help. Also, our O-Line will age some.

Something will work out here.

There's a great shot that the terps will be 3-1 going into the Clemson game and the Terps can beat them. Just give this team a chance.

RELAX AND ENJOY THE PROCESS.:new_beer:

[Todd-O]

by the way... my answer is primarily "frustrating" than "depressing."

Depressing is far to strong a word to describe the effect of any sport on my overall outlook.

[Baltimore Chop]

I'm just going to have to disagree with this.

Okay, none of the teams have started crisply under Ralph's reign... that might be true. Most notably, during McBrien's two years, we lost to Notre Dame and NIU (respectively) to start the year which quashed great expectations... and those were probably the two most talented teams Fridge has had. But a lot of Ralph's teams have rebounded quickly and some have gathered a major head of steam quickly.... and have gone on to have some great seasons.

Also, I don't think you could say his teams are "Woefully unprepared and unmotivated." Simply not true. And if you believe that then you are just a casual fan. I'm not going to waste everyone's time listing the NUMEROUS games that the team rose to the occasion and hammered out an inspired win...

Bottom line is that the team is a little thin on the O-line this year. He recruited O-Line guys heavily a few years back and for whatever reason they didn't pan out as hoped. It is what it is. I'm actually not shocked with the first 2 games. Cal is, well... pretty awesome this year. And JMU is no push over team. They have some great athletes and have been in some very competitive contests (within their sub-division) over the last 4 or 5 years. Combine that with MD's raw youth (125th youngest team out of 126 D-1 Football programs) and you have the making of an Appalachian State vs. Michigan... or even Houston vs. Oregon St. IT HAPPENS. Otherwise they wouldn't play the game.

Frankly, the JMU game (if you could ignore the fact it was JMU) was great football to watch. It was exciting... lined with drama... and everyone got their money's worth. Not to mention the fact that MD won. They got a W... and at the end of the year that's all that matters. It's a "W."

We'll get Bruce Campbell back. don't forget he's a hulking 310 lb, 6'-7" Junior. That will help. Also, our O-Line will age some.

Something will work out here.

There's a great shot that the terps will be 3-1 going into the Clemson game and the Terps can beat them. Just give this team a chance.

RELAX AND ENJOY THE PROCESS.:new_beer:

Excellent post. I think this is spot on. College isn't like the pros, folks.

I have to admit that I am a bit concerned about this weekend's game. I don't think we match up well with Mid Tenn., considering the injuries in the secondary. With MTSU being a spread offense/pass oriented team, this game is probably going to be a tough one. If MD's offense can step up, this game could wind up as another shootout.

[Todd-O]

Something will work out here.

There's a great shot that the terps will be 3-1 going into the Clemson game and the Terps can beat them. Just give this team a chance.




Umm.... let's see here.:scratchchinhmm:

Okay.

I take it all back.

Fridge should be fired. This team is horrible.:cussing:

[Tony-OH]

I think it's safe to say after the first two games that this team isn't looking as good as most thought. Or really as anyone at all thought.

That said, in the second half of the James Madison game, there seemed to be a change in the way the Terps were playing from the first game-and-a-half. The offensive play-calling seemed more aggressive. The line appeared to block better, possibly thanks to less pressure from the play-calling. The defense was playing better as well, though they were still giving up big plays off of missed tackles.

I wouldn't say that they were playing "better" than before, but they were definitely showing more flashes of talent and greatness with bad plays and dumb penalties mixed in. It was frustrating, more than it was simply depressing.

So, assuming that the team is going to improve (and considering the inexperience of the players as a whole that seems likely), which would you rather see: the frustrating flashes and stupidity, or the steadiness that is likely to just be depressing?

Honestly, I'm indifferent. As long as Debbie Yow and the Maryland board doesn't care, why should I? This team has no talent. No ACC team should be starting two walk ons. Friedgen is a decent X's and O's guy, but he can;'t recruit and it's obvious top tier talent doesn't want to come to Maryland.

Yow needs to go get a high profile coach who will be able to recruit and get the top tier talent we used to get occasionally. Until then, she will not sell her premium seats and the football team will wallow in mediocrity.

Friedgen only real success came with the former regime's talent.

[Mackus]

I'm confused by how Maryland's teams do seems to be underprepared early in the season, but they are almost always incredibly well-prepared for Bowl games which is a similar situation with long layoffs.

What about his message makes them work really hard from mid-November to late-December / early-January when they have no games but doesn't get through to them through spring practice and pre-season practice?

I'm depressed more than frustrated. Frustrated is when the team is worse than it should be despite talent. This team is just bad, and though they are worse than I expected, they were never really good enough to be expected to be a good team.

I'd have no problems getting rid of Fridge at this point. He's been going backwards for years.

[Satyr3206]

I like the Fridge but I agee with Tony. It's all about recruiting. Maryland needs a Coach with a strong recruiting background or a Designated Recruiter. Until that improves the Terp program will be spinning it's wheels.

[OregonBird]

If you want to see how bad the recruiting is for the Terps look no further than the QB position after McBrien. Remember, he fell into the Fridge's lap after he transferred from WVU when he realized he'd never get PT from Rich Rod.

1. Statham
2. Steffy
3. Hollenbach
4. Ricker (did he even make it a semester)
5. Turner

Of all all these only Hollenbach and Turner have had any kind of success. Hollenbach couldn't hit a receiver in stride and Turner is an average QB at an average program.

You'd think over the past 5 years there would at least be one guy that was a dual threat QB, a true playmaker. Instead we've seen guys who really weren't ACC caliber QBs, that is, if they could even stay in school (Ricker).

Right now they won't sit Turner b/c Robinson isn't ready. Isn't that his job...to be ready? Isn't it the coaches job to get him ready. Jamar is one hit away from having to help his team win football games. What does Fridge mean when he says he's not ready? Seriously. If you don't feel your backup guy can help you win a football game when you need him, what does that say about your program? I mean, what is he there for, to hand the ball off every down? I'm tired of watching backup QBs, sometimes very young and inexperienced, come in and help their team win football games and here the Terps sit with essentially 1 QB.

[Tony-OH]

If you want to see how bad the recruiting is for the Terps look no further than the QB position after McBrien. Remember, he fell into the Fridge's lap after he transferred from WVU when he realized he'd never get PT from Rich Rod.

1. Statham
2. Steffy
3. Hollenbach
4. Ricker (did he even make it a semester)
5. Turner

Of all all these only Hollenbach and Turner have had any kind of success. Hollenbach couldn't hit a receiver in stride and Turner is an average QB at an average program.

You'd think over the past 5 years there would at least be one guy that was a dual threat QB, a true playmaker. Instead we've seen guys who really weren't ACC caliber QBs, that is, if they could even stay in school (Ricker).

Right now they won't sit Turner b/c Robinson isn't ready. Isn't that his job...to be ready? Isn't it the coaches job to get him ready. Jamar is one hit away from having to help his team win football games. What does Fridge mean when he says he's not ready? Seriously. If you don't feel your backup guy can help you win a football game when you need him, what does that say about your program? I mean, what is he there for, to hand the ball off every down? I'm tired of watching backup QBs, sometimes very young and inexperienced, come in and help their team win football games and here the Terps sit with essentially 1 QB.

Don't forget Portis and how well that worked out.

[allstar1579]

Don't forget Portis and how well that worked out.

<sigh> Twist the knife some more why dontcha?

[NewMarketSean]

Well on one hand it's depressing because we've been losers since 1998. Then it gets frustrating since we're "rebuilding" but the record just gets worse every year since 2004.

Oh wait, this isn't an Orioles thread?