WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2002
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5B
Terrapin football team faces challenges
By Andrew Levine
The Diamondback via U-wire
University of Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Maryland Terrapin football team's defense has faced a wide array of challenges this season with respect to its opposition's offensive schemes and personnel, and each time it has found a new way to make the proper adjustments.
The team's 34-10 win over Georgia Tech Thursday was no exception. The Terps (5-2, 1-1 ACC) managed to weather an early offensive barrage from Georgia Tech, and despite yielding 485 yards of total offense, allowed only three points until late in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach.
The Terps now lead the ACC
"Georgia Tech is a good football team," senior defensive end Durrand Roundtree said. "But it was 'bend but don't break.' That kind of sums up our defense and our team as a whole. Things aren't always going to go our way. But we're strong and we're going to survive and come out on top."
and rank 12th nationally in scoring defense (15.9 points per game).
It was the defense's playmaking ability coach Ralph Friedgen has raved about since the preseason that ultimately made the difference. The secondary was able to break up several key passes in the end zone and a potentially backbreaking Georgia Tech touchdown was minimized to an inconsequential field goal during a pivotal sequence toward the end of the half.
Georgia Tech's Levon Thomas almost scored on a nine-yard reverse, but sophomore cornerback Domonique Foxworth nailed him at the Terps' one-yard line. Senior linebacker E.J. Henderson halted tailback Gordon Clinkscale behind the line of scrimmage on the next play as the Yellow Jackets settled for a 19-yard field goal and the Terps held a 6-3 lead at the half.
The Terps recovered two of Georgia Tech's four fumbles, and Foxworth turned one of them into a 12-yard touchdown return for the team's first defensive score this season.
"I'm starting to see those big plays," Friedgen said. "I think Domonique had the play of the game on that reverse. If he doesn't stop him, the game is 7-6 and Georgia Tech has the lead going
into the half and it's a different game."
Some particularly strong individual performances fueled the Terps' staunch defensive effort. Frieden singled out Foxworth, junior free safety Madieu Williams (10 tackles) and offered some high praise for Roundtree, who provided constant pressure on Georgia Tech quarterback A.J Suggs.
"I think Durrand Roundtree may have had the best game of his career," Friedgen said. "He didn't have any sacks but he had a lot of hurries. He missed a tackle on that reverse, but he was in the right position. He played a good, solid football game."
McBrien left the game after a 10-yard run when some dirt from the Byrd Stadium field kicked up and temporarily impaired his vision. The Terps attempted to place a visor on McBrien's helmet, but an official told Friedgen the team needed to place a formal request before the game for all
strengths all season. The Terps made only 76 percent of their tackles Thursday, which is short of their weekly goal of 83 percent. This was only the second time this season the Terps have failed to reach their expected tackling mark.
the detail-oriented Friedgen did touch on some concerns about his team's tackling, which has been one of the Terps $ ^{i} $
Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye. Junior quarterback Scott McBrien, who was forced out of Thursday's game for a brief stint at the end of the third quarter, might have returned earlier had it not been for a peculiar NCAA ruling.
players who wanted to use a visor.
"Unless I have extra sensory perception, I'm not going to make any requests," he said. "Otherwise I'd have to request a visor for every player on the team. You would think common sense would take over with something like that."
players who wanted to see a video Not surprisingly, Friedgen was a bit befuddled by the rule.
This and That: Senior Scooter Monroe's 106-yard receiving effort made him the first Terp receiver since 1997 to pass the 100-yard mark... All four of McBrien's interceptions this season have come during losses. He has attempted 75 consecutive passes without an interception and has not thrown a pick since the first half of the Terps' Sept. 14 loss to Florida State.
KU FRIENDS PROGRAM
Must present valid KU ID or proof of employment. Limited time offer - Good through 11/30/02. Offer subject to change without notice.
29th & Iowa 843-3055
HOURS:
Mon-Tues-Th
8 am-8:30 pm
Wed-Fri-Sat
8 am-6:00 pm
www.bestpricedcars.com
kansan.com
Free Practice LSAT
University of Kansas
Oct. 26th
9 - 1:00pm
Space is limited. Call or email info.chicago@review.com to register today!
www.PrincetonReview.com | 800-2Review
TIDE LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT 6.99 EA
200 OZ
---