Terps 2009 Football Preview: Game 1

9/5/09 Terps at California 10:00pm on ESPN2

2008: Terps won 35-27

Review and Preview: I went to this game last year in College Park which had a 12pm kick-off, which meant tailgating in the parking lots outside Comcast Center (Home of Maryland Basketball, and study hall for “The Big Guy” back in the day) started at 6am, and you bet your ass I rolled into that parking lot at 6am on the dot.

Cal QB threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns against the Terps in that game, and you can bet your ass he hasn’t forgotten about the loss. Last year the Terps running game netted 141 yards rushing, this included three touchdowns.

I think the Terps QB situation is going to be set pretty much for the whole season, but at least for the first game. Chris Turner is really becoming a pretty good QB and if Da’Rel Scott can stay healthy, the running game is going to be strong once again behind a monster offensive line. Look for the Terps to have a more balanced offense in this game, since they won’t be up 21-6 at halftime this year. The 1st half of the game is key for the Terps. They tend to come out flat on the road and never recover. They need to get pumped for the first game of the season on National TV and “Do Work” on the Golden Bears.

The Pick: Terps win 24-21. 2009 Terps (ACC, 0-0, Overall, 1-0)