After taking last week off, Maryland has been on the practice field all but one day since the team was invited to the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman on Sunday.
The Terps hit the field Monday through Thursday, took Friday off and will work out both days over the weekend.
Many of the younger players got extended reps early in the week, while the focus has turned to game-planning for East Carolina the last couple of practices.
"I'm trying to get the game plan in by Sunday and then when we come back all we have to do is polish it all up," head coach Ralph Friedgen said.
The University begins exams Monday so the team will not practice next week and will be off until Dec. 22 when the Terps report for the bowl game which is set for Wednesday, Dec. 29 in RFK Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Maryland is preparing for quite a challenge against East Carolina, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Pirates rank seventh nationally in passing offense (319.3 ypg) and 12th in scoring (38.2 ppg). Dominique Davis has passed for 3,699 yards, the fourth most in the nation, while completing nearly 65 percent of his passes and throwing for 36 touchdowns.
"It's different," Friedgen said of the ECU offense. "They have these huge splits in their offensive line. Most passing teams have tight splits. They do a good job of protecting and they've got some really skilled wide receivers and the quarterback is a very good athlete and has a strong arm. That creates some problems for you. They move the ball and score a lot of points. Our defense is really going to be tested."
East Carolina uses a number of four wideout sets and will need every defensive back available. The loss of Dexter McDougle (broken clavicle) opens up an opportunity for redshirt freshman Avery Graham who has battled injuries the last two months of the season.
Graham will slide into one of the backup cornerback roles. He was one of the team's top special teams players prior to missing six games with injuries. In fact, he's still tied for fourth on the team in special teams tackles (10), one off the team lead.
"He's been doing well," Friedgen said of Graham. "I think he was hesitant when he first came back. He seems to be over that now and is working pretty hard."
Turtle Bites: Justin Lewis, who injured his knee vs. Florida State and missed the NC State game, returned to the practice field Thursday. He is expected to be back in the lineup against East Carolina ... C.J. Brown is also practicing, though getting limited reps. "He's working some," Friedgen said. "He's throwing the ball. He's not where he was. He's getting close. I think he'll be ready for spring practice, if nothing else happens. His arm strength is still not where it used to be, but he hasn't thrown the ball in three months."
"I'm trying to get the game plan in by Sunday and then when we come back all we have to do is polish it all up," head coach Ralph Friedgen said.
The University begins exams Monday so the team will not practice next week and will be off until Dec. 22 when the Terps report for the bowl game which is set for Wednesday, Dec. 29 in RFK Stadium. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Maryland is preparing for quite a challenge against East Carolina, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Pirates rank seventh nationally in passing offense (319.3 ypg) and 12th in scoring (38.2 ppg). Dominique Davis has passed for 3,699 yards, the fourth most in the nation, while completing nearly 65 percent of his passes and throwing for 36 touchdowns.
"It's different," Friedgen said of the ECU offense. "They have these huge splits in their offensive line. Most passing teams have tight splits. They do a good job of protecting and they've got some really skilled wide receivers and the quarterback is a very good athlete and has a strong arm. That creates some problems for you. They move the ball and score a lot of points. Our defense is really going to be tested."
East Carolina uses a number of four wideout sets and will need every defensive back available. The loss of Dexter McDougle (broken clavicle) opens up an opportunity for redshirt freshman Avery Graham who has battled injuries the last two months of the season.
Graham will slide into one of the backup cornerback roles. He was one of the team's top special teams players prior to missing six games with injuries. In fact, he's still tied for fourth on the team in special teams tackles (10), one off the team lead.
"He's been doing well," Friedgen said of Graham. "I think he was hesitant when he first came back. He seems to be over that now and is working pretty hard."
Turtle Bites: Justin Lewis, who injured his knee vs. Florida State and missed the NC State game, returned to the practice field Thursday. He is expected to be back in the lineup against East Carolina ... C.J. Brown is also practicing, though getting limited reps. "He's working some," Friedgen said. "He's throwing the ball. He's not where he was. He's getting close. I think he'll be ready for spring practice, if nothing else happens. His arm strength is still not where it used to be, but he hasn't thrown the ball in three months."
Great turn around season and I'm proud. However, I'm a little disappointed in the Bowl game. I thought our record would get us to a warm climate bowl somewhere in Florida.
Nevertheless, Friedgen loves military history so this will be a chance to get out and show the team proud. Also,there should be a good home crowd. I live in Atlanta and a few of us are thinking about driving up for the game.
Go Terps!!