Sept. 6, 2010
By Bob Socci
Admittedly, it's more than a bit strange. Normally, the last-minute `studying' is accompanied by much different background noise.
The air is filled with the sound of the contrivances of "College GameDay." But this morning, instead of Lee Corso's ranting, SportsCenter is rerunning - for the umpteenth time. East Carolina's high-leaping Justin Jones just caught that `Hail Mary' pass to beat Tulsa...again. And the freefalling San Diego Padres just lost another game...again.
As an aside, with all the talk of Boise State and Virginia Tech, I'm beginning to wonder if the World Wide Leader knows that it's also showing Navy vs. Maryland.
It's Monday, not Saturday. Definitely not what I'm used to when the television is merely providing the background noise, as I review my notes and charts in the final hours leading up to a kickoff. It's also reality. This is college football today.
Besides, it's still awfully exciting, thinking about everything that lies ahead on what's certain to be a gorgeous late afternoon in Baltimore. Coining coach speak: it wouldn't matter if this was a Wednesday, or if the 21st meeting of the Mids and Terrapins were to occur in a back alley or on a parking lot.
Thankfully, though, it will soon kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium, where I'll be lucky enough to join our regular gang in the spacious WBAL radio booth.
Naturally, like any other matchup, there are many pregame storylines to consider. And, as a broadcaster, it's a good time for vetting potentially bad puns from my system (before I think of a few others while ON the air).
For example, right now I'm wondering if a certain senior slot back for Navy carries the ball, do I dare mention that - after all these years - the Mids give Maryland the (Andre) Byrd? I don't think so.
What I will bring up with partners John Feinstein and Omar Nelson in our "keys to the game" segment concerns the ability to stop the running game. Sure, you know the Terps must contain the Mids' triple-option. But, at the moment, I'm as homed in on Maryland's rushing attack.
So, it seems, are the Navy coaches.
"Their quarterback can change the dynamics of who they are," head coach Ken Niumatalolo said last week. "I expect them to run the ball."
No question, as we've read and heard all fall, Niumatalolo's counterpart Ralph Friedgen and his offensive coordinator James Franklin now have a lot more flexibility in play-calling, thanks to the mobility of junior Jamarr Robinson.
Especially considering the Mids' relative inexperience at linebacker, a position affected by the loss of five seniors from 2009 who combined to log 122 career starts.
"You never know what you're going to get with that kind of mobility...play pass...zone read...option...big problems on quarterback draws," says Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green. "I've seen him make people miss (tackles) with a lot of experience in the ACC. He's got a real good burst."
Not surprisingly, Green has gone to the video. Not just of past Maryland teams under Friedgen.
"I've watched every piece of film I have, every game I've played against Ralph," says Green, who previously coached at NC State and opposite Georgia Tech, where Friedgen once orchestrated an offense around the ultra-versatile Joe Hamilton.
With Hamilton at quarterback, the Yellow Jackets won 30 games in four years. Hamilton ended his career with a then ACC-record 10,640 total offensive yards and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up.
For his part, Franklin has experience overseeing the likes of current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Josh Freeman, while at Kansas State.
Add to the mix a healthy and reportedly faster De'Rel Scott - the 15th-leading rusher in Maryland history, as a 1,000-yard rusher in 2008 - and a rugged and supposedly more decisive Davin Meggett - who led the Terps with six rushing touchdowns in 2009.
Plus, an inexperienced offensive line was ranked 110th nationally in sacks allowed last season, surrendering three per game. Though more seasoned and less bulky (thanks in part to offseason yoga) it remains a young unit. And it still holds a huge physically advantage (not exactly pound for pound) over the Mids defensive front.
So, it stands to reason the Terrapins will, in many ways, keep things simple. Even when pre-snap looks appear complicated.
"I have as a high degree of respect for Ralph as any coach in the country," Green says. "He does a great job with his offense; he always keeps you on edge. They give you so many things to defend. They spread you out or bring it in tight."
But the bottom line for Green also boils down to basics.
"You've got to have people to the ball," he says.
