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THE DIAMONDBACK

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, 2008

CLOUDS in the SKY No one knows quite what’s in store for this year’s Terps, but one thing is for sure ... the potential is

HUGE 2008 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SAM STONE AND ADI JOSEPH PHOTOS BY ADAM FRIED

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THE DIAMONDBACK | TERRAPIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008

THE FIVE QUESTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2: FIVE QUESTIONS Reporter Eric Detweiler takes a look at the Terps’ biggest question marks for the season.

PAGE 3: HEY-BEY BEY Columnist Greg Schimmel dissects the improving play from the Terps’ most exciting player, Darrius Heyward-Bey. PAGE 4: THE RETURN Reporter Eric Detweiler examines James Franklin’s return to the Terps’ coaching staff as an offensive coordinator.

PAGE 5: THE ACC The ACC in capsules.

PAGE 6: POWERFUL? ACC Reporter Jeff Newman uncovers the ACC’s early season woes and how the league can rebound.

Quarterback still a question

BY ERIC DETWEILER Senior staff writer

A

fter falling to Oregon State in last year’s Emerald Bowl to finish the season with a losing record, the Terrapins made some big changes. As this season begins, here are some key questions that will determine the Terps’ success.

1

How will Turner perform in Steffy’s absence?

For the second straight season, senior quarterback Jordan Steffy won the job in preseason camp, but once again, he’s been bit by the injury bug. After Steffy was shelved by a concussion in the season’s fifth game last season, junior Chris Turner played well, leading the team to a pair of upset wins against top-10 teams. But Turner, famous for playing better than he practices, failed to carry the momentum into this season and stood on the sidelines until Steffy fractured his thumb against Delaware. Despite a less-than-impressive showing against the Blue Hens, Turner has been crowned the starter until Steffy returns. Coach Ralph Friedgen has made it clear that junior Josh Portis, who missed last season due to academic suspension, will have a role in the offense. But after last season’s success, Turner will need to be even better.

2

Is Da’Rel Scott capable of taking the pounding as the top running back?

Scott was explosive last season as the Terps’ return specialist third running back, behind Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore. Now the sophomore is being asked to take the next step as the feature back in offensive coordinator James Franklin’s new scheme. The former high school track star is only 5’ 11” and 192 pounds, so he will have to prove he can handle the load offensively, with some help from true freshman Davin Meggett and sophomore Morgan Green. So far, the answer is a resound- Junior quarterback Chris Turner is one of ing “yes.” Scott numerous question marks for the Terps. ADAM racked up 197 yards FRIED/THE DIAMONDBACK on 26 carries against Delaware. But after the game, he admitted the intense preseason workload left him dragging at times. Friedgen said a fresher Scott would have taken several of his longer runs all the way to the end zone. The team will have to ease him into the role to keep him healthy over a 12-game schedule.

Introducing... #41 DAVIN MEGGETT freshman running back 5-foot-8, 210 pounds Meggett used his formidable strength and speed to run over the Delaware defense for 52 yards on seven carries, scoring a touchdown.

The son of former NFL Pro Bowler David Meggett, Davin has proven himself enough to the Terp coaching staff to earn the position as the second-string running back behind featured back Da’Rel Scott.

As a senior at Surrattsville High School, Meggett rushed for 1,784 yards on 169 carries, with 26 touchdowns on the ground alone.

3

Can the defense stop the run?

The main emphasis on defense this season is stopping the run, and coordinator Chris Cosh has tweaked the system to allow the Terps to parlay their strength at linebacker into a solid run defense. It’s important because the Terps finished 10th in the ACC in rush defense last season, yielding 147.3 yards per game. They were 1-5 when allowing an opposing runner to top 100 yards on the ground, and the defensive unit hit rock bottom in the bowl game as they allowed the Beavers to rush for 275 yards. In the season opener, the Terps struggled with tackling at times as Delaware’s punishing run game picked up a workman-like 3.6 yards per attempt.

4

How will the new offense use receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey? Heyward-Bey burst onto the NCAA scene with a monster freshman season in 2006, and although he led the Terps in receiving last season, he had just one 100-yard receiving game. The question is how the preseason honorable mention All-American speedster Heyward-Bey will fit into Franklin’s new West Coast offense. Franklin said in preseason he would put the ball in Heyward-Bey’s hands and then give him more opportunities as he earned them. HeywardBey made his mark early in the season opener with four catches for 70 yards and a 12-yard touchdown run in the first half, but he had just one touch in the second half.

5

How will the secondary perform with three new starters?

Last season’s Terp pass defense was anchored by a senior-laden secondary, but senior cornerback Kevin Barnes, who led the team with four interceptions last season, is the lone returning starter. The Terps have depth in the secondary but lack experience. Anthony Wiseman and former receiver Nolan Carroll must pick up the slack opposite Barnes, while senior Jeff Allen, junior Terrell Skinner and USC transfer Antwine Perez will be counted on to make big plays from the safety spots. Barnes and Skinner came up with interceptions against Delaware, and the defense frustrated first-time starting quarterback Robby Schoenhoft for most of the game before a few fourth-quarter hiccups. edetweilerdbk@gmail.com

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 | TERRAPIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW | THE DIAMONDBACK

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o t k c a r t t s a f e th

On

BIG TIME

the

Darrius Heyward-Bey has a reputation for the big play. Now, he’s poised to emerge as one of the nation’s top all-around receivers. and screen passes, he’s ready to establish himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the REG nation.

Opposing defenses have been warned.

“I’m still doing the same stuff I’ve been doing,” Heyward-Bey alfway into the said. “I’m trying to be the playfirst game of the maker that they need me to be. season, Darrius When it’s called to come my Heyward-Bey way, I try to make a play.”

Despite the transition from a had already showed all the ways he can beat head coach Ralph Friedgen-run offense to a scheme from new a defense.

The junior wide receiver offensive coordinator James caught a tough eight-yard pass Franklin, Heyward-Bey is still the Terps’ best bigover the middle on the play threat, and he Terrapin football will continue to be team’s first play from used as such. scrimmage against If anything, Delaware.

Franklin should be He caught a screen able to come up with pass on the second more creative ways to snap and blazed down get Heyward-Bey the the sidelines for a 24ball this season in his yard gain.

West Coast OffenseHe made a leaping style scheme. catch on an under“Coach Franklin thrown 36-yard comhas a whole package pletion in the second of ways to get the ball quarter. to him,” Friedgen Then, he finished said. “There were two that drive off with a 12- KEVIN reverses with him Satyard run on an endBARNES urday, and we’d like to around for a score.

SENIOR CORNERBACK get him the ball with “Pre-snap we knew it some screens.” was going to be a touchEven when he’s not getting down,” Heyward-Bey said.

The most exciting player for the ball, Heyward-Bey is the the Terps the past two seasons, type of player who makes an enHeyward-Bey is ready to mus- tire team better.

He is a tireless worker and the cle, dash, jump or scamper his way to elite status this season. unquestioned leader of a veterAfter two years of long bombs an corps of wide receivers.

G

SCHIMMEL

H

“You can’t ever relax with him.

Even if he catches a short pass, he can still go the distance.”

With his blinding speed, Heyward-Bey has a tendency to make defenders miss. ADAM FRIED/THE DIAMONDBACK

He also helps the Terps’ defense, as every day in practice the defensive backs have to face a wide receiver with as much speed and ability as any they might face in a game.

“You have to be on your p’s and q’s every minute,” senior

cornerback Kevin Barnes said. “You can’t ever relax with him. Even if he catches a short pass, he can still go the distance with it.”

Heyward-Bey is good enough that, even though he declines to acknowledge it, he could justify

foregoing his senior season next year and entering the NFL Draft in April.

With the holy trinity of wide receiver attributes in size, speed and hands, it is certainly possible he could be the first wide receiver taken in next

year’s draft should he declare himself eligible after a strong fall season.

“He’s big. He’s tall. He’s very, very fast,” www.NFL.com writer and former Dallas Cowboy executive Gil Brandt said.

“But the thing I probably like the best about him is this is a pretty tough football player right here.”

But Brandt also said wide receiver is the second most difficult NFL position to adjust to after quarterback.

“It all depends on what the individual does this year,” Brandt said. “What he has to think about is playing as well as he can for the next 11 games and hopefully a bowl game.”

And that’s the other great thing about Heyward-Bey. With all the individual success and acclaim he potentially has in store for him, he is entirely dedicated to his team.

The fourth-year junior says all his goals are team oriented, and all he can do this season is help the Terps win games.

“My focus right now is on 2008,” Heyward-Bey said. “This football season. I can’t control the future, and I can’t control the past. I can just control the present.”

No matter what happens after this year, enjoy watching Darrius Heyward-Bey for the next 11 games and hopefully a bowl game.

He’s going to put on a show. schimmeldbk@gmail.com

Some analysts have called Heyward-Bey the top receiver who could potentially enter the 2009 NFL draft, should he choose to forgo his final season. PHOTOS BY ADAM FRIED/THE DIAMONDBACK

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THE DIAMONDBACK | TERRAPIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008

Coordinator James Franklin has brought a spread offense and excitement to his former employer

BY ERIC DETWEILER Senior staff writer

James Franklin did not have to go to the NFL to prove anything to himself.

Franklin did not need to coach the best players in the world to feel successful.

It was just the next logical step in his coaching progression.

But when he left his post as the Terrapin wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator in February 2005 to become the wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers, he always knew he’d be back.

“I had an unbelievable experience here with [head coach] Ralph [Friedgen] and won a lot of games,” Franklin said. “This place always held a special place in my heart, so I was hoping to get back here at some point, in some role.”

Franklin, 36, got his chance when Friedgen decided to relinquish play-calling duties after two seasons. After leading Kansas State to a record-breaking offensive season and a berth in the Texas Bowl, Franklin rejoined the Terps in December, bringing with him his own version of the West Coast offense.

“James has been a tremendous help,” Friedgen said. “We’re very impressed with how hard he works and detailed he is.”

The players have bought into his system.

Franklin describes it as the pro-style West Coast system he learned in Green Bay, mixed with things he picked up at Kansas State — a formula that stays true to the “bread and butter” of Terp football.

Franklin went to work installing his offense when he arrived, and claims the Terps are already further along in the offense now than the Wildcats got in two years. Sophomore running back Da’Rel Scott said it was easier for him to pick up than Friedgen’s offense.

It’s a system that has quarterbacks senior Jordan Steffy and junior Chris Turner convinced it is perfect for them (because of its reliance on quick passes and quicker decision-making), yet still finds room for the more athletic junior quarterback Josh Portis.

“It’s spreading it out and still being able to run the ball,” said junior receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was originally recruited by Franklin. “The West Coast. You can do it all on the West Coast.”

A season after the system produced a 3,000-yard passer (Josh Freeman), 1,600-yard receiver (Jordy Nelson) and 1,000-yard rusher (James Johnson) for the first time in Kansas State history, Franklin is convinced the Terps can do even better with a more balanced attack by adding a fullback into his scheme or carrying the position over from the old offense.

And although it’s hard to gather from his shiny bald head, boyish grin and frantic gestures on the field, Franklin has grown a lot since his five-year run with the Terps — which included three bowl appear-

JOURNEY backHOME

the

ances — ended.

Franklin said he used to coach too much and get too involved. He’s learned to pick his battles.

“I’ve matured,” Franklin said.

“I’ve gotten a little bit more patience. The players probably wouldn’t think that watching me out there, but I do.”

Friedgen sees something else. He said Franklin’s gift for simplifying the situation and teaching the players was always there. As any Terp who has tried to take a play or two off in practice has found out by now, he’s not afraid to get up close and personal.

“He’s kind of more demanding on the players and the coaches,” Friedgen said. “He has great attention to details, and he has a grasp of what everyone needs to be doing

on every play, which is important for a coordinator.”

Just 10 years ago, the former quarterback at Division-II East Stroudsburg was begging former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Kippy Brown to bring him on as part of the NFL’s minority coaching internships.

Last winter, Minnesota head coach Brad Childress called Franklin and asked him to come up and help out for a weekend.

But some players see the same guy who brought them into the Terp program.

Senior linebacker Trey Covington uses words such as “animated” and “exciting” to describe Franklin, as he was then and as he is now.

“He has a lot of energy, and it seemed like he was really excited about you coming,”

Covington said. “He gave off an aura that gave you a good feeling about this place.”

Friedgen just knows he’s happy to have Franklin back.

After last season, the eighth-year head coach felt he was not spending enough time with all his players. The grind was wearing on him, but he didn’t want to change things too much. Franklin was an easy choice.

“When you’ve been coaching 38 years and you’re working harder than you’ve ever worked in your life, you start to wonder,” Friedgen said. “And I don’t think I was doing that good of a job, because I was just spread out so much. I’m comfortable now.”

And to hear Franklin talk, he’s comfortable, too.

Though Franklin is from the Philadelphia area, he has local connections, as well. Two of his aunts work down the road at Howard University, and several of his cousins live in the area. He’s happy living in Silver Spring with his wife, Fumi, and two young daughters.

“I just want to win football games,” Franklin said. “And I’d like to be here as long as I possibly can.”

It’s why Franklin always knew he’d be back. edetweilerdbk@gmail.com

FRANKLIN CHRONICLES James Franklin’s been all over the East Coast, and then some. The Langhorne, Pa., native went from being a star quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, to the NFL, to the Terps as the primary play-caller. Here’s a chronicle of his journey: 1995 - Kutztown Wide Receivers Coach 1996 - East Stroudsburg Graduate Assistant - Secondary 1997 - James Madison Wide Receivers Coach 1998 - Miami Dolphins Internship 1998 - Washington State Tight Ends Coach 1999 - Philadelphia Eagles Internship 2000-02 - TERRAPINS Wide Receivers Coach 2003-04 - TERRAPINS Recruiting Coordinator / WRs Coach 2005 - Green Bay Packers Wide Receivers Coach 2006-07 - Kansas State Offensive Coordinator / QBs Coach 2008 - Minnesota Vikings Internship 2008 - TERRAPINS Asst. Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach ADAM FRIED/THE DIAMONDBACK

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 | TERRAPIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW | THE DIAMONDBACK

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2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Boston College Eagles Coach: Jeff Jagodzinski (2nd year) Key Losses: QB Matt Ryan, FS Jamie Silva, RB Andre Callender Players To Watch (2007 stats): WR Rich Gunnell (64 rec, 931 yds., 7 TDs), WR Brandon Robinson (56 rec., 793 yds., 5 TDs), LB Mark Herzlich (97 tackles) Outlook: Despite losing offensive leaders in Matt Ryan and Andre Callender, the Eagles’ wide receivers will help QB Chris Crane keep the offense rolling. The Eagles’ pass defense will need to fill the gap left by Jamie Silva, but their run defense will improve with DT B.J. Raji and LB Brian Toal back after missing last season. The Eagles will be challenged against Clemson and at Wake Forest late in the season, but look for them to be in a bowl game again this season.

Clemson Tigers Coach: Tommy Bowden (8th year) Key Losses: DE Phillip Merling, LB Nick Watkins, LB Cortney Vincent, OT Barry Richardson Players To Watch (2007 stats): RB James Davis (1,064 rushing yds., 10 rushing TDs), RB C.J.

Spiller (768 rushing yds., 271 receiving yds., 7 TDs), QB Cullen Harper (282 completions, 2,991 yds., 27 passing TDs), WR Aaron Kelly (88 rec., 1,081 yds., 11 TDs) Outlook: The Tigers bring back their offensive playmakers and are established at the quarterback, running back and wide receiver position. Despite the loss of key offensive line members, look for the offense to continue to flourish, as long as the team plays to its potential. Freshman DE Da’Quan Bowers will help ease the loss of Philip Merling, as the defense looks strong. The Tigers have the potential to win the ACC Championship if they can rebound from their loss to Alabama.

Duke Blue Devils Coach: David Cutcliffe (1st year) Key Losses: FS Chris Davis, WR Jomar Wright Players To Watch (2007 stats): QB Thaddeus Lewis (2,430 passing yds., 21 passing TDs), WR Eron Riley (40 rec., 830 receiving yds., 9 TDs), LB Michael Tauiliili (108 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 int.)

Outlook: Coming off a 1-11 season in 2007 and with their last ACC win being in 2004, the Blue

Devils have not been relevant in ACC football for years. With Cutcliffe now in charge, the Blue Devils hope he can do for them what he did as head coach at Ole Miss and offensive coordinator at Tennessee. The Blue Devils will most likely win more games than last year as they have already tied last year’s win total in week 1. However, don’t look for the Blue Devils to be a factor in the ACC this year either.

Florida State Seminoles Coach: Bobby Bowden (33rd year) Key Losses: DT Andre Fluellen, WR De’Cody Fagg, LB Geno Hayes Players To Watch (2007 stats): WR Preston Parker (62 rec., 791 yds., 3 receiving TDs), RB Antone Smith (819 rushing yds., 3 rushing TDs), DE Everette Brown (37 tackles, 6.5 sacks) Outlook: With only nine starters leaving after last season, the Seminoles should compete in the ACC this year. The Seminoles’ defense remains its strong suit, but the offense will be much improved in offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher’s second year. Despite having a number of their players suspended for the first three games for academic reasons, the Seminoles

should start off the season strong with marginal competition in Western Carolina and Chattanooga.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Coach: Paul Johnson (1st year) Key Losses: RB Tashard Choice, LB Philip Wheeler Players to Watch (2007 stats): RB Jonathan Dwyer (436 rushing yds., 9 TDs), WR Demaryius Thomas (558 yds., 4 TDs), S Morgan Burnett (57 tackles, 3 int.)

Outlook: Georgia Tech lost their top offensive performer in Tashard Choice, a second major blow for a team that never quite overcame losing Calvin Johnson. Jonathan Dwyer needs to fill those shoes if they want to have a hope in the ACC. The defense also needs to rebuild after losing many starting seniors.

This could be a down year for the Yellow Jackets.

Maryland Terrapins Coach: Ralph Friedgen (8th year) Key Losses: RB Lance Ball, LB Erin Henderson, RB Keon Lattimore Players to Watch (2007 stats): WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (786 receiving yds., 4 TDs), CB Kevin Barnes (65 tackles, 4 int.), LB Dave Philistin (124 tackles) Outlook: Maryland has good offensive talent in wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey but needs running backs Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett to step up after losing both Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore after last season. Look for the Terps to have a productive season if they have consistent play at the quarterback position.

Miami Hurricanes Coach: Randy Shannon (2nd year) Key Losses: LB Tavares Gooden, QB Kyle Wright, DE Calais Campbell Players to Watch (2007 stats): RB Graig Cooper (682 rushing yds., 5 TDs), QB Kirby Freeman

(256 passing yds., 3 TDs), S Kenny Phillips (82 tackles, 2 int.)

Outlook: Miami is still in its rebuilding period after years of previous dominance. The Hurricanes only return eight starters this year, which only lends itself to the possibility of another mediocre season. Look for Graig Cooper to be very productive running the ball. In the end, Miami still has too much talent to not be at least respectable.

North Carolina Tar Heels Coach: Butch Davis (2nd year) Key Losses: DT Kentway Balmer, LB Durell Mapp Players to Watch (2007 stats): RB Anthony Elzy (321 rushing yds., 5 TDs), QB T.J. Yates (2,655 yds., 14 TDs), WR Hakeem Nicks (958 yds., 5 TDs) Outlook: North Carolina is definitely becoming a stronger football presence in the ACC, thanks to the hiring former Miami coach Butch Davis. The Tar Heels return starters in nearly every position. They also return all three top offensive players from last season. Look for North Carolina to climb out of the pit of the ACC this year.

N.C. State Wolfpack Coach: Tom O’Brien (2nd year) Key Losses: S DaJuan Morgan, DT DeMario Pressley Players to Watch (2007 stats): RB Andre Brown (447 yds. in eight games), LB Nate Irving (52 tackles), QB Daniel Evans (2,030 passing yds., 12 TDs) Outlook: The Wolfpack played better than some expected in 2007, remaining in the hunt for a bowl game all the way up until getting blown out by the Terps in the last game of the season. It will be very difficult for NC State to go to a bowl game again this season due to a tough schedule, despite playing in the relatively weak ACC. After an earlyseason blowout loss to South Carolina, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a few more of those type losses for the Wolfpack

over the course of the season.

Virginia Cavaliers Coach: Al Groh (8th year) Key Losses: DE Chris Long, G Branden Albert Players to Watch (2007 stats): RB Cedric Peerman (585 rushing yds., 5 TDs), RB Mikell Simpson (570 rushing yds., 10 TDs), LB Jon Copper (109 tackles) Outlook: 2007 was a banner year for the Cavaliers as they far exceeded expectations, finishing with a 9-4 record and a berth to a New Year’s Day bowl. Things might not be as easy this season as evidenced by a 52-7 loss to Southern Cal in their first game of the season. The biggest question mark for the Cavaliers is their defensive line due to AllAmerican defensive behemoth Chris Long moving on to the NFL. If Virginia can get some solid play out of their defense and untested quarterback Peter Lalich, they will have a chance to go to another bowl game this season.

Virginia Tech Hokies Coach: Frank Beamer (22nd year) Key Losses: LB Xavier Adibi, T Duane Brown, CB Brandon Flowers Players to Watch (2007 stats): CB Victor Harris (5 int., 2 TDs), S Kam Chancellor (79 tackles), QB Sean Glennon (1,796 yds., 12 TDs) Outlook: Led by an extremely staunch defense, the Hokies cruised to an ACC Championship and berth in the Orange Bowl, where they lost a close game to Kansas. No one in Blacksburg is expecting a similar year to last year’s due to heavy losses to graduation and other issues. Gone are many key players on both sides of the ball, which will just put more pressure on quarterbacks Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor. Both will have to really step up in order to compensate for an inexperienced backfield that struggled against East Carolina.

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THE DIAMONDBACK | TERRAPIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008

analyzing the

BY JEFF NEWMAN Staff Writer

After being dismissed by the national media during the college football preseason as a “basketball conference” that just happens to play football too, the ACC’s reputation did not receive a boost following the first week of the season.

Already considered the weakest of the six major conferences (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC) with only a few upper-echelon teams expected to be major bowl contenders, the ACC’s two highest-ranked teams, Clemson and Virginia Tech, lost their week one matchups to teams they were expected to beat.

Clemson, who began the year ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 poll, dropped completely out of the rankings after a 3410 loss to then-No. 24 Alabama.

Virginia Tech’s fall from No. 17 out of the rankings was less surprising after losing to East Carolina 27-22.

“I think a lot of unusual things happen in week one,” Hokies coach Frank Beamer said. “In college football, you don’t have what the pros have, and this is exhibition games.

You don’t even have what the high schools have in scrimmages against other people. I DANE think you judge a league over a RANDOLPH period of time, not a season or a SENIOR TACKLE game or an opening week.”

Ralph Friedgen is in his eighth year as head coach of the Terrapin football team, and he thinks the conference is better than it was when he first arrived.

“I think there’s more good in the league from top to bottom than there [was] in earlier, and I don’t know if that has an effect on how we do outside the league,” Friedgen said.

No. 20 Wake Forest, who began the year as No. 23, was the only ranked ACC

“Even us, it’s not thought that we’re going to [be] great.

But we might be great this year, and we will be great.”

R E C Y C L E

ACC

team to win their opening game — a 41-13 stomping of Baylor. Only N.C. State and Virginia were expected to lose their opening games, which they did, albeit in embarrassing fashion — 34-0 against South Carolina and 52-7 against USC, respectively.

Senior wide receiver Isaiah Williams thinks the conference is catching more flak than it deserves but also understands where it comes from.

“There’s a lot of teams from other conferences that lost games that they probably shouldn’t have lost either,” Williams said.

“But I think, looking at it from the outside, I can see why people have been saying it’s probably a down year for

Already considered the weakest of the power conferences, can the ACC bounce back this year?

the ACC — because the leading team in the ACC that they pumped up, Clemson, obviously lost and a lot of other ACC teams [are] losing.”

But despite what the critics say, the Terps insist there are plenty of good players to be found in the ACC and that the backward steps of some of the conference’s top teams might actually make the conference more competitive.

“We got a lot of talent in the ACC, and I think a lot of guys who aren’t expected to win [do] win, and that’s the great thing about the ACC,” senior tackle Dane Randolph said.

“No one is the dominant force in the ACC. Even us, it’s not thought that we’re going to [be]

great. But we might be great this year, and we will be great,” he added.

Tigers coach Tommy Bowden knows there is only one way for both his team and the ACC to earn the nation’s respect.

“I think we’re a lot better football team than what we showed, but the only way to prove that is to go out and win a game,” Bowden said.

“I think we are [better], but until we play better, it’s kind of a moot point.”

Friedgen added: “I know the league is stronger because I gotta play in it. I think we have better players than when I first came here. We just haven’t done a good job outside of our conference, and I think that’s something that all of us want to do better.” jnewmandbk@gmail.com Senior linebackers Moise Fokou, left, and Dave Philistin will be pitted against a weaker ACC this season. ADAM FRIED/THE DIAMONDBACK

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