Maryland Terrapins
2012 Overall Rank: #70
#9 ACC 
Maryland Team Page
Maryland is trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 campaign that only saw them win two games under newly hired head coach Randy Edsall. Now the Terrapins have a new coaching staff and are looking to make strides of improvement in a watered down ACC.
2011 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
2011 Bowl: None
Coach: Randy Edsall (2-10 at Maryland, 72-73 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Locksley
Defensive Coordinator: Brain Stewart
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: C.J. Brown, QB, 647 yards
Passing: C.J. Brown, QB, 842 yards
Receiving: Kevin Dorsey, WR, 573 yards
Tackles: Demetrius Hartsfield, LB, 50
Sacks: Andre Monroe, DL, 5
Interceptions: Dexter McDougle, DB, 3
Other Key Returnees: LB Lorne Goree, DB Eric Franklin, DL Joe Vellano, RB Justus Pickett
Key Losses: RB Davin Meggett, WR Quintin McCree, QB Danny O’Brien
Strengths:
Maryland’s rushing attack was one of the better attacks in the nation and one of the top in their conference. They were able to use a two pronged attack, between quarterback C.J. Brown and now graduated David Meggett at running back. However, they have a talented young back in Justus Pickett who is lightning in a bottle and could break out in 2012. Maryland also did a nice job protecting the football, ranking fourth in the conference in turnover margin. If they are able to repeat their success on the ground and not turn the ball over, Maryland can be tough to beat.
On defense they are able to generate a lot of pressure, ranking fourth in the conference in sacks per game a season ago. They are returning many young starters and look to have an even better defensive line this year. Applying pressure to the quarterback is a great way to disrupt the timing of an offense and will be the key to the Terrapins defense this season.
Weaknesses:
Although Maryland was able to move the ball on the ground, they struggled to make plays in the passing department. They ranked 10th in the conference in passing yards per game, and this directly impacted their ability, or lack thereof, to score. They were able to muster up just 23 points per contest last year, 10th in the conference. It is tough to win games if you cannot score a lot of points. This season Maryland needs to figure out their quarterback issues and have an improved aerial attack if they want to be competitive.
The Terrapins rushing defense was abused last season, giving up nearly 220 yards per game on the ground. When teams can run that easily on you it becomes next to impossible to win, as Maryland found out a season ago. This led to a suspect passing defense and overall defense. The Terrapins were awful in both total defense and, most importantly, scoring defense. They will need to find a way to slow down opponents running game and start to clamp down on defense and allow fewer points to have a chance.
The Bottom Line:
With an offense that can run the ball but struggles to throw the ball, Maryland’s offensive outlook seems a little bleak. They will need some playmakers to step up for them in 2012. However the major concern for them is their defense, which was one of the worst in the nation a season ago. When teams are able to score at will it is difficult to win, especially when you cannot throw the ball to keep up the pace. Maryland’s defense must be improved if they expect to better their win-loss record this season. LSU and Alabama both proved a season ago that a stifling defense can dominate teams at the college level. Unless Maryland’s defense can turn a complete 180, this team will be improved this year but still struggle overall.
Projected Bowl: None
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 169.33 (42nd in the nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 210.33 (75, 10)
Total Offense: 379.67 (67, 6)
Scoring Offense: 23.08 (87, 10)
Rushing Defense: 219.75 (111, 12)
Pass Defense: 237.42 (75, 9)
Total Defense: 457.17 (108, 12)
Scoring Defense: 34.25 (102, 12)
Turnover Margin: .33 (36, 4)
Sacks: 2.17 (41, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 1.42 (37, 4)
Madness 2013 NFL Draft Rankings:
#37 Kenny Tate
Madness 2012 Football Recruit Rankings:
#146 Wes Brown
