Covering the Bases: Maryland football continues to fumble

WASHINGTON — What a difference a year makes. After going 4-4 in the Big Ten last season, Maryland is in danger of going winless in 2015.

The Terps are 0-7 in conference (2-9 overall) heading into their season finale at Rutgers. Mike Locksley could end up winless after taking over as coach following the firing of Randy Edsall. He’s now 0-5.

That coaching change on the sidelines seems so long ago. But, attending the home finale this Saturday, it was sad to see how the Maryland football team has fallen into irrelevancy.

Yes, it’s tough to be good in all sports, but the Terps can be a lot better than this.

The 47-28 loss to the Hoosiers Saturday reflects their entire season.

The Terps actually won two of their first three games, but have lost eight straight since. Against Indiana, Maryland jumped out to a 21-3 lead, then stumbled to a rather listless 47-28 thumping.

Shane Cockerille finished the game behind center, becoming the fourth quarterback used by the Terps this season. And that has been their problem in a nutshell.

They haven’t had a good quarterback since Danny O’Brien, who was the ACC rookie of the year in 2010 under Ralph Friedgen. Edsall took over the following year, and O’Brien fell out of favor and eventually transferred.

There was a blip of optimism about Maryland football, appearing in bowl games the past two years. However, they were thumped in both.

Now this season is ending with a resounding thud. At 2-9, they’re in danger of having their third 10-loss season in seven years. A new coach is desperately needed.

Whoever it is, at least he won’t have a decent quarterback to alienate.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up