Theo's Sports Corner by Theo Abbott

A Promising Season for University of Maryland Terrapins Football turns into Disappointment 

The Terrapins (Terps) were blown out 66-3 by the Penn State Nittany Lions on their last game of this Season. This is not the way they wanted to finish considering the Terps started the year 2-0. After 12 games they finished the year with a 4-8 record. The Terps have a long way to go to become a football powerhouse.

Maryland dealt with major injuries throughout the year. The Terps lost their starting quarterback, then their backup quarterback, and a top defensive pass rusher. However, injuries are a part of the game and the coaching staff has to be prepared to make adjustments and put a strong product on the field.

After wins against #23 ranked Texas and Towson to start the season, the Terps were blown out by University of Central Florida 38-10, Ohio State 62-14, Wisconsin 38-13, and Michigan 35-10. Although this is a low point for Maryland Football there was one good thing. Wide Receiver D.J. Moore caught 80 passes for eight touchdown and 1,033 yards. However, D.J. may skip his senior season next year and go to the NFL.

There will be no bowl game for the Terps this year. However, there is still a lot of excitement surrounding Head Coach D.J. Durkin and his ability to turn the Maryland Football Program around. In order to do this, he will need to recruit better players which can be a challenge especially when competing for players with the likes of Penn State. The Terps are trying to taking the next step. They are the newest addition to the powerful Big 10 Conference but are not on the level of Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan, or Michigan State.

There is optimism for the future though. You have Under Armour (the powerful sport and athletic brand) in your backyard which is also the Sponsor of your new athletic facility. Under Armour has partnerships with sports stars like Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Steph Curry, Jordan Spieth, and Clayton Kershaw. This will continue to help with recruiting football talent to the University because Under Armour is recognized by many of the young players coming up today. “Building a football team is a process,” Durkin said. He has already started to get ready for next season. Let’s see if he can take his message to talented high school recruits and get them to commit to the program and the university. Stay Tuned! Time will tell.