Maryland Terrapins Football Schedule Released
October 27, 2012; Boston, MA USA; A Maryland Terrapins cheerleader runs with a flag after a touchdown during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Maryland Terrapins’ 2013 football schedule was finalized and released on Monday afternoon, so here’s a look at what the Terps are facing this fall:
August 31: vs. Florida International
– It’s a new season for FIU. New conference (Conference USA), new head coach (Ron Turner). However, it should be same-old, same-old for their on-field performance. This will be the first ever meeting between the two programs.
September 7: vs. Old Dominion
– Although they’re of the Football Championship Subdivision, keep in mind that ODU was a quarterfinalist in last year’s FCS tournament. Maryland can win the game, but shouldn’t take ODU’s subdivision inferiority get to their heads.
September 14: at UConn
– The Huskies beat the Terps 24-21 last year in their first meeting since 1942. Randy Edsall will look to lead the Terps to a 2-1 lead in the all-time series against his former team.
September 21: vs. West Virginia (at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland)
– The Terps gave the Mountaneers a run for the money last season, but ultimately lost 31-21. West Virginia loses most of their key offensive weapons from last season (Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey), which should create another good matchup this year in Baltimore.
September 28: Bye Week 1
October 5: at Florida State
– The defending Orange Bowl Champions will likely make a field day out of their game against Maryland as they did last time (41-16 in 2012). There’s no sugar-coating it, though a Terps win would be one of the bigger upsets of the season.
October 12: vs. Virginia
– Maryland won last year’s meeting in College park 27-20, however Virginia brings in a new, solid recruiting class and will likely be more of a test for the Terps this season.
October 19: at Wake Forest
– Wake Forest hasn’t posted a .500-or-better record since 2008 (8-5). The Terps won last year’s meeting 19-14, and a similar outcome is likely this season.
October 26: vs. Clemson
– Despite losing Sammy Watkins, the Tigers still pose a huge threat in 2013 with star quarterback Tajh Boyd electing to return for his senior season. Maryland has gone 6-6 in their last 12 meetings against Clemson, though the Tigers should take this game easily.
November 2: Bye Week 2
November 9: vs. Syracuse
– Maryland welcomes ACC newcomer Syracuse to Byrd Stadium on November 9. The Orange lose some pieces from 2012 to the NFL Draft, including head coach Doug Marrone and quarterback Ryan Nassib, but will still be a tough task for the Terps.
November 16: at Virginia Tech
– Virginia Tech will be the fifth team the Terrapins face that went to a bowl game in 2012. The Hokies return several key pieces including quarterback Logan Thomas, and also bring in a good recruiting class that will make the game a difficult victory for Maryland.
November 23: vs. Boston College
– The final home game of the season for Maryland comes against Boston College; a team that, despite a 2-10 record, managed to pick up one of those victories against the Terrapins last season. Maryland will look to avenge the loss, and has a good chance to do so on home soil.
November 30: at NC State
– The Wolfpack represented the ACC in the Music City Bowl last season after going 7-6 and 4-4 in Conference play. NC State loses quarterback Mike Glennon to the NFL draft, but it will take more than a good effort for the Terps to down the Pack on their home turf.