West Virginia Pumped For Rematch Against Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- With Maryland being one of the few constants on West Virginia's schedule, the Mountaineers have no intention of allowing this to become a lopsided rivalry.
West Virginia lost 37-0 to the Terrapins last year, so the rematch Saturday offers an opportunity for revenge against a foe from a bordering state.
"It's one of the few regional rivalry games that we have left," coach Dana Holgorsen said. "We're trying to schedule games like this for the future. Currently, this is kind of the only one that we have to hang our hat on right now. I know that's important to everyone. I know the history of this game is important to everybody."
The Terrapins (2-0) feel the same way. Maryland, a newcomer to the Big 10, never really had anything like this in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"I see this one being more intense than some of the teams we played previously in the ACC," coach Randy Edsall said. "I think it's good we can get on a bus to go there. They can get on a bus to come here. The fans can go and travel to the games. It's healthy for both institutions and it's healthy for football in this area."
The Mountaineers (1-1) lead the series 26-22-2, but memories of last season's defeat have been tough to shake. West Virginia committed six turnovers and trailed 30-0 at halftime in losing to Maryland for the first time since 2003.
"I think we're very different. I think our mentality is different," Holgorsen said. "We're a more experienced team. We're a more confident team."
Maryland is coming off a six-turnover performance in a 24-17 victory over South Florida.
"To come out with a win when you turn it over six times is amazing," Edsall said.
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Some things to know about West Virginia-Maryland:
HOLD THE BALL: Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown committed three turnovers last week, so ball security has been a major focal point. "I don't think everyone is carrying the ball to class everywhere they go, but it is definitely being re-emphasized," offensive coordinator Mike Locksley said. "I understand that as I go, the offense goes," Brown said. "We understand that our No. 1 goal is to not beat ourselves."
GOT YOU COVERED: Facing Maryland receivers Stefon Diggs, Deon Long and Marcus Leak -- who have combined for 23 catches and three touchdowns -- should provide the Mountaineers with view of things to come. "Fortunately, pretty much every team in the Big 12 has receivers who we have to cover," Holgorsen said. "Not taking anything away from Maryland's, the guys that they have coming back. We know who they are."
STREAKING TRICKETT: West Virginia quarterback Clint Trickett is looking for his fourth straight game of 300 yards or more passing. He has thrown 91 straight passes without an interception dating to last season. Trickett, a Florida State transfer, was still learning West Virginia's system and didn't play against Maryland a year ago, when freshman Ford Childress got his second start. During his time with the Seminoles, Trickett faced Maryland in a backup role in 2012.
BACKFIELD IN FLUX: Brandon Ross has started both games at tailback for the Terrapins, but that could change after Ross lost two fumbles last Saturday "We're going to see how the week plays out, but the good thing about it is that we've got numerous guys there that can go in and do the job," Edsall said. Wes Brown leads Maryland with 142 yards rushing, followed by Ross.
UNIFORM CODE: The Terrapins will be wearing special white uniforms that pay homage to the Star-Spangled Banner. The logo on the helmet and pants feature the outline of Fort McHenry and an image of the flag that flew through the night of the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. West Virginia will don the blue and gold uniform it usually uses at home.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
