Wayne Viener, Hagerstown, MD – This is my rivalry game. Terps v Penn State to me is the real deal. A border war, played over the years and a non-stop contest to recruit the same players. I know that Maryland rarely to never beats Penn State. I also realize that this might just be a rivalry to the Maryland side of this battle.
Rainy, cold, grey, a typical day in Happy Valley. For Penn State, the game does not mean that much this year. This is a Nittany Lion squad that thought it was top 4, a national championship contender. PSU is 8-3 and will probably go to the same bowl game win or lose today. It is senior day and probably the last game for James Franklin as head coach. He is rumored to be headed to USC as soon as tomorrow.
Maryland needs this games in the worst way. With a record of 5-6, the Terps need one more win to get to a bowl. In this season of turmoil and tragedy a win to get to the postseason would be huge. The fact that Matt Canada has kept this team together and that they are on an upswing is a minor miracle.
How is a team that has lost two in a row by a total of 3 points can be called an upswing? The football nation has taken notice of the resurgence, of the close game with Ohio State. Matt Canada’s leadership is being recognized. Even the Washington Post likes him (major miracle).
There are so many questions for Maryland as this season winds down. It would be nice to have one answer out of the way, no matter what happened this year our Terps look like winners.