Matt-
I am NOT trying to be a smart ass here, but what has Friedgen done for the program that would prevent him from getting fired?
I just see a guy who took over a team that Vanderlindin had almost ready to roll.
They have progressively gotten worse and under performed despite having consistent top 35 recruiting classes.
Now, we are giving up 420 yards of offense and really struggling to beat JMU in our home stadium.
I just think he has really done nothing with the team. Last year probably SHOULD have been a 10 win team and they just didn't get it done.
I think younger, fresh blood is needed.

Ryan,we will never know what Ron Vanderlindens team would have done had he stayed,we just knew he couldn't get them over the hump.Ralph had a good recruiting class this year and a better one already for next year.We have won ten games twice and been to bowls 5 out of 7 years.We lost 30 seniors and two of our best secondary players on defense our first 2 games.So carry on you Friedgen haters because by the end of the year this will be a decent team who will probably go bowling again.James Madison is no slouch and is 49-14 over the last 5 years.And they are a veteran team.We are a very very young team that can only get better who came back three times to win a game.A win is a win is a win.SO go root for your Joe Krivaks and your Ron Vanderlinden's.Where are they now?Ralph has forgotten more about football then you will ever know.

I'll answer Ryan, if you don't mind, Matt..... Ryan you must be under 30, because anyone over that age can remember the absolute joke of a program MD was from about 1986-1999. You think the Orioles and their 12 years have been bad, go look at MD's record over THAT period. From Krivak to Duffner to Vanderlin....omg I'm having flashbacks, SCARY. I thought I repressed the 50 point beatings to FSU forever, but like a bad nightmare, the image just returned.
Everyone want 10 wins. Hell, I'd love to see 10 wins again, but 8 n 5 and competitive most the time, is a hell of a lot better than 2 n 11 with NO chance like it was for about 15 years. So go suck on your thumb youngster, do some research, and find a clue.......P.S. For all the young bb haters, follow Ryan to the archives, and look up the name Bob Wade...... brrrr another cold chill.

I agree with Jerry - before ralph we were in the abyss - so you have to be realistic in your expectations. As bad as that game was (reminded me alot of the Md TN game last year) we still have the rest of the year. We have very young lines on both sides of the ball and that is where it counts. I will say we do not look verry good right now.

Jerry and Eric, you guys set your goals for a team way too low. Ryan does have a good point that UMD, being a major university, in a fertile recruiting ground, we should have better recruits and a better overall team. Who cares if Ralph is slightly better than the before mentioned UM coaches. I also have been around long enough to remember the days of Bobby Ross, which are a hell of a lot better than now. No one is disputing that Ralph is a great guy and he does a lot of good things for the university and its players. But are we about mediocrity? I can't stand that we settle because the current regime is slightly better than the past one. We almost lost to JMU for God sakes. We lost to Middle TN last year and got throttled by Cal. Cal is no powerhouse, trust me. And we may be neck in neck with Duke in the ACC for the worst in the conference. If the O's were to get a new manager and win 15 games more than last year would you say they are soo much better? No, they will still suck! Same goes for UMD football. Last thing, please stop with the "we went to bowl games the last 6 years." Anybody who has a couple wins makes a bowl game now a days.

Stop settling. You guys would be the same two writing if we had a better coach in a couple of years that you would not want to go back to the days of the Ralph F. era.

James Johnson commented to UVA a nice power forward that MD could have picked up but we didn't. My question is with all the talk about we are long shots when it comes to landing big men, who do we actually have a chance with? I don't mean that we are in good with I mean have a real good chance in landing. I still hear Roscoe = long shot, Harris = long shot, Jones = long shot, leslie = long shot so who do we have a shot at? Don't get me wrong the recruits we have are good but but unlike Marylands women basketball the mens team seems to be the fall back team incase the team you really like doesn't have space, or playing time for these guys. Brenda has proven in a short period of time that she is by far the best recruiter on campus, so whats up with the mens program?

Who cares if Ralph is slightly better than the before mentioned UM coaches.

I generally agree with you Rob, but I think it is worth pointing out that before Fridge got to UM (2001), the last bowl game was 1989. Before that, 1985. Sixteen years, two bowl games.

Bobby Ross was a great coach, but his best season at Maryland was 9-3. His overall record at Maryland was 39-19; 2-2 in bowl games. Fridge has a better win percentage in regular season and bowl games. I might add, Ross took off in his fifth year with a 5-5-1 record and 2-3-1 and a fifth place finish in the ACC.

Fridge has been to six bowl games in 8 years and is 4-2 in bowl games. 65-37 overall. How is that mediocrity?

I agree with the general principle that he is overrated. BUT, come on, the program has been successful and the recruiting has definitely picked up. The 2008, 2009 and the 2010 classes are strong. This is a young team.

It's not like the team has gone 2-10.

Mike. Maryland added two legit big men this year in Williams and Padgett. Parker, Ross and Stoglin have already committed for 2010. That's a hell of a starting five bro.

They have one scholly left for 2010 (assuming Burney and Goins stay) and five for 2011. By all acounts (discussed for months on this blog, thanks for dropping by) Maryland has a shot at Harris, Leslie and Jones. We'll see. But there are a ton of legit PFs out there, including Hippo and Graham.

I think most of Gary's critics have already acknowledged the program has stabilized its recruiting after the losses of Dickerson and Patos

Last two points.

When the Terps signed Parker and Ross, they had no interest in Roscoe who is a three in college, not a four. The Terps are looking to sign either a PF or Center or both, but have no interest in signing another swing player.

James Johnson commented to UVA a nice power forward that MD could have picked up but we didn't.

I think the Terps believe they can get a better player than Johnson. I think the Terps are holding their cards to see if a major player decides to come. Why take Johnson, an upper second tier player, if Harris, Leslie or Jones will commit. Frankly, they are better off giving that scholly to Jon Graham instead of Johnson anyway.

We are going to get Harris or Leslie...no question. I am thinking Harris will give us the nod by the end of the month. I think that he has us last for home meetings is a good thing. It makes a lot of sense for him to come to UMD based on location (for family), and that he will have the position of his choice. He can come in as a starter and the offensive scheme will revolved around him much like it did with Walt Williams and Steve Francis. I agree we cooled off of Johnson because we have a major card up our sleeve. We are back to being a program of attraction versus one of promotion.

Your still my bud GOTERP..but Ralph days are numbered. Why should we not have a top program? Does anyone really care about the Emerald or Mieneke Care Bowl? Kick Yow to the curb and let's step up our major sports programs. We have the facilities, we have Under Armour and other major boosters. We need the coaches and infrastructure. Yow is over her head and no wonder Gary and some of the other coaches lack respect for her. I know, we one the Competitive Cheer National Championship and Men's Soccer title so she must be doing something right. Give me a break...who cares.

Some of you said basically JMU isn't that bad, and pointed out it could be a lot worse.
UMD is a major D1 school and athletic program. Winning 10 games 3 years in a row should have set this program up for years to come.
To BARELY beat JMU at HOME!!!!! is totally ridiculus.
I am glad some of you set your sights so high.
Darius Heyward-Bay was TOTALLY used the wrong way. The NFL scouts that said he needed improvment in his route running, used his mediocre numbers at MD as an example, later came off of that saying that the schemes at MD were HORRIBLE. They point out that UM had a TOP 10 NFL PICK that barely had 30 receptions.
This is a bad coach that totally craps the bed when it comes to using talent wisely.
The whole football program from Yow on down, (cutting the funds), is horrible.
You look at a team like Kentucky Basketball, they have some down years, and they go out and sign Calipari. OK, Calipari is a jerk and a cheater, but that is not the point.
A true program that wants to win, would go out and get the TOP guy from one of the elite schools, IE. USC, Florida, Texas, OSU, etc.
Fridge will tell you, the WHOLE POINT is to win the National Championship is you are a major D1 school like MD. If you are stuck in a rut, you make a change.
That is what I am saying, and I don't understand how anyone could disagree.
Do you not want to win the title?
OR...Do you think Fridge is capable of winning it?
Those are the ONLY questions you need to ask.
I garuntee you that the Boosters will make my point in the offseason.

Forget signing a major coach...Don't we already have one in waiting with guaranteed money?

Calipari. geez. Still using that example. LOL. Like I said Ryan two weeks before it happened, Memphis would get stripped of their wins.

Exactly why winning at all costs isn't worth it.

Whine about Gary and Fridge all you want. Both have turned the programs around from the utter failures that they were prior to their arrival. Neither one of them is going anywhere.

Not to get anyone's hopes up, but the Terps may be very close with CJ Leslie. Very close. He is now the Terps #1 target and the Terps coaches feel he is a better inside player, especially defensively and as a rebounder/shot blocker than T Harris. He is also a great passer. The Terps only have one scholly left for 2010, though Burney and Goins could open up another slot or two. The Terps are still pursuing D and T Harris, so, how does that work if the Terps were to get two commits? Are they even allowed to under NCAA rules?

GOTERPS, do you have a source that is providing you the "very close to signing C.J. info? This would be good news and I think T. Harris might want to pull the trigger quicker if he wants to be a Terp. No question if both want to come they will find a way to make room. Most likely it will be Burney taking a medical scolly. This is interesting and most likely why we have backed off or R. Smith and James Johnson. That's one hell of a class if it happens. It is already a great class as it is. Nice to see all the great player going to the ACC in 2010. Barton probably wishes he waited longer. Still not convinced he ends up at Memphis. UMD hoops is looking good!

By the way GOTERPS, I proposed this last week about us possibly landing two and you shot me down. Are you having a change of mind? Maybe I can convince you about Ralph sucking as well. If you were a good football player would you want your head coach weighing 300+ lbs and riding around in a golf cart at practice? I think I would prefer to play for the old dude in PA over that any day of the week.

Matt, where the hell are you buddy? Throw us some tidbits if you have anythinig from your sources...

Rob -- I'm still around but increasingly busy. And I'm happily allowing GoTerps to be my de facto answer man. The guy's got good info. I think the fact that Maryland, for the most part, is still going after so many top-flight guys (Leslie, T. Harris, D. Harris, T. Jones) says that they feel confident about landing one. They seemingly haven't resorted to backup guys just yet. Even Kirk and Collier have plenty of legit offers. So the coaches must feel strongly about their chances in coming away with something impressive.

I like Ralph Rob. Overall I think he's done a solid job. You gotta remember how bad Maryland's football and basketball programs were before Ralph and Gary took over. I also like the fact Ralph and Gary are alum. But I understand the criticism and don't defend Ralph like I do Gary. Gary won a title and Gary is gonna win another title before he's done. The criticism of Williams has been below the belt and much of it completely unjustified.

I have good sources Rob. I covered sports in DC for a long time. A lot of my contacts are in the high school and AAU ranks. Sometimes rumors start that are easily dismissed. But Leslie and Harris keep coming up. Honestly, from what I've heard, I think they both want to come to Maryland. And you know I keep flip flopping on these two guys. They are different types of players Leslie seems a little more like the kind of player Gary likes: lanky, tough, defensive minded, physical and an excellent rebounder and shot blocker (more like rejector). He'll do the things you need to win. Harris is a scorer first.

I have no doubt the Terps passed on Johnson and Regan simply because they are confident they are getting a better player. If it is not Harris or Leslie, there are a number of Power Forwards and Centers who would give Maryland a shot at winning a title. Johnson and Regan are mid level players. The Terps have set their sights higher knowing full well they already have a solid starting five in 2010. Why not roll the dice and go for it.

I still can't see Harris and Leslie coming to CP. if another scholly opens (or if Maryland forces it) I think the second slot will go to a center like D. Harris or my sentimental favorite Jonathon Graham. D. Harris is the kind of player Gary is comfortable with. Don't sleep Graham if we offer him and he accepts.He's as good as Baxter was at this point.

I think Kirk goes to Arizona, Jones to UCLA. The dark horse in all of this is Calhoun at UCONN. I know for a fact Calhoun pays players; it's common knowledge on the circuit. My guess is UCONN will make a play for T. Harris, if they haven't already, which is the rumor out there. That may have concerned the Terps coaches with Rudy Gay still fresh in their minds. So maybe they upped the effort on Leslie if they got worried Harris might fall to UCONN,

Anyway, what I've heard is the Terps are trying to get Leslie to commit and/or Leslie is close to committing.

Thank you Matt. I take that as a real compliment.

Thanks Matt. Any speculation on who you think we have the best shot at between the above mention three? I won't hold you to it. Also, any chance we land two?

Rob -- I think T. Jones is the biggest longshot. There are lots of pluses for the Terps with T. Harris, but there's so much competition there. So maybe Leslie? But I certainly wouldn't bet on it. I agree with Go Terps -- I don't see UM landing two of the above.

Testudo is reporting the same thing that GOTERPS said that there is a high interest level for C.J coming from both sides. The good thing is when you have interest from one recruit it increases the interest from the other. I know I have chased after a girl once there was competition for her. UMD has become the hot date for the big dance. I really believe that Tobias wants to be a Terp; it's in his blood. Exciting!

Matt, I see that Jeff Barker is doing another raffle for UMD football tickets...should'nt he be paying people to take those off his hands? GOTERP...keep the info coming as well. Good stuff as always.

Testudo is reporting the same thing that GOTERPS said that there is high interest from both sides for Leslie. I still think that Tobias is extremely interested and this should only fuel the fire. I believe we have all gone after a girl once there was competition. UMD has become the hot date for the dance.

Matt, I see Jeff Barker has another raffle for MD football...shouldn't he be paying people to take these tickets off his hands?

GOTERPS..keep this info coming. Good stuff as always.

If I were a betting man, I would wager CJ Leslie will be the next Terp. I think Maryland turned up the heat on Leslie because they want to know where they stand and believe Leslie fits their program slightly better than Harris (that's just my opinion). Conversly, waiting for T. Harris could cause them to lose Leslie and there is no guarnatee they would get Harris anyway. If Leslie wavers or declines, it is likely that Harris will still be undecided, so they are not out of the game. Any maybe like Rob said, Harris will realize his opportunity to go to Maryland might vanish should Leslie commit, so maybe he goes with his gut instinct - head to CP.

If they fail with their top three (T. Harris, Leslie and Jones) there are still D. Harris, Kirk, Hippo, Graham and Collier out there. Any any one of those players would give Maryland one of their best classes in a very long time, though probably not a top 10 class, they would certainly be a top 20 team and a national title contender..

Other advantages to finding out where Leslie stands is it allows the Terps the opportunity to 1) decide if they want to add another player for 2010 if one of the other players mentioned above decides they want to be a Terp. Do you continue to recruit for 2010? Do you take a player like Collier of Graham, and revoke one of your current scholarship players? 2) Begin work on 2011 when the team has five schollies available, a huge advantage for a program that is on the move again.

Rob,

Funny analogy about chasing a popular girl. I think we've all been there.

Any word on how things went with T. Harris last night?