Coach Ralph Friedgen is refraining from making wholesale changes following Maryland's stunning 24-14 loss to Middle Tennessee State. Not that he didn't consider it. The coach indicated today that he talked to a few players who underperformed but opted against rewriting the depth chart. "I've actually had a few kids in and felt like maybe now isn't the right time to do it," Friedgen said. "I thought at the meeting yesterday it was very important to be very positive with the players." Friedgen seems to be going on instinct. His gut told him that now, after two games, it isn't the time to rip up a team that he still believes has character, talent and speed.
But a few adjustments are being made:
Free safety Terrell Skinner (high ankle sprain) is out for two to three weeks and is being replaced by Antwine Perez and Jamari McCollough. Skinner had a game-clinching interception in the opening-week victory over Delaware.
Maryland is going to work on defending the the no-huddle offense, which Middle Tennessee used successfully Saturday. In their rush to line up, Friedgen said Maryland defenders sometimes "didn't get the signal so not everybody was on the same page defensively." Said defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre: "I'm pretty sure we'll see more of it (the no-huddle) now. I'm pretty sure some smart offensive coordinators are going to use it more against us." Next up: No. 23 California, visiting the Terrapins for the first time.
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