ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich


The Terps were picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division by the media this past summer, and after a 2-5 overall start and just one conference win, they’re not doing much to prove the naysayers wrong. Maryland’s two biggest problems have been protection and blocking on the offensive line, and turnovers. Quarterback Chris Turner has now been sacked almost two dozen times, and only two teams in the country -- Miami (Ohio) and Nevada -- have a worse turnover margin than the Terps. Maryland has lost 12 fumbles and eight interceptions this year. While the defense has been inconsistent in Don Brown’s first season as coordinator, it hasn’t been the biggest problem. Recruiting has been at the heart of the problem for years in College Park, and it’s glaring right now. Coach Ralph Friedgen has been given too much leeway for too long, and tension is growing.

Offensive MVP: Torrey Smith. He leads the nation this week in all-purpose yardage, averaging 207.7 per game. Just 20 games into his college career, Smith already ranks eighth on the ACC career kickoff return yardage list. He’s averaging 79 receiving yards per game, second only to Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas. He also is a versatile return threat and had a kickoff return for a touchdown in a too-close-for-comfort win over James Madison.

Defensive MVP: Alex Wujciak. The blue collar, throwback linebacker led Maryland with 14 tackles against Virginia last weekend and has now recorded double-digit tackles in 5-of-7 games this year. The junior leads the ACC in tackles per game (11) and is tied for sixth in the NCAA on the active career tackles per game list.