Three Questions

By Ben Linton

As camp opens Monday for the Maryland Football Team, there are three burning questions the team must address in order to take the ACC title this year. The Terps are an outside shot at winning the conference, as they were predicted to finish fifth in the ACC-Atlantic Divison on Media Day. But in the past couple seasons the Terps have been just one win away, and anything is possible in the wild world of the ACC.

Here are the questions heading into camp:

1. Will the Terps finally establish some consistency? Last year, the Terps knocked off four top 25 teams, which was the high point of the season. But losses against Middle Tennessee State, Virginia, and a no-show against Florida State showed that the Terps could not win at a consistent level. It all starts with Quarterback Chris Turner, a hot-and-cold player who is a senior this year, one of only 14 that will be looked upon the lead the way.

2. Will Don Brown’s new defensive scheme be effective? If there’s one thing that will be drastically different this year at Maryland, it will be the defense. No more “read-and-react” Chris Cosh-style defense, its time for Don Brown’s aggressive blitzing style. However, he will not have as much to work with as he would like, the Terps return no starters on a defensive line that was already inept. But they do have a strong secondary and Preseason All-ACC Linebacker Alex Wujciak to anchor the Defense.

3. How will the Offensive Line hold up this year? They will have to be quick learners, that’s for sure. Maryland lost valuable blockers Edwin Williams, Scott Burley, and Dane Randolph from last year’s squad. Phil Costa will move from Guard to Center, and Bruce Campbell will maintain his position at left tackle. But Guards Andrew Gonnella, Justin Lewis, and Tackle Paul Pinegar will have to step up and fill the holes. If they can’t block long enough for Turner to find open recievers and running backs Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett to find holes, the Terps will be in a world of trouble.

Only time will tell.

 

John Wall?? Who?!

By Jesse Jones

Who is John Wall?

John Wall is one of the top recruits at the University of Kentucky for basketball.  He will be a freshman this year, and for those who do not know him, you will now (like Jerry Stackhouse just learned).

Jerry Stackhouse….come on!! We all know you are not the same but don’t even try to block that. But hey, atleast you didn’t pull a LeBron and get it taken away!

Should There Be More Than One Preseason Game?

By Ben Linton

The Titans defeated the Bills 21-18 in the Hall of Fame Game to open the NFL season

All across the world, from city to city, fans, players, and coaches are getting excited for the upcoming NFL season. Almost everybody comes into the season thinking that this is the year that their team will make history and win it all. But before any of this excitement can start, the boring preseason must take place.

The preseason is good in many ways and bad in many ways. It is very good for rookies and players that are trying to make the team, because they can get used to what a real NFL game is like and prove what they can do on the big stage. But its bad for starters and veterans, who have already been through this before and don’t want to get injured.

Personally, I think there should only be one preseason game. That would be just enough for the starters to get a feel for what its like or get back into the groove. This would make it harder for rookies and players trying to make the cut, but think about it: How many players that barely make the cut will make an impact on the first game of the season?

Who cares?

 I also hate how every preseason game the starters only play for one quarter at max then sit out the rest. Then all these no-name players I have never heard of are playing and I lose interest. Boring.

Most people also ask whether or not the preseason can tell whats in store for the regular season. The answer is no. Winning four preseason games can only give you momentum heading into the regular season. Losing all four can make you say, “Well, its only preseason.” In 2006, The eventual Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts lost all four preseason games. Didn’t seem to slow them down that much.

So please NFL, only one preseason game. Save us the torture.

New Tupac Album To Be Released

By Jesse Jones

September 13, 2009 a new Tupac Shakur album will be released.  Yes, I said it.  A new Tupac album.  Cassettes have been found containing Tupac’s earliest recordings, and are now being digitally remastered and made into an album; Shakurspeare.  (For those who don’t know, Tupac Shakur attended the Baltimore School for the Arts.  Everybody knows him as being affiliated with the West Side, but he is local!)

Even if you are not a hip-hop fan, you have to recognize Tupac as one of the best rappers of all time.  He had an impact on the genre that is still seen today.  With hits such as California Love, Ambitionz Az a Ridah, and Thugz Mansion, it’s no wonder how he got to that level.  For those who want to hear him before the huge fame, make sure to check out Shakurspeare September 13.