Terps ‘finish’ the deal

For their 17-14 win over Navy, the Maryland Terrapins got a trophy that looked a lot like a bushel of crabs. That seems fitting because despite giving up a bushel of yards, the Maryland defense was tough to crack when it really counted. Like fourth-and-one at the goal line with 37 seconds left.

Navy-Maryland thoughts, part deux

An updated game story will be up shortly. In the meantime, here are some thoughts. These may appear in the game story as well, but I wanted to get them to you now.

*I was surprised to hear that Maryland said it intends to use both Jamarr Robinson and Danny O'Brien at quarterback this season.

Friedgen said it had been his intent all along to play O’Brien. “We’re going to use them both,” the coach said. O’Brien was in for only one play – a botched handoff to Davin Meggett at the Navy 16 with the score tied at 14. The fumble spoiled a 57-yard punt return by Tony Logan on the previous play.

*Maryland said it correctly anticipated that quarterback Ricky Dobbs would keep the ball and follow his fullback into the line on Navy's final offensive play. The Terps said they had noticed watching video that Dobbs didn’t seem to like pitching the ball near the goal line. “That was the one play we were looking to defend,” Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown said. “ If they had pitched the ball and ran to the outside, they may have walked in.”

*Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo opted to go for the win rather than attempt a game-tying field goal. “I look back in hindsight now and it was a bad decision, but at the time I had faith in Ricky,” the coach said.. “He’s scored like that many times before.”

Former Myers Park QB starts for Terps

(By David Scott, dscott@charlotteobserver.com) Jamarr Robinson was a different quarterback when he left Myers Park High for Maryland in 2007.

"I was known as more of a running quarterback, back then in high school," said Robinson, who will start for the Terrapins this afternoon when they open their season at 4p.m. against Navy at Baltimore's & Bank Stadium (ESPN). "Now I'm much more of a passer. I've become much more knowledgeable of the game. I'm actually a better passer than runner."

College Football Clipboards

(By Ken Tysiac, ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com) N.C. State

Defeated Western Carolina 48-7

Pirates steal win from Hurricanes

(By Edward G. Robinson III, Staff Writer) In rousing and heart-tugging fashion, the East Carolina football team answered a few pressing questions in its 51-49 come-from-behind victory over Tulsa on Sunday.

Can first-year coach Ruffin McNeill's new spread offense put points on the scoreboard?

Thank Zack, who didn’t drop the ball on character

(By Scott Fowler, sfowler@charlotteobserver.com) I come today not to bury Zack Pianalto, but to praise him.

Pianalto was the senior North Carolina tight end who dropped two passes in the final seconds in the Tar Heels' wrenching 30-24 loss to Louisiana State on Saturday night.

UNC embattled associate head coach resigns

(By Ken Tysiac, ktysiac@charlotteobserver.com) John Blake stepped down from his post as North Carolina's associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Sunday night, saying in a statement that it was in the best interests of his family, the school and the football program.

With North Carolina under an NCAA investigation that partly deals with possible improprieties involving players and sports agents, Blake's previous ties to agent Gary Wichard had been scrutinized by the media and fans.

Broken hand could sideline Tennessee WR for 2-3 games

(Associated Press) Tennessee starting wide receiver Gerald Jones has a broken bone in his left hand and could miss at least two or three games.

That would keep out the Volunteers' leading receiver from the past two seasons for games against No.11 Oregon, No.4 Florida and Alabama-Birmingham.

Tulsa at East Carolina Observations

Trailing by four points with 1 minute, 22 seconds remaining on Sunday, ECU coach Ruffin McNeill called for a package known as "Big Ben." It's a package designed to move the team 80 yards with a minute or less remaining.

The Pirates used it to complete a nine-play, 66-yard drive and rally from behind for a 51-49 victory over Tulsa.

Maryland, Navy hope football matchup rekindles local rivalry

Monday's game will be just the third time in 45 years that the schools - separated by just 30 miles - will have played.

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