Terps face huge opener with Navy

GREENSBORO - Maryland faces a huge opener on Labor Day (Sept. 6) when it visits local foe Navy in Baltimore in a game that's sure to attract a lot of attention around the nation's capital.

Maryland finished 2-10 last season and needs to build early momentum with coach Ralph Friedgen's future apparently in jeopardy. The Terrapins face a program that has gone to seven straight bowl games and finished 10-4 last season.

Navy's unusual, triple-option offense usually causes offenses fits, but Maryland linebacker Alex Wujciak said the Terrapins might be better off playing the Midshipmen early.

"We've got camp to prepare for them," Wujciak said. "It's not like we have three days to prepare for them. So it works out perfect for us."

Wujciak's brother, Connor, recently committed to another ACC school, Boston College, rather than following Alex to Maryland. Sheepishly, Alex Wujciak said Connor liked the Boston College coaching staff and needed to make his own decision.

"I wasn't going to force him anywhere," Alex said, smiling, "but it's a decision he'll have to live with for the rest of his life."

Ken Tysiac