Maryland & Navy Agree to 2010 Football Game

Maryland and Navy will meet in Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium on September 4, 2010

Got this bit of news earlier today. Great atmosphere at the last game in Baltimore, September 2005. I know this is almost three years away but I had been hoping these two would meet again. College football schedules are set so far in advance and it was great these two had an open date then.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland and the U.S. Naval Academy have agreed to play a football game in the 2010 season, athletics department officials announced jointly with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday.

"This game is special to many Marylanders and we are pleased it will be played in the 2010 season," said Maryland director of athletics Deborah A. Yow. "Our fans enjoy the game atmosphere in M&T Bank Stadium."

"The game in 2005 was a memorable event and terrific game," said Naval Academy director of athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and a rematch certainly seems in order."

"I'm glad that we were able to work out another game with Navy," said Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen. "I have a lot of respect for Paul Johnson and the job he has done at Navy. The last time we played there was a lot of excitement surrounding the game. I think this is a game our fans and the Maryland community are looking forward to playing."

The Midshipmen and Terrapins last met in Baltimore on September 3, 2005, with Maryland edging Navy, 23-20 before 67,809 fans. Navy leads the all-time series, 14-6.

The World Series

Boston Red Sox vs Colorado Rockies

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The Schedule
Game 1: Colorado at Boston, Wednesday October 24 8:00 PM
Game 2: Colorado at Boston, Thursday October 25 8:00 PM
Game 3: Boston at Colorado, Saturday October 27 8:00 PM
Game 4: Boston at Colorado, Sunday October 28 8:00 PM
Game 5: Boston at Colorado, Monday October 29* 8:00 PM
Game 6: Colorado at Boston, Wednesday October 31* 8:00 PM
Game 7: Colorado at Boston, Thursday November 1* 8:00 PM
* - If necessary

Virginia 18, Maryland 17

Very disappointing loss last night. Any chance of doing something really special this season is gone. No ACC Championship. No major bowl game. I know the chances weren't great before the game, but now the Terps are just trying to scratch and claw their way to a 7-5 season and a trip to the Charlotte Bowl. What a colossal disappointment this loss was. Ok, that's out of the way so here's the recap from Section 19.

The Terps had no answer for Virginia's seldom used sophomore RB Mikell Simpson, who rushed 16 times for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 152 yards. Total: 271 yards offense. Incredible. Simpson out gained the entire Terp offense with this explosion.

Virginia's Defensive End Chris Long, son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, took advantage of a decimated Maryland offensive line and was in QB Chris Turner's face all game long. Long's sack of Turner in the end zone for a safety at the end of the third quarter was huge and it reduced the Terps lead to five, 17-12. For the game, Long had ten tackles, two sacks and batted down a couple of Turner's passes.

The two teams continued to pound one another in the fourth quarter and it came to this for Maryland. Fourth and one at the Virginia 41 with 7:40 left in the game. I don't know why they didn't go for it. You have two outstanding running backs in Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball. The whole offense wanted to go for it. The fans in the stands were hoping the Terps went for it. How about showing some confidence in your players?

If you do not make it, and Virginia scores using let's say four minutes to go in from their 41, you still have three and a half minutes left to score (plus a pair of time outs). Like last year, I am wondering if Maryland Head Coach Ralph Friedgen is taking on too much responsibility by being both the Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.

So Maryland punts and pins Virginia at their own ten yard line. The Maryland Defense had 90 yards and 7:40 to come up with one stop. One stop thats all the Terps needed and they couldn't do it. The Terps had them third and 15 with 2:00 left but a pass interference by Maryland's Kevin Barnes gave the Cavaliers new life.

Later in the drive, Virginia had fourth and four from the 14. Virginia QB Jameel Sewell hit Simpson on a swing pass to the right. He caught the ball and ran for the first down marker, stretching the nose of the ball to the 10 as he was pushed out of bounds. A generous spot gave Virginia the first down and the ball game. Moments later Simpson (who else) scored on a one yard plunge with 16 seconds left. Game over. Gut wrenching defeat for us Terps fans.

On Virginia's game-winning drive Simpson gained 78 of those 90 yards. One of the best performances I've seen in the years I've been going to games at Byrd Stadium.

So Maryland falls to 4-3 (1-2 in the ACC) and they lose left guard Jaimie Thomas, who suffered a broken leg and will miss the rest of the season.

Next up for the Terps, Clemson on Saturday at 3:30 PM. I'm taking my eight year old nephew Matthew to his first Maryland game. He's very excited and these football Saturday's bring out the little kid in me.

Washinton Post recap

Post game quotes

A Ray Of Hope

Back in March while the NCAA Basketball tournament was going on, I remember reading about this tragedy. Jason Ray, age 21, was killed in a traffic accident in New Jersey while attending UNC's trip to the NCAA regional finals. He was the University of North Carolina's mascot, the ram you would see on the sidelines cheering and dancing as the game was going on. Like all mascots you see at games these days, he made people smile.

Jason had wanted to be an organ donor. The article below tells just what Jason Ray's death did for others since his organs were donated. There are three parts to the article, his life, death and rebirth. It's a long read, but well worth every word.

A Ray of Hope

He touched peoples lives in a positive way.

Another article

Benjamin's Fall Class Picture

Back when I was a kid, I looked forward to every Spring and Fall when the new baseball cards and football cards were released by Topps. I used to love seeing the new Senators and Redskins cards. Now as a parent, I look forward to Benjamin's class picture day and the neat pictures we get. Here are his Fall pictures.

To get him to smile, we always write a note to the photographer listing the words and expressions that make Benjamin smile and laugh. Right now he loves the word "cowabunga" and the expression "cool beans!" Also, any mention of Cookie Monster from Sesame Street gets a smile.

He turns two years old in a couple weeks.