Rebuilding not in Friedgen’s plans

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will continue the Terrapins’ long-shot bowl bid over the final month rather than begin rebuilding for 2005.

The Terps (3-4, 1-3 ACC) must win three of their final four games for a postseason invitation. However, Maryland follows Saturday’s game against No.5 Florida State (6-1, 4-1) at Byrd Stadium with trips to No.13 Virginia (6-1, 3-1) and No.22 Virginia Tech (5-2, 2-1) before finishing against Wake Forest (3-4, 0-4). Given the current three-game losing streak, reaching a bowl for the fourth straight season is improbable.

Friedgen will resist using more young players to gain experience despite losing four games for the first time since arriving in 2001. Maryland already plays a number of underclassmen, which has contributed to the problems. However, the Terps see upset opportunities against upcoming ranked rivals.

“A couple wins down the stretch will make us forget about the last three weeks,” Friedgen said. “I’m not quitting and hope [the players] won’t either. It’s important that we do everything we can to win games. If that means playing younger players, we’ll play young kids, but we’re not playing kids to play kids.”

Saturday’s 10-7 loss to Clemson came after a controversial pass interference call with 28 seconds remaining that led to the Tigers’ winning score. Friedgen declined comment on the play other than saying he intends to discuss it with ACC officials. His players left Death Valley feeling even more motivated for a turnaround after the disputed ending.

“It makes me that much hungrier,” defensive end Shawne Merriman said. “We still have a big schedule ahead of us.”

Said center Kyle Schmitt: “Florida State is the No.5 team in the country — [winning] would be the biggest upset we’ve ever had here. If we don’t play hard, they’re going to crush us. The No.5 team coming to town should be motivation enough.”

Sophomore quarterback Joel Statham remains the starter after an improved outing, but freshman Jordan Steffy may play over the final weeks. Statham completed 14 of 31 for 111 yards with two interceptions, including one in the final seconds.

“There wasn’t a need to take Joel out [against Clemson] because he was moving the football and felt confident,” Friedgen said. “I always felt like he saw things but got antsy. I think he’ll be an even better runner [on the option] when he gets confidence.”

The Terps have scored only 17 points in three consecutive losses, with the sole touchdown against Clemson created by a blocked punt on the Tigers’ 12. Receivers dropped two downfield passes, and the early loss of receiver Derrick Fenner (sprained ankle) diminished the deep routes.

Team Bowden

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said he doesn’t believe conversations between his sons — Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and ABC announcer Terry Bowden — would have included sensitive information concerning Maryland workouts.

Tommy Bowden recently admitted discussing the Terps with Terry Bowden, who covered Maryland’s previous two games and viewed closed midweek workouts. Tommy Bowden said the conversation included only general references about linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and Steffy. The revelation upset Friedgen, who saw it as an unfair advantage.

“[Terry] knows better than that,” Bobby Bowden said. “I would be very shocked if he went and watched Maryland practice and told Tommy what he saw. A lot of times I would not let [TV] commentary guys watch practices. Some of them I will. Some I just hope they won’t say anything.”

Bobby Bowden and Tommy Bowden talk each Sunday and discussed the Clemson-Maryland game yesterday.

“We don’t tell secrets, though,” Bobby Bowden said, laughing.