The Maryland Terrapins represents the University of Maryland in the intercollegiate football team in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, which was formerly known as Division I-A. The Maryland Terrapins is more popularly known as 'the Terps' and they most frequently contend within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).



Originally, school's athletic teams were known as 'The Old Liners?. Since Maryland's nickname was 'Old Line State'. But then Curly Byrd suggested in 1932, that the name be changed to diamondback terrapin which is after a type of land-dwelling turtle, since Byrd spent his childhood in Chesapeake Bay, where the species is common. Then, to shorten the headlines in the newspaper, they started referring them as ?the Terps?. The abridged name remained and currently the official team name of the school. The school's mascot is named Testudo, which is a diamondback terrapin. Testudo means 'turtle' in Latin. The word has been used as a scientific nomenclature in species related to the reptile like, the order Testudine and family Testudinidae. Furthermore, the name most probably came from the ancient Roman military scheme, in where soldiers completely enclose their infantry square with their shields in order to guard them from projectiles. Important Moments and Accomplishments

Maryland is third to the most ACC championships with nine following Florida State with 12 and Clemson with 13. The team had already won two national championships, two Southern Conference championships, nine ACC championships, countless All-Americans and Hall of Fame inductees; it also had two undefeated seasons and 22 bowl game appearances. And with that, most of the former Terrapin players and coaches have become part of the professional football world.

In the year 2001, when Ralph Friedgen became the as head coach of Terrapins, they experienced a moment of renaissance since they won the ACC Championship that year. They also had a desired and adored new recruits and five bowl a game appearance which includes three bowl championships and BCS bowl. And during the whole time Friedgen became the head coach, the Terps had a total record of 60-33.

Quarterbacks in the current Roster 10 Chris Turner ? Jr-1V 12 Josh Portis ? Jr-SQ 11 Jamarr Robinson ? Fr-RS

Maryland Terrapins College Football Recent News

During the end of 2007, Maryland had ended the year with a little dissatisfaction with having 6.7 lackluster post-season records. And this year 2008, Maryland Terrapins football team embodied their University of Maryland in the 56th season for the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Terps would encounter the toughest line up with Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia, Boston College, NC State, Clemson, Wake Forest and Califormia. Since last December 2007, there had been an announcement that James Franklin, the former Terps wide receivers coach would be returning, from Kansas State. This is in order to be the offensive coordinator. Hence with that, it will make 2008 more exciting. Furthermore, since last January 2008, after Maryland's Emerald Bowl was overpowered by Oregon State, Erin Henderson, the star linebacker of the team announced that he would be going with the Terrapins for the final season to be able to enter the 2008 NFL Draft. Therfore, this year, 2008, would offer an ambitious game with a powerful passing quarterback Chris Turner which fills up for the injured Jordan Steffy. Moreover, with the prospect of NFL, Darrius Heyward-Bey together with several fast and skilled receivers and with West coast's offense oriented strategy, James Franklin, you surely will have a good game. This season would indeed be something to look forward for. If you are a fan of the Terps, this is one of the moments you would want to get the front row tickets.