Maryland Seeks Redemption After Dud Against Cal

The Terrapins did almost everything wrong Saturday in a 52-13 embarrassment against then-No. 12 California, which jumped to No. 10 on the strength of its dominating performance.

But instead of feeling sorry for the themselves, the Terrapins say they are cranking up the intensity in their upcoming four-game homestand in an effort to dull the memory of the painful defeat.

First up is James Madison Saturday night.

"It's definitely redemption time," senior safety Terrell Skinner declared Tuesday. "We're going to take full advantage of these four straight games at home."

This wasn't a good season for Maryland to open on the West Coast against a Pac-10 powerhouse. The Terrapins lost 30 seniors from last year, and those making their college debut simply weren't up for the task in a hostile environment.

"It was a situation where we played a very good team playing their best, and we didn't play our best," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. "It was the first time for a lot of players in that venue. What we need to do is use the experience and grow from it."

There weren't many positives, especially during a first half in which the Terrapins fell behind 31-6.

"Offensively, I think we have to eliminate the penalties, the turnovers and the sacks," Friedgen said.

That covers just about everything, doesn't it? The defense wasn't much better in its debut under coordinator Don Brown.

"I think everyone thought it was just some magical defense that whatever play he called, it was going to work," linebacker Alex Wujciak said. "I think we found out the hard way that we have to come out and execute it better, sharper, quicker and faster."

The coaching staff decided the best course of action was to show the players their mistakes on film Monday, then turn the focus to James Madison. After all, watching that horror show repeatedly wasn't going to do anyone any good.

"I think we're definitely ready to move on. I think we're all positive. Everyone is in this together. We still think we're going to have a good team," defensive lineman Deege Gait said.

The young, inexperienced Terrapins clearly don't have the talent -- not yet, anyway -- to beat a Top 25 team. But Friedgen likes their determination, and he expects them to rebound in time to make something of the season.

"Unless I'm mistaken, I have a lot of belief in the character of these kids. I really do," he said. "Football, you have situations like this, and it's like life. You've got to be able to respond to adversity. It won't help to dwell on this game, other than to take what we learned and go. Cal's over. That's done. We need to worry about James Madison right now."