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Spring practices are in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it so that means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you get a grasp of what to expect this upcoming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 College Football Preview.

#44 - Maryland Terrapins 5-6 SU; 5-6 ATS

Fargo's Take Maryland put up double-digit win totals every year from 2001-2003 but the last two years have seen just 10 wins combined. The Ralph Friedgen lovers have suddenly turned into haters so he needs to get this team turned in the right direction. The offense was a potent machine in his first three seasons but the last two years it has not been nearly as good although last season did show some improvement from 2004. Everything boils down to the efficiency of the quarterback and that will be the case again this season. Numerous mistakes have cost the Terps the last couple seasons with two heartbreaking losses to Florida St. and NC State last year keeping them out of a bowl game. In order to get back to a bowl, Maryland must pull off some upsets along the way and regain control of its once strong home field edge.

Returning Starters on Offense - 7 Senior quarterback Sam Hollenbach is the likely starter this season but he will be pushed by sophomore Jordan Steffy who missed all of last season with an arm injury. Whoever does take control will have to improve upon taking care of the ball and avoid costly miscues at the wrong time. The running game will be the strength of the offense after two straight disappointing seasons. The return of tailback Josh Allen is the main reason for optimism as he was sidelined all of last season with a knee injury. He along with leading returning rusher Lance Ball should provide a superior 1-2 punch in the backfield. The offensive line is strong with four returning starters leading the way. The line is huge and should pave the way for the offense to become more balanced like it was in 2003.

Returning Starters on Defense - 7 Maryland allowed 25 ppg last season which was the most in the Friedgen era and the most since 2000. In order for the defense to improve, it must start stuffing the run as it finished 78th in the country, allowing 165.7 ypg. The good news is that everyone is back along the defensive line and with another year of starting experience, things likely will get better. The linebackers will have to make due without D'Qwell Jackson in the middle but the unit should be extremely strong nonetheless. The passing defense was the strength as the Terps finished 19th in the country in passing defense last season, the third straight season it has allowed fewer than 200 ypg through the air. Two starters need to be replaced but cornerback Josh Wilson and free safety Christian Varner are both potential all conference performers.

Schedule For the fifth straight season, Maryland has a very manageable non-conference schedule so getting off to a quick start should not be a problem. Three home games against William & Mary, Middle Tennessee and Florida International are all sure wins while the fourth game is at West Virginia, a likely loss. Going into ACC action at 3-1 is just what the Terps need to gain some momentum because the conference slate is a challenge. Back-to-back road games at Georgia Tech and Virginia start things off followed by back-to-back home games against NC State and Florida St. There is no break after the Seminoles as Maryland travels to Clemson before returning home to host Miami and then heading out again to Boston College. The easiest game comes in the finale at home against Wake Forest. Virginia Tech is not on the schedule but neither is Duke.

You can bet on... This is an important year for Maryland and even more so for Friedgen. A third straight losing season could mean some whispers about job security will be heard. It's unfortunate because he has put together something good in College Park and it has just been a rebuilding time. After Maryland went 14-2 ATS as a home favorite in Friedgen's first three years, it has gone just 1-6 ATS since. The Terps will be favored at home in their first two lined games and likely by a lot of points so beware of laying too much. If a quarterback is established early on, Maryland can win those games handily but it is a big question mark and one that likely won't be answered until later in the year.

About the Author

Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm