Published on: Wednesday, September 01, 2010

By Brandy L. Simms

The Maryland Terrapins open the 2010 campaign Labor Day with a nationally televised matchup on ESPN against intra-state rival Navy at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The game marks the first meeting between the two teams since the 2005 season when Maryland opened the campaign with a 23-20 victory over the Midshipmen at Baltimore’s Ravens Stadium.

In the 2005 game, Maryland rallied in the fourth quarter as Sam Hollenbach connected with Drew Weatherly on an 11-yard touchdown pass with 61 seconds left to cap an 82-yard drive and propel the Terrapins to victory.

However, this year’s Maryland-Navy matchup will feature a new cast of characters. The Terrapins are coming off one of their worst seasons in school history. Maryland finished the 2009 campaign with a dismal 2-10 record but look to turn their fortunes around.

“My biggest goal is to win,” said Maryland junior cornerback Cameron Chism. “But Navy runs a good system with their option offense. Everyone must do their job on every single play. If we all do our jobs, we can be successful as a defense.”

Monday’s game against the Naval Academy marks the 21st meeting between the two schools but just the second meeting since 1965. Navy holds a 14-6 advantage in the series.

“I think it’s a great game for the state,” said Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen. “In talking to (Navy head coach) Ken Niumatalolo, I think he feels that way also. I hope it can continue, and I think it helps football in the state of Maryland.”

The players are looking forward to this matchup, too. Maryland was picked to finish in last place in the ACC’s Atlantic Division and hope to quiet their critics. A victory over a Navy program that consistently plays in season-ending bowl games would do wonders for the Maryland football program.

“I’m really looking forward to that first snap,” said Maryland sophomore linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield. “I want to make sure everyone is ready and everyone has their head in the game. We are all eager and ready to win.”