For the first time in 10 years, Maryland and Virginia will renew their rivalry on the gridiron under the Friday night lights.
Virginia is historically Maryland’s most frequent opponent, as the two programs have faced each other 78 times entering the Sept. 15 game. The Terps lead the all-time series 44-32-2. The two teams played each other every year from 1957 to 2013, establishing a strong rivalry — especially since the schools are separated by just 130 miles.
“It was always one of those games that was competitive,” Maryland head coach Michael Locksley said. “I remember being here in 1999 when we were 5-6 and played them here at home. Running back LaMont Jordan I think broke the record here and went for 300 yards rushing in the game. We ended up losing with Billy McMullen catching the fade in the left corner of the end zone to win the game and end our bowl opportunities.”
In the age of conference realignment, there are not as many strong rivalries for today’s students, players and younger fans to become attached to. But this Maryland-Virginia game will bring back memories to older generations of fans who don’t connect with the Terps’ newest rivals since Maryland joined the Big Ten.
“I know that they did have a big rivalry, stuff like that,” linebacker and Centreville, Va., native Caleb Wheatland said. “Coming from Virginia, it’s kind of cool to play from my school back at home like a school I saw a lot growing up.”
In addition to the renewal of a rivalry, Friday’s game will be Maryland’s annual “Blackout” game. The Terps will debut their new black script jerseys.
“I think the whole group is excited, mainly for the blackout but also knowing it’s a Friday night game,” wide receiver Kaden Prather said. “… [The new jerseys] are one of a kind. That’s a plus of coming to Maryland and that’s exactly what I was looking for.”
Before transferring to Maryland this season, Prather started his collegiate career at West Virginia. He has experience playing in games between strong rivals from decades ago, as West Virginia just renewed its rivalry with Pittsburgh last season.
“It’s really all about ignoring the noise,” Prather said. “A lot of noise comes with these games and all the noise is going to do is it’s going to take your mind off the task and that’s to win the game.”
Both teams are on a short week since they last played on Saturday, Sept. 9. Maryland came back from an early 14-point deficit to beat Charlotte, 38-20. Virginia played in-state rival James Madison. The Dukes defeated the Cavaliers, 36-35, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 55 seconds remaining.
Maryland’s coaching staff has kept the weekly schedule the same, just pushing everything up a day. As such, Friday night will be like Saturday.
“Just know that the players lost their day of rest,” Locksley said.” Typically Sunday is their day off. They’ll go 13 straight days before getting a break, which will be this Saturday.”
In between the rest days, Maryland searches for its 11th straight win against nonconference opponents. Virginia is looking for its first win of the season.
Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett is expected to start Friday night after missing the JMU game with a left shoulder injury. Muskett has completed 9 of 17 passes for 94 yards in his first season for the Cavaliers after transferring in from Monmouth.
One weakness for Virginia so far this season has been stopping the run. Out of 132 FBS teams, the Cavaliers rank No. 123 in rushing defense. They have allowed 227 rushing yards per game and 5.28 yards per carry.
Maryland ran all over Charlotte last weekend, particularly in the second half. The Terps finished with 243 rushing yards for the game. Running back Roman Hemby led the way with 162 rushing yards against the 49ers.
“We want to be as balanced as possible [on offense],” quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa said. “Obviously the run game has been picking up, especially last week. I think the O-line and the coaches are trying to do a good job with that. We have full confidence in throwing the ball, running the ball, whatever we need to do to come out victorious.”
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