The Maryland offense was very good last year, ranking 29th in the nation in scoring at 32.2 points per game. And the Terps have arguably the best returning QB in the ACC in Danny O’Brien. He took over four games into last year and was excellent in winning ACC Rookie of the Year honors by 57 percent of his passes for 2,438 yards and 22 touchdowns. O’Brien had an efficiency rating of 134.5, first in the league among returning quarterbacks. He had just eight interceptions in 337 passing attempts and Maryland was 7-3 under O’Brien. Unfortunately for O’Brien, record-setting WR Torrey Smith is gone so receiver is a question mark. The Terps running game should be in good shape. Davin Meggett had a team-high 720 rushing yards last year and D.J. Adams collected 11 touchdowns, a school record for a freshman. Overall seven starters are expected back on the offense.

The defense also is expecting seven players back. The star of the unit will be playing the “star” position. Edsall made a number of position changes on the defense, including moving Kenny Tate, one of the league’s most disruptive forces, from safety to the “star” position, a hybrid linebacker/safety slot. Tate was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2010.

Maryland opens the season with a key ACC game against Miami (Fla.) on Labor Day night.

Get a 10% Sign-up Bonus at Bodog!