Locksley says Terps ready for next step forward
Maryland will host WVU in opener on Sept. 4
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Michael Locksley's first season as Maryland's coach was a struggle, and his second was significantly truncated because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Now entering Year Three, he wants the Terrapins to take a step forward -- and doesn't see any reason that can't happen.
"There's not any excuses for us this year," Locksley said. "COVID is what it is. We'll continue to follow the protocols that state, local and campus officials ask us to follow as we navigate it. But as far as the football piece and the discipline piece and developing our program, it's time for the excuses to end."
Maryland returns eight starters on offense and 10 on defense, although it's hard to evaluate where that leaves the Terrapins since last season was so disjointed. Maryland was 2-1 and coming off a big win over Penn State when its next two games were canceled. The Terps ended up playing only twice in the final six weeks and lost both of those games.
Still, Locksley has been in charge long enough that the team should have a chance to start making strides.
"Our program's ready to take the next step," he said. "That begins and ends with playing and having the type of discipline while still establishing the types of habits that will create the behaviors we need to win and win big here."
STABILITY?
The last time a quarterback started every game for Maryland was in 2014 when C.J. Brown did it. That was also the last time the Terrapins had a winning season.
Taulia Tagovailoa started four of Maryland's five games last year. He averaged 252.8 yards passing per game, finishing third in the Big Ten behind Michael Penix and Justin Fields.
"I do have to step into the role and I know I've got to be more vocal, knowing that I'm the quarterback," Tagovailoa said. "I have a lot of help from other guys -- our receivers, linemen."
SCHEDULE
The Terrapins open at home Sept. 4 with an intriguing nonconference matchup against West Virginia. In league play, Maryland has to play on the road against Ohio State (Oct. 9) but gets Iowa (Oct. 1), Penn State (Nov. 6) and Michigan (Nov. 20) in College Park.