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[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Project 2014

The Two Deep: http://baltimorespor... ... -two-deep/ (Updated 08/26/14)

The Schedule: http://baltimorespor... ... -schedule/

 

Positional Previews

 

The Quarterbacks: http://baltimorespor...e-quarterbacks/

 

The Running Backs: http://baltimorespor...-running-backs/

 

The Fullbacks: http://baltimorespor...2014-fullbacks/

 

The Wide Receivers: http://baltimorespor...wide-receivers/

 

The Tight Ends: http://baltimorespor...014-tight-ends/

 

The Offensive Line: http://baltimorespor...offensive-line/

 

The Defensive Line: http://baltimorespor...defensive-line/

 

The Linebackers: http://baltimorespor...14-linebackers/

 

The Cornerbacks: http://baltimorespor...14-cornerbacks/

 

The Safeties: http://baltimorespor...-2014-safeties/

 

The Special Teams: http://baltimorespor...-special-teams/

 

Individual Profiles

 

C.J. Brown: http://baltimorespor...2014-c-j-brown/

 

Brandon Ross: http://baltimorespor...4-brandon-ross/

 

Stefon Diggs: http://baltimorespor...4-stefon-diggs/

 

Deon Long: http://baltimorespor...2014-deon-long/

 

Andrew Isaacs: http://baltimorespor...-andrew-isaacs/

 

Cole Farrand: http://baltimorespor...4-cole-farrand/

 

Darius Kilgo: http://baltimorespor...4-darius-kilgo/

 

Big Ten Previews

 

Offenses of the Big Ten: http://baltimorespor...fenses-big-ten/

 

Defenses of the Big Ten: http://baltimorespor...fenses-big-ten/

I am very excited to announce the launch of "Project 2014" here at BSL. Our goal with this project is to preview the Terps football team's first season in the Big Ten. This will include a continuously updated two-deep depth chart, schedule, recruiting page, and any news pertaining to the team.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Looking forward to seeing this progress Zack! Should be a good build-up to the 2014 season.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Project 2014: The Schedule has just been posted. Lots of things in play with the Terps' 2014 schedule, most of it hinging on the number of conference games Maryland will play in the Big Ten.

[BSLChrisStoner]

When you look at the projected 2 deep roster, what are some of the things which jump out to you?

[BSLZackKiesel]

When you look at the projected 2 deep roster, what are some of the things which jump out to you?

For me, some of the main things were the positions that will be heavily recruited next year. I think the offensive line depth is going to be lacking in 2014, so look for the Terps to recruit heavily there next year. I'd also expect some more recruiting at the tight end position. 4-star TE Andrew Isaacs will start, but there's not much depth behind him (Daniel Adams is a transfer student).

On the defensive side, linebacker is something that was recruited very heavily this year, specifically outside linebacker. You could see Alex Twine make a transition to middle linebacker (he played there a bit due to injury this year). Abner Logan was redshirted in 2012, but could become a big player in 2013 and 2014.

Also, wide receiver and running back are the Terps' strongest positions in 2014. Stefon Diggs will be a Junior, Deon Long and Marcus Leak will be seniors. Look for the Terps to recruit some WRs in the next few years to fill those gaps in 2015. At running back, Wes Brown and Brandon Ross will be Juniors, and Kenneth Goins will be a Sophomore. It'll be interesting to see if Brown or Ross become a two-headed attack, or whether one emerges as a clear starter.

I'd love to hear some of the other Terp fans' thoughts on this two-deep because there's obviously plenty of room for conversation here!

[BSLMikeLowe]

Any idea what will become of the 2014 game at M&T? Obviously it won't be against VA Tech, since that matchup will be cancelled with the move, and probably can't be shifted to an OOC game since VT already has a full OOC schedule in 2014. But I'm wondering if the deal calls for different game to replace it, if possible. I see that WVU is a home game again in 2014 (guess they needed to switch who hosts in odd/even years), so maybe that's a possibility. I suppose one of the B1G games could go there too (Penn St?).

[BSLZackKiesel]

Any idea what will become of the 2014 game at M&T? Obviously it won't be against VA Tech, since that matchup will be cancelled with the move, and probably can't be shifted to an OOC game since VT already has a full OOC schedule in 2014. But I'm wondering if the deal calls for different game to replace it, if possible. I see that WVU is a home game again in 2014 (guess they needed to switch who hosts in odd/even years), so maybe that's a possibility. I suppose one of the B1G games could go there too (Penn St?).

Not really sure. With the move to the Big Ten, that's kinda been up in the air. They could put the Penn State game there (that'd probably be the most reasonable one), or they could put the Rutgers game there I suppose. Or they could go the Michigan/Ohio State route if they can't get a local thing going there.

I hope they bring back a game with Navy soon. That was a good local game and attracted a lot of fans. I guess with Navy going to the Big East in 2015 it could get a bit more difficult.

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Our proposals for B1G division alignment
http://espn.go.com/b...ision-alignment

[BSLMikeLowe]

Big Ten to increase league games

The Big Ten will increase its conference schedule from eight games to nine or 10 soon after the additions of new members Maryland and Rutgers.

The league's athletic directors and football coaches met Monday in Park Ridge, Ill., and all future scheduling discussions will focus on models featuring nine or 10 league games, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told ESPN.com. There was "no support" for staying with the current eight-game league schedule model.

Delany said the new schedule format likely would go into place for the 2016 or 2017 season. Maryland and Rutgers will join the Big Ten for the 2014 season.

The Terps will have to drop at least one non-conference game in 2016 if this happens, two if they go to a 10-game conference schedule (currently set to play UCF, Howard, @WVU and @Fla Intl). This could potentially spell the end of the long-running series with WVU as well.

[Mackus]

http://espn.go.com/c... ... -fcs-teams

Well the schedule won't involve any games against FCS opponents.

I suppose the Big 10 thought it'd have enough cupcake games against the Terps that they wouldn't need to schedule any against Holy Cross or whatever non-D1 opponents they've been playing recently

[BSLMikeLowe]

From the perspective of a Terps fan, and former season ticket buyer, I like the decision. Watching and attending those games did nothing for me.

On the other hand, if I were a fan or player from an FCS school, I'd probably feel much different. I think the FCS players really like going against the big schools, even though they're most likely going to get pummeled. And the money earned obviously benefits the athletic budgets. And, of course, without those games many of us would have never heard of Appalachian State (and the lingering memory of that game might be part of the reason why the B1G is dropping the FCS).

[BSLZackKiesel]

When Oklahoma State beats Savannah State 84-0 it's time to take a step back and look at what's happening. This will make every game a little more meaningful. In fact, Maryland doesn't have an FCS opponent on the schedule in 2013 now that Old Dominion is joining the FBS. And William & Mary is one of the better FCS teams in the country.

[Oriole85]

When Oklahoma State beats Savannah State 84-0 it's time to take a step back and look at what's happening. This will make every game a little more meaningful. In fact, Maryland doesn't have an FCS opponent on the schedule in 2013 now that Old Dominion is joining the FBS. And William & Mary is one of the better FCS teams in the country.

I agree they should be scheduled to a minimum and preferably not at all. When these games aren't even competitive in the least, it's just so pointless other than the fact Alabama would rather face Coastal Carolina the week before the Auburn game than have intersquad scrimmage.

[BSLChrisStoner]

East Division

Indiana
Maryland
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Penn State
Rutgers

West Division
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Northwestern
Purdue
Wisconsin

[DJ MC]

ESPN: Divisions debate down to Indiana, Purdue
http://espn.go.com/b...-indiana-purdue

If they split, who gets to keep IUPUI and IPFW? Joint custody? Weekend visitation?

[BSLMikeLowe]

"East" division

Maryland
Michigan
Michigan State
Ohio State
Penn State
Rutgers
Purdue or Indiana

"West" division

Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Northwestern
Wisconsin
Purdue or Indiana

I know these things are often cyclical, but as you look at it today, the balance of power in those divisions is heavily tilted east.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I know these things are often cyclical, but as you look at it today, the balance of power in those divisions is heavily tilted east.

It is, but I really like the look of it. So much better than Legends and Leaders.

Lot of attractive games for MD's ticket office to sell annually (yes, not everyone would be on the home slate).

Recruiting wise, other coaches will tell recruits that MD can never be competitive in that division. MD's coaches can go to in-state recruits and say not only will you be in the Big Ten, you will annually play Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. I would think that would only convince more guys to stay home.

[BSLZackKiesel]

The depth chart has been updated to reflect C.J. Brown's extra year of eligibility and a few "OR"s as well.

[BSLChrisStoner]

D1scource: MD to have home-and-home with South Florida
http://d1scourse.typ...th-florida.html

[BSLMikeLowe]

D1scource: MD to have home-and-home with South Florida
http://d1scourse.typ...th-florida.html

 Interesting....I thought the B1G was going to a 9-game conference schedule in 2016. If so, that means the Terps would have to drop one of their 4 scheduled OOC games that year. Wonder which? I guess Howard would be the easiest to drop, but that would mean the B1G would have to make sure the Terps get 5 home conference games that year to have 6 total home games. But then, they also have 2 road OOC games in 2017 already scheduled, and I doubt they would get 5 home conference games 2 years in a row. I wonder if someone else is getting dropped, like UCF? (as that would solve issues for both 2016 and 2017)