Maryland-Virginia Border Rivalry Renewed (Temporarily)
This season for the first time since 2013, Maryland will once again face off against the Virginia Cavaliers. These two teams faced each other every single year from 1957-2013, until Maryland moved to the Big Ten. Of the 78 meetings between the two, Maryland leads the all-time series 44-32-2.
Maryland has played Virginia more than any other school in its history. This rivalry being temporarily restored for this season and next is great news for both fanbases. These two teams absolutely hated each other during their time in the ACC. Back in 2010, players from both teams had some strong feelings toward the other. Former Virginia center, Anthony Mihota, stated, “I guess it’s because we don’t like them very much. Something about them that gets under our skin”. Former Terp linebacker, Adrian Moten, responded back after the Maryland win with, “This was a big win in the rivalry. They hate us. We hate them.”
Renewing a rivalry after 10 years does have some questions that arise. Of course, the lifelong fans from both schools will still have the same hate and animosity toward each other, but most of the players were still in elementary school while these two had the heated rivalry. Nobody is hoping for fights to break out after each play, but it would be nice to see some passion brought back for the game and a packed stadium.
Virginia Overview
With Virginia still in a bit of a rebuild, anything short of a 2 possession win for the Terps would be somewhat a damper with what’s to come in the Big Ten slate. Although Virginia is expected to have a much-improved offense this year, (ranked 126 out of 131 in ppg 2022) with Monmouth transfer, Tony Muskett coming in to play QB. Muskett had a tremendous career at Monmouth totaling nearly 6,000 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. The real question is if this performance will be able to translate over to a Power 5 schedule.
Virginia was also able to grab a transfer running back from Clemson, Kobe Pace. Pace was a solid back in 2021 for Clemson, racking up 641 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2022 he missed some time with an ankle sprain, and never was able to make much of an impact for the Tigers when he came back. Pace will likely split reps with Perris Jones.
Even with a 3-7 record last season, Virginia still had a scrappy, hard-fighting team. Of the 10 games, five of them were decided by one possession. They find a way to keep it close, so don’t be surprised if when the fourth quarter comes along Maryland finds themselves in a battle.
Maryland Overview
Maryland is in search of their third consecutive winning season for the first time since 2001-2003. This Virginia game should be their toughest game out of their fairly easy non-conference schedule. Playing against the Cavaliers should give us a good look into what is to come from this years Terps.
Maryland’s offense shouldn’t be changing much, even with the departures of Jarrett, Copeland, and Demus. It will still be a high tempo, RPO offense. With Tagovailoa leading the charge, Hemby returning at running back, and Jones as the number one receiver, this should be an exciting offense to watch.
Maryland was also able to add two receivers from the portal. Kaden Prather from West Virginia and Tyrese Chambers coming out of FIU. Chambers, a former 1,000-yard receiver will be a big name to watch out for this season.
From 2000-2013 this series was deadlocked at 7 wins apiece, with Maryland currently holding a 2-game win-streak. Since leaving the ACC, Maryland has a record of 4-1 against former ACC foes, including 2 wins coming in bowl games.
Maryland will face off against Virginia at home on Friday, September 15th at 7 pm.
