Nov 24, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Randy Edsall reacts on the sidelines. The Tar Heels defeated the Terrapins 45-38 at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mark your calendars, synchronize your watches, and get ready, ladies and gents: the ACC has released the Maryland Terrapins 2013 ACC football schedule. With that, coaches, players, and fans alike can get a glimpse of what’s not only in store for the future, but what the schedule is for Maryland’s final round of ACC play. After this year, the Terrapins move onto presumably greener pastures in the B1G, leaving behind the ACC to herald in a new era of football competition. So who have the Terrapins got on the docket for the upcoming season? Surprisingly, it isn’t too shabby.
First and foremost, the Terrapins have a relatively unusual schedule as opposed to recent years in that during conference play they alternate between home and away each week. While that may seem strange at first, I like the idea of the Terrapins never having to worry about extended road trips which could prolong a losing skid. Secondly, the Terrapins only really have two tough road opponents; at Florida State to start the year off, and at Virginia Tech in the second to last outing. Those are very tough venues to play in, but realistically those aren’t the two worst teams to take on, particularly Virginia Tech, who had an off year last season.
Another peculiarity of the season? Syracuse football heads to College Park for the first time in a very long time. Older Terps recall a brief rivalry with Syracuse, but newer fans will only get a mere glimpse of that faded memory, as this will presumably be the only time the Terrapins ever face off against the new ACC addition. Regardless, that should certainly provide an entertaining game for fans to watch, as Syracuse loves to score points but they aren’t particularly good.
And finally, the coolest part of the season is that the Terrapins are awarded two bye weeks! Why I find that awesome is obscure, but it has to do with the fact that twice during the season, the Terrapins are going to have a full week to prepare for an opponent, and that might equate to a well-prepped, well equipped team to beat Florida State (the first bye) and Syracuse (the game following the second bye).
All in all, not a bad shake for the Terrapins final go ’round with the ACC. Check out the remainder of the schedule after the jump, and give us your thoughts on twitter @TerpStationMD or in the comments section.
Aug. 31: Florida International (3-9)
Sept. 7: Old Dominion (11-2 in Football Championship Subdivision)
Sept. 14: at Connecticut (5-7)
Sept. 21: vs. West Virginia (7-6) in Baltimore (M&T Bank Stadium)
Sept. 28: Bye
Oct. 5: at Florida State (12-2)
Oct. 12: Virginia (4-8)
Oct. 19: at Wake Forest (5-7)
Oct. 26: Clemson (11-2)
Nov. 2: Bye
Nov. 9: Syracuse (8-5)
Nov. 16: at Virginia Tech (7-6)
Nov. 23: Boston College (2-10)
Nov. 30: at North Carolina State (7-6)