Maryland Football: Five takeaways from nonconference play

Regardless of the results on the field, it seemed as though the Maryland fan base was ready for a change.

After all, the Randy Edsall was filled with so much promise early on, but never delivered the type of success that the athletic department expected when he was hired. When it was all said and done, Edsall put together just a 22-34 record in five seasons with the program.

When Edsall was fired shortly after the Ohio State game in 2015, it was a welcomed sight. Then in early December, Durkin was brought in to help lead the program back to prominence.

Durkin said all the right things and brought a great deal of energy. However, it remained to be seen if it would equal success on the field or even the recruiting trail.

Part of that question was answered when Durkin and his staff put together a top 40 recruiting class just two months after taking the job. Maryland was able to add the likes of Terrance Davis, Richard Merritt, and Tyrrell Pigrome among others.

After three games, the offense has offered a ton of excitement.

Offensive coordinator Walt Bell has proved to be one of the most innovative young minds in all of college football. He’s really put a strong emphasis on the running game and it’s paying dividends.

We’ve also seen the Maryland offense attempt a flea-ficker. That’s something we never would’ve seen during the Edsall era.

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The first three games have been more exciting than we’ve seen in College Park in quite some time. With Big Ten play approaching, it’ll be interesting to see just how good this Maryland football team can be.