Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 21, 1994 TAG: 9408230032
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: E14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: COLLEGE PARK, MD. LENGTH: Medium
Last year, Maryland's run-and-shoot offense was too much shoot and not nearly enough run.
The Terrapins averaged 348 yards in the air and 92 yards on the ground - worst in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Maryland's idea of a balanced offense seemingly was passing to the right side as often as the left.
There's something new in the Terrapins' backfield this season. Maryland will operate primarily from a one-back set, but at times quarterback Scott Milanovich will have two running backs behind him.
The idea is to take advantage of an experienced offensive line and to keep the defense guessing, something the Terrapins' were unsuccessful at during last year's 2-9 season.
``We'd get behind and everyone, including the ushers, knew we were going to throw the ball,'' coach Mark Duffner said Saturday.
Variety may be known as the spice of life, but it's also the key to an effective offense.
``That's what gives a defense fits,'' said Dave Ungerer, the running back coach Dave Ungerer said. ``We've had a one-dimensional attack the past couple of years, so we spent a lot of time during the offseason working to enhance our running game. It's very important that we move the ball on the ground.''
Mark Mason handled the brunt of the rushing responsibility last year, but his graduation leaves the starting job up from grabs. Allen Williams and Doug Burnett are expected to see the most action, but Ungerer said he plans to rotate up to five backs in order to keep everyone fresh.
``There will be at least three or four guys playing a significant role in our running attack. Right now I've got six guys I would feel comfortable with if they were in the game,'' Ungerer said.
Milanovich passed for 3,499 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. He expects Maryland will throw less but win more in 1994, beginning with the Sept. 3 opener at Duke.
``I don't think I'll be throwing for 3,500 yards. I'll be around the 3,000 range with more touchdowns and less interceptions,'' he said. ``Allen is going to have a good year running the ball, and we have five good linemen back.''
The Terrapins hope an improved running attack will keep the opposing defense guessing and enable Maryland to keep its own maligned defense off the field. Maryland allowed an average of 553 yards per game last year, in part because the offense couldn't maintain possession of the football - even during the successful drives.
``Two passes, 80 yards, touchdown. Fifteen seconds,'' tackle Steve Ingram said.
The Maryland defense often had just enough time to take a sip of Gatorade before it was time to return to the field. The Terrapins trailed in time of possession in seven of 11 games last season.
``If we can run the ball, we can control the clock and the tempo of the game,'' center Jamie Bragg said. ``Plus, the more we run the ball, the more it's going to open up the passing game.''
Indeed, despite the emphasis on the ground game and the addition of the two-back set, Maryland still plans to take advantage of Milanovich's ability to make the big play through the air.
``For us to be the really effective offense that I think we can be, we have to run the ball better,'' Milanovich said. ``We will run the ball more this year, no doubt about it. But when it matters, I think you'll see us using four wideouts and throwing the ball downfield.''
by CNB