Maryland Terrapins

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College football history boasts many a stunning comeback, etched in lore with names like Flutie and Holtz. But one day, November 10, 1984, stands apart, its legend shimmering on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay with the indelible mark of the Maryland Terrapins. This wasn't just a comeback; it was a resurrection, a 42-40 miracle woven from grit, luck, and the indomitable spirit of a team refusing to be buried.

Facing the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes under the Florida sun, the Terrapins looked headed for another defeat. A 31-0 halftime deficit loomed like a hurricane itself, threatening to drown their hopes. Yet, something shifted in the Miami locker room. Coach Bobby Ross made a fateful decision, swapping out struggling starter Stan Gelbaugh for the untested sophomore Frank Reich.

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. Reich, with ice in his veins and fire in his heart, led the Terrapins on a scoring march after another. Each drive felt like a punch to the Hurricanes' gut, chipping away at their seemingly insurmountable lead. Three touchdowns in the third quarter, another at the start of the fourth, the deficit shrank, hope bloomed on Terrapin faces.

Then came the climax, a moment etched in gridiron legend. Trailing 34-28, Reich unleashed a 68-yard touchdown pass to Greg Hill, the ball somehow navigating through Miami defenders like a guided missile. The Orange Bowl erupted, a sea of Maryland yellow and red surging with disbelief and newfound belief.

But the Hurricanes weren't finished. Miami scored again, leaving the Terrapins needing a two-point conversion to tie with a minute left. The tension crackled, the air thick with anticipation. The Terrapin defense held firm, thwarting the conversion and allowing Maryland to steal a victory from the jaws of defeat.

The 42-40 scoreline only hinted at the magnitude of the achievement. This wasn't just a comeback; it was a statement. It was a team, once staring into the abyss, rising against all odds, fueled by the spirit of a state and the grit of a quarterback named Reich.

The "Miami Miracle" might have its Hail Mary hero, but the 1984 Maryland Terrapins etched their miracle with sweat, defiance, and an unwavering belief in themselves. It became a turning point, a testament to the power of never giving up, a story that still resonates, reminding us that the tide can turn on a single throw, and sometimes, the greatest comebacks are forged not in desperation but in the quiet resolve of a team refusing to be defined by the scoreboard.

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The University of Maryland, a bastion of athletic tradition, boasts a visual history as vibrant as its championship banners. Its sports logos, like ever-shifting tides, have mirrored the institution's evolution, reflecting changes in both identity and allegiance.

In the early days, Maryland teams proudly bore the nickname "Old Liners," a nod to the state's historical moniker. Their athletic emblems embodied this identity, often featuring a simple shield emblazoned with a crossed axe and plow – symbols of the state's agrarian roots.

Yet, by the 1930s, the "Old Liners" felt outdated. Enter the Terrapins, a nickname coined by then-football coach Harry C. "Curley" Byrd, inspired by the abundance of diamondback terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay. This sparked a visual transformation, with the first Terrapin mascot appearing in 1932 – a cartoonish turtle sporting a Maryland flag shell.

The 1960s and 70s saw a parade of Terrapin logos, some playful, others fierce. One featured a cartoon turtle balancing a basketball on its nose, while another sported a more aggressive profile, jaws open and ready to bite. These designs, while nostalgic, lacked the consistent identity a growing athletic program needed.

In 1988, the iconic "Maryland M" with the smiling Terrapin emerged. This design, with its bold stripes and playful yet determined mascot, struck a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. It became a ubiquitous symbol, adorning helmets, jerseys, and even buildings, cementing its place as the face of Maryland athletics.

Over the years, the logo has undergone subtle refinements, keeping it fresh while preserving its core identity. The 2012 iteration boasts a sleeker, more athletic Terrapin, reflecting the evolving nature of college sports.

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Maryland Terrapins football might not be the first program that comes to mind when thinking of quarterback factories, but they've produced their fair share of talented signal-callers who've gone on to achieve success in the NFL and beyond. Here's a look at some of the top QBs to come out of College Park:

-Jack Scarbath (1950-52): The undisputed king of Maryland QBs, Scarbath was a Heisman Trophy runner-up and unanimous All-American during his time with the Terps. He led Maryland to back-to-back appearances in the Orange Bowl and was known for his leadership, intelligence, and pinpoint passing accuracy.

-Boomer Esiason (1981-83): A two-time All-American and NFL MVP, Esiason transformed Maryland's offense into a pass-heavy attack. He set numerous school records and led the Terps to multiple bowl appearances. His charisma and gunslinger mentality made him a fan favorite, and he continued to enjoy a successful career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Jets.

-Neil O'Donnell (1987-1994): O'Donnell is Maryland's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He led the Terps to their first victory over Notre Dame in 42 years and was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. O'Donnell enjoyed a ten-year NFL career, playing for the Steelers, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Cincinnati Bengals.

-Scott Milanovich (1993-1995): Milanovich holds most of Maryland's passing records, including career yards, completions, and touchdowns. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and led the Terps to a victory over No. 6 Florida in 1995. Milanovich had a successful coaching career in the NFL, serving as offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions.

Other notable QBs:[b]

-Frank Reich (1983-1984): Led Maryland to the most remarkable comeback in college football history, later became head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and won Super Bowl LI.

-Shaun Hill (2002-2004): Starred for the Terps under Ralph Friedgen, played for nine teams in his 12-year NFL career.

-Scott McBrien (2009-2011): Led Maryland to their first bowl win in five years and played briefly for the Buffalo Bills.

-Taulia Tagovailoa

While Maryland may not be at the forefront of college football's QB landscape, these signal-callers have left their mark on the program and the NFL. From Heisman contenders to record-breakers, the Terps have produced a legacy of talent behind center that inspires future generations of Maryland quarterbacks.

With Maryland officially joining the Big Ten, it?s time to become familiar with some of the program?s football history. Here?s a look at my top 10 all-time best Maryland players. [ MORE: View all of our Maryland and Rutgers welcoming coverage ] 1. QB Jack Scarbath (1950-52). This guy poured cement to help build Byrd […] — btn.com

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Maryland Terrapins football history boasts a proud lineage of talented players who've gone on to excel at the professional level. Here's a glimpse at some of the top Terrapins:

[b]NFL All-Stars:

-Randy White (DE, #72): A dominant defensive lineman and NFL Hall of Famer, White anchored the "Purple People Eaters" defense for the Minnesota Vikings, winning four Super Bowls and racking up 138.5 career sacks.

-Stefon Diggs (WR, #14): An electrifying wide receiver with exceptional route-running and playmaking ability, Diggs has become a star for the Buffalo Bills, earning Pro Bowl honors and showcasing his clutch skills with iconic plays like the "Minneapolis Miracle."

Offensive Standouts:

-Boomer Esiason (QB, #7): This charismatic quarterback led the Terps to an ACC Championship and later enjoyed success with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning NFL MVP honors in 1988.

-Torrey Smith (WR, #80): Known for his blazing speed and acrobatic catches, Smith became a reliable deep threat for the Baltimore Ravens, winning a Super Bowl in 2012.

Defensive Stars:

-Charles T. Brown (CB, #32): One of the most complete cornerbacks of the 1990s, Brown anchored the Washington Redskins' secondary, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl victories.

-Yannick Ngakoue (DE, #91): A disruptive pass rusher with a knack for sacks, Ngakoue has made his mark on several teams, racking up over 60 sacks in his career and showcasing his explosive athleticism.

This is just a small sample of the talented players who've emerged from the Maryland Terrapins football program.

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Chevy Chase Field at Maryland Stadium – the name itself hints at a history entwined with both legacy and change. While the majestic brick façade of Byrd Stadium has stood sentinel since 1925, the field within has seen its moniker transformed, reflecting the evolving landscape of athletics and marketing.

From its early days as "Byrd Field," named after former University President Harry Clifton Byrd, the field vibrated with the thunder of Maryland Terrapins football. Witnessing historic moments like Tom Matte's iconic "phantom tackle" run in 1965, it became synonymous with gridiron grit and Terrapin pride.

In 2006, a partnership with Chevy Chase Bank saw the field christened "Chevy Chase Bank Field." This new era ushered in a wave of renovations, upgrading facilities and elevating the fan experience. Yet, for some, the change felt jarring, a disconnect from the field's storied past.

But history, like nature, adapts. The Chevy Chase name gradually seeped into the stadium's identity, becoming part of the pre-game rituals and excited cheers. It represented an evolution, acknowledging the need for financial support while preserving the stadium's historic core.

In 2009, a subtle shift brought us to the current "Chevy Chase Field at Byrd Stadium." This compromise bridged the gap, honoring both the bank's contribution and the field's legacy. It became a symbol of unity, recognizing the past while embracing the future.

Today, as fans roar beneath the soaring black and gold banners, the name "Chevy Chase Field" echoes with a unique duality. It speaks of tradition, of Tom Matte's sprint and Frank Gore's bulldozing runs. It whispers of progress, of upgraded facilities and a brighter future for Terrapin athletics.

The official Football page for the University of Maryland Terrapins