The Maryland Terrapins are one of the oldest programs in the Northeast.The Terrapins first started playing football in 1892, and have won over 10 conference championships and had 5 undefeated regular seasons since then. The Terrapins also claim the 1953 national championship as the crown jewel in a long list of program accomplishments. Despite being an old, and established program, the Terrapins are some of the new kids on the block in the Big Ten Conference and look to expand on their winning traditions against the Midwest's best programs. Before the Terrapins players run out onto the field, each one rubs the nose of the 300 pound statue of Testudo, one of the most recognizable mascots in college football. Testudo roams the sidelines not far from the players, and along with super fan Special K, get the crowd roaring for another Maryland victory.
The biggest games on Maryland's schedule including match ups with Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin. The Terrapins also have rivalry games, in certain years, versus the West Virginia Mountaineers and Navy Midshipman. The hope for all Maryland fans is they run the table on the regular-season to earn a berth in the Big Ten Football Championship and a major bowl game. This season could be the one that Maryland breaks out.
Maryland vs. Navy
Known as the Crab Bowl Classic, this is biggest inner-state rivalry in Maryland. The two teams first played each other in 1905, and have been playing for the Crab Bowl Trophy since 2010. The Midshipmen dominated the early years of the rivalry, but the Terrapins have clawed back and hold an edge in the series since 1950. The rivalry is currently suspended on the field, with football fans in the Old Line State hoping it is brought back very soon.
Maryland vs West Virginia
When the Terrapins and Mountaineers compete on the gridiron it can mean only one thing, really good football. The two schools have played over 45 times since their first meeting in 1919, including a span of consecutive games from 1980-2007. The proximity of both schools to each other means that they compete for many of the same recruits, coaches, and students. This game is usually played earlier in the season, and is often the first major test for both schools.