In their hands

The Terrapin football team will focus only on what it can control this week.

The mantra was echoed time and time again yesterday in the first media availability for players since reports surfaced that the Athletics Department might be considering buying out the remaining two years of coach Ralph Friedgen's contract. The coaching staff declined to comment on the rumors, while players supported their coaches but remained firm in their focus on Saturday's Senior Day game against Boston College.

Athletics Director Debbie Yow visited the team Monday, assuring the team no decisions had been made. Still, the media reports have found their way into the Terp locker room.

"Really, right now, there's a lot of confusion going around," senior fullback Cory Jackson said. "A lot of the players who are in the system are just wondering, ‘Am I going to have the same coach next year? Is [offensive coordinator and coach-in-waiting James] Franklin going to be the coach?'"

Linebacker Alex Wujciak added, "It's hard to block stuff out, especially with all the stuff that's going on in the media. But I think our coaches, especially Coach Friedgen, he keeps telling us he knew what he was getting into when he took this job and to let him deal with those situations."

Friedgen, Franklin and defensive coordinator Don Brown remained tight-lipped on the issue, though each addressed a number of questions about the future for the young Terps (2-9, 1-6 ACC). While responding to a question about fans canceling season ticket packages, Friedgen launched into an emotional diatribe, reaching the conclusion that, "We took our lumps this year, but we won't be taking our lumps next year."

Saturday will mark the conclusion of the worst season since 1997 for the Terps. Friedgen, in his ninth season at the helm, will miss a bowl game for just the third time. Still, reports have indicated the Athletics Department may be looking into buying out the two years and more than $4 million remaining in his contract, and The Washington Post reported finances are not an issue.

Karel Petraitis is a Gold-Level member of the Maryland Gridiron Network, a Terp football fundraising program. She recalled rooting for the Terps in her childhood at a time when the Terps had a 16-game losing streak extending from 1966 into 1968.

"I'm not the athletic director; I'm not in the Athletics Department. But I just believe he should be allowed to finish his contract," Petraitis said. "That's just my view. I am a Maryland supporter, and I will continue to be a Maryland supporter either way."

Jackson, the team's only fourth-year starter, noted that coaching changes in recent seasons — the Terps brought in new defensive and special teams coordinators this year after signing Franklin last season — still might need time to develop. He had confidence, even as he prepared for his final game at Byrd Stadium on Saturday, in the program's future.

The rumors, though, are of no help to the present.

"The coaches, I think, for a little while — even they hear things, and they're wondering," Jackson said. "They have to worry about their families. And that's where it really becomes tough because there's a lot of good guys on this staff, and you'd hate to see them have to find a job. It's a tough time to find a job. It just would be ugly. I don't think that's what's needed right now."

It's unknown how Saturday's game, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPNU, will effect Friedgen's status with the program. Yow and Athletics Department officials have repeatedly stated they will not address the issue until after the season is over and they've met with Friedgen, as is standard practice for all university teams.

What is clear, though, is the Terps need a win. Whether it's to send the 14-player senior class out on a good note, to build momentum for next season or simply to remember what winning feels like, the Terps made it clear that beating Boston College (7-4, 4-3) is a top priority.

To do that, they will have to balance the health of their two quarterbacks, Chris Turner and Jamarr Robinson, with in-game experience. Turner has missed the past two games after a Nov. 7 MCL injury, while Robinson performed admirably last week in a loss to Florida State but suffered a leg injury. Friedgen said Robinson is probable and Turner is questionable for the game.

Should neither be able to play, Friedgen would burn the redshirt of one of his true freshmen quarterbacks, Danny O'Brien or C.J. Brown, essentially losing a full season in exchange for a game at the end of a losing year.

The 62-year-old coach said he'd rather not use either.

"Right now, I would trade a lot for a win — maybe you," Friedgen said, laughing as he referred to a veteran reporter. "Whatever it takes. Right now, I want to see our kids get a win."

ajoseph@umdbk.com