Notebook: Friedgen 'not disappointed in the Military Bowl'

As Terrapin football coach Ralph Friedgen fielded questions yesterday at a Military Bowl press conference in Washington, he downplayed the program's disappointment with what is considered a low bowl selection.

Even if playing at RFK Stadium isn't the kind of postseason the Terps desired, Friedgen said, it's a bowl game nonetheless.

"We're not disappointed in the Military Bowl," Friedgen said. "They picked us. A lot of people didn't pick us. That's the people we got issues with. We're very happy to be here. There are some teams that were 8-4 that didn't get picked for a bowl, so we feel very fortunate, and we're very excited."

While several players expressed frustration with the selection process this weekend, Friedgen said time has helped them deal with the reality of the situation.

"I feel better about our kids right now," Friedgen said. "I think there was an immediate reaction, but steam came out yesterday — I think that helped. Just talking to them and letting them understand that we can be a part of something special here at the first annual Military Bowl, and that the time that they have here is an enjoyable one and a productive one, I think will really resonate throughout the country at what we could have here."

With low ticket sales at Byrd Stadium widely considered the reason for the Terps' placement in the Military Bowl, Friedgen bristled at the notion that bowl organizers had expected a low bowl attendance turnout among Terp fans.

"Our fans have traditionally traveled to bowl games, especially on the East Coast," Friedgen said. "We sold the Orange Bowl out my first year; we sold the Gator Bowl out; we filled our allotment to the Peach Bowl; we filled our allotment to the Champs Sports Bowl. This year, attendance wasn't what it's been, but it was still a lot higher than what it was my first year."

Friedgen stressed the need for fans to support the team in the Military Bowl, despite its limited appeal for Washington-area supporters.

"I think we've got a chance to send a message to these people that turned us down that we do support bowl games," Friedgen said. "This is right in our backyard. And East Carolina is going to show up. If we really care about our football program, our fans need to show up also and again make this bowl game really what we all want it to be."

n FRIEDGEN SPEAKS ON SCOOTERS

Three days after cornerback Dexter McDougle was lost for the season after breaking his collarbone in a scooter accident, Friedgen took a stand against the use of the vehicles by the team.

"I am sending a letter out to our parents recommending that they support me on this," Friedgen said at the conference yesterday. "Obviously, you don't like to lose people on the field. Now, we're losing people off the field. It doesn't help you."

McDougle was riding on a scooter driven by defensive end Isaiah Ross on Saturday when the two crashed. Though Ross was not hurt, McDougle's injury is expected to require surgery. Friedgen said the redshirt freshman will likely miss spring practice.

"A couple parents have already called me and said they're taking scooters away from their kids," Friedgen said. "If I had the authority to do it, I would. I don't think I have that authority, so I have to rely on the support of my parents."

schneider@umdbk.com