Turner '50-50' for season finale; Scott to return for FSU

Terrapin football coach Ralph Friedgen put his cards on the table yesterday, announcing quarterback Chris Turner will miss Saturday's game at Florida State, leaving Jamarr Robinson to start for the second straight week.

Last week, Friedgen danced around providing a definitive answer the entire week. Turner was listed as ‘doubtful' on the official injury report released before the Virginia Tech game, with coaches and players darting around the topic, uncertain of Turner's recovery from an MCL injury sustained in a loss at N.C. State two weeks ago.

Robinson has yet to lead the Terps to an offensive touchdown in six-plus quarters since Turner's injury. And Friedgen continues to leave open the possibility of burning Danny O'Brien's redshirt if Robinson continues to struggle.

But despite the offense producing just one field goal in Saturday's 36-9 loss to Virginia Tech — the defense scored the other six points on a fumble recovery in the end zone — Friedgen did not place blame or dissatisfaction on Robinson, who rushed for 129 yards and threw for 104 more, producing all but 3 yards of the Terps' offense.

"Some guys gotta make some plays for him, too," Friedgen said. "[Robinson] put the ball in some spots where it was possible to make the play. That would have increased not only his confidence, but the offense as a whole's confidence. I wasn't disappointed with him at all. I'll tell you, the plays that we made were because of Jamarr."

Teammates have supported Robinson since it was suggested he might play in occasional packages before Turner went down with an injury. And several Terps said Robinson has shown command in the pocket and chemistry is not an issue.

"We've been practicing with him since the summer," wide receiver Adrian Cannon said. "We all know each other. That's the least of my concerns. I have the most confidence in him."

• SCOTT TO PRACTICE FULL CONTACT TODAY

Friedgen also announced yesterday running back Da'Rel Scott would be practicing full-contact starting today. The junior and 2008 All-ACC first-teamer has missed the last five games since breaking his wrist against Clemson.

He will be wearing a brace on his left arm, but Friedgen said the brace allows him to use his hands, and Scott hadn't struggled with catching in practice Monday.

Since Scott's injury, the combination of Davin Meggett, Caleb Porzel and Gary Douglas has averaged just 54.8 yards per game on the ground, culminating in zero yards on six carries by Terp running backs against Virginia Tech. The team also hasn't won a game.

"I think you look at our run production since he's been out, it's been down significantly," Friedgen said. "We were trying to get a big play out of Porzel. Da'Rel gives you that big-play opportunity because of his feet. He had some plays against Florida State last year where he busted through. ... If we can get him back and he's able to secure the football and be able to function, I think it would be a help."

ajoseph@umdbk.com