Friedgen Critics Should Chill Out

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RALPH FRIEDGEN is not the only coach in this area feeling the heat.

He is, however, the only one with a track record of winning.

It's important to keep this in mind during what appears to be a dreadful season for the University of Maryland.

The Terrapins (1-2) are lucky to have a win this season despite facing would-be patsies James Madison and Middle Tennessee State in consecutive weeks.

A three- or four-win year is not out of the question, leaving many to already debate whether Friedgen should be asked to return for a 10th season.

Such talk means it's time to call in the perspective police.

The almost-larger-than-life Terps coach entered the season with a 64-32 record, good enough for a .562 winning percentage. That would be higher than Bobby Ross' average at College Park, the last time Maryland was competitive before "The Fridge" was installed as head coach.

Friedgen's enjoyed five winning seasons, and even if his biggest success came with Ron Vanderlinden's recruits, there's no doubt he got more out of those players than his predecessor would have.

Eight wins per season seems about right for Maryland, which isn't going to compete for a national title.

That doesn't excuse this terrible season. It does, however, suggest Friedgen has earned the right to see whether he can avoid two such years in a row.

Photo By Tracy A. Woodward/TWP