Maryland Terrapins
2001 record: 10-2 (7-1)
Coach: Ralph Friedgen (second season, 10-2)
Starters returning: 8 offense, 5 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: We know how good Ralph Friedgen can be with second-hand players. Now we find out how good he can be with a second-hand quarterback.

After guiding former coach Ron Vanderlinden's players to the Orange Bowl last season, Friedgen goes for an encore with uncertainty at the key position in his wide-open attack. With former starter Shaun Hill graduated and projected starter Chris Kelley out with a knee injury, quarterback candidates include West Virginia transfer Scott McBrien and junior college transfer Orlando Evans.

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Tailback Bruce Perry and four returning linemen give the new quarterback a solid base, and the defense will be keyed by All-American linebacker E.J. Henderson.

Key game: So, Maryland football is here to stay? Show the country in the season opener, Aug. 31 against Notre Dame in the Meadowlands, a chance not only to set the stage for another postseason run -- but also the first chance to gain some confidence after being throttled in the Orange Bowl by Florida.

Keep an eye on: After washing out at quarterback, Latrez Harrison was moved to receiver and was extremely impressive in the spring. He has great size (6-4, 220 pounds) and athletic ability, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. If he has hands to match, he'll play in the NFL.

It's a good year if. . .: The Terps can keep alive their momentum from last season and find their way to another bowl game. Maryland football could be awesome under Friedgen, but his second season is a precarious one -- and vital for the program's direction.

Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer.