The problem with winning 10 games and reaching a BCS bowl in the ACC is that if you're not Florida State, people look at you funny. They say the only reason you won is because the Seminoles had a down year.

Luck. A fluke. No way it happens again.

"Everyone has us down as a one-hit wonder and we're motivated to prove people wrong," said Maryland OL Todd Wike. "We did achieve a lot last season, but we're not complacent."

Nor should they be. This is a program that had just two winning seasons and one bowl appearance since 1990. Until last year, the Terps had a winning streak longer than three games only twice (1995 and 1985). Coincidentally, 1985 was the last time they won the ACC. And for those scoring at home, the Terps went 5-5-1 the following season.

	Bruce Perry's 1,242 rushing yards helped Maryland win its first ACC title since 1985.

"Every year is a new year," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. "Anytime you have a 10-win season, it's a special season, but last year is over. Will we do it again? We'll see. The odds are probably against us."

That's what they said last year, as well. So determined not to have a let down, the players talked about things in the offseason. They talked about expectations. They talked about work. Mostly, they talked about not being a blip on the ACC screen.

"It's about an attitude. Everyone expects more now," Wike said. "We're setting the expectations higher and now we have to live up to them."

At least Maryland is off to a good start. The Terps return the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year (RB Bruce Perry), the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year (LB E.J. Henderson) and the ACC and national Coach of the Year (Ralph Friedgen).

Perry, a Doak Walker Award finalist last year, led the team with 1,242 yards and 10 TDs and hauled in a team-best 40 receptions as well. Armed with four starters from the line from last year, Perry could top those marks, which will help offset question at quarterback.

Defensively, Henderson, an All-American, is recovering from back surgery, but should return in time to anchor an inexperienced defense.

Either way, the players are trying to avoid being compared to the Baha Men, Vanilla Ice, Los Del Rio or any other one-hit wonders.

"We're not getting a lot of respect," Henderson said. "It's motivating. People still don't believe so we're going to have to do it again."

Joe Wojciechowski is the college football editor at ESPN.com. He can be reached at joseph.j.wojciechowski@espn3.com.