At University of Maryland, football fandom continues to fall

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COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: The Ohio State Buckeyes run on to the field after defeating the Maryland Terrapins during overtime at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Gary Cameron / AP
Michigan State running back Connor Heyward (11) runs for a touchdown against Maryland's Isaiah Davis (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Gary Cameron / AP
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) eludes Maryland's Antoine Brooks in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) poses for photographers with team mascot Brutus after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) reaches out to catch a touchdown against Maryland defensive back RaVon Davis, right, during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland defensive backs Antwaine Richardson, left, and Antoine Brooks Jr. chase after Illinois running back Reggie Corbin as he rushes the ball in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Illinois wide receiver Trenard Davis (15) is unable to make a catch for a touchdown in the end zone in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) rushes past a group of Illinois defenders for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland players huddle in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones, right, runs past Texas defensive back Brandon Jones for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Minnesota head coach P. J. Fleck, left, speaks with an official in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Chigoziem Okonkwo #17 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates with Brendan Moore #64 of the Maryland Terrapins after scoring against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, at right in gray, stands on the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, center, huddles with the team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie (68) walks with teammate Taivon Jacobs as he waves a flag in remembrance of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who died after collapsing on a practice field during a spring practice, after an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. Maryland won 34-29. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill throws to a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Rutgers punt returner Avery Young, left, tries to break free from Maryland long snapper Matt Oliveira in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, left, speaks with University of Maryland president Wallace Loh before an NCAA college football game between Maryland and Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State's Miles Sanders (24) gets past Maryland's Darnell Savage Jr. (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Doug McSchooler / AP
Indiana defensive back Jaylin Williams (23) and defensive back Marcelino Ball (42) battle to grab a pass intended for Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) carries the ball against Ohio State during the fourth quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ayinde Eley #16 and RaVon Davis #2 of the Maryland Terrapins dive after the fumble of J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver DJ Turner, right, rushes past Texas defensive lineman Malcolm Roach (32) and defensive back Kris Boyd (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during overtime to win at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Tony Ding / AP
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a sideline referee in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Tony Ding / AP
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz greets Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, right, before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Temple fullback Rob Ritrovato, center, celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers II, center, looks for a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-0.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) celebrates his touchdown next to tight end Luke Farrell (89) and wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) during the overtime of an NCAA football game as Maryland defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. (4) looks on at left, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game as Ohio State defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) pursues, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland offensive lineman Sean Christie, right, tackles Texas punt returner Brandon Jones in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game as Ohio State defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) pursues, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland players kneel and honor their deceased teammate Jordan McNair (79) before an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Brooke LaValley / TNS
Ohio State safety Brendon White (25) celebrates a missed pass on an attempted two-point conversion to Maryland's Jeshaun Jones (6) in overtime at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in OT. (Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, watches his team warm up before playing Michigan State in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland long snapper James Rosenberry, left, wears a helmet bearing a sticker in remembrance of offensive lineman Jordan McNair (79), who died after collapsing on a practice field during a spring practice, before an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) makes a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) lies on the end zone after he scored a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA football game against Maryland linebacker Isaiah Davis (22), Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones, left, rushes the ball against a group of Illinois defenders in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) hands the ball off to Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Brooke LaValley / TNS
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) scores a touchdown in the first half against Maryland at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Paul Sancya / AP
Maryland's Ty Johnson (24) celebrates his 98-yard touchdown return against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) carries the ball against Maryland during the second quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland, cneter, fumbles while being tackled by the Michigan State defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Talon Fleet-Davis (8) dives for a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA football game against Ohio State linebacker Tuf Borland (32), Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) fumbles the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa defensive end Anthony Nelson recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Iowa won 23-0.
Baltimore Sun Graphic
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State players run onto the field to celebrate after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Derwin Gray (55) and offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (54) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) looks for a hole in the Indiana defense as he runs the ball out of the backfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada speaks with players during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada walks on the field before an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill warms up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State players run onto the field to celebrate after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Paul Sancya / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada smiles during warmups before an NCAA football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (5) rushes the ball up the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32.
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) hands the ball off to running back Anthony McFarland (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) celebrates his rushing touchdown against Maryland during overtime at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in OT. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) watches the ball approach as he's defended by Indiana defensive back Jaylin Williams (23) who breaks up the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay scores a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland punt returner Taivon Jacobs, right, rushes past Rutgers defenders Max Anthony, left, and Zihir Lacewell in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers II walks off the field after not being able to convert for a new set of downs in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland long snapper Matt Oliveira wears a helmet bearing a sticker in remembrance of offensive lineman Jordan McNair (79), who died after collapsing on a practice field during a spring practice, before an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland running back Tayon Fleet-Davis, left, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Spectators hold signs in remembrance of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who died after collapsing on a practice field during a spring practice, before an NCAA college football game between Maryland and Temple, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland tight end Avery Edwards, right, reaches but is unable to make a catch in front of Texas linebacker Gary Johnson in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during overtime to win at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) checks over his shoulder for the Indiana defense as he rushes the ball into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa wide receiver Brandon Smith, right, celebrates with teammates after catching a 10-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins scores a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell, center right, is unable to hold onto a pass as he is tackled by Maryland defensive back Antwaine Richardson in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie waves a flag in remembrance of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who died after collapsing on a practice field during a spring practice, after an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) lies on the end zone after he scored a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA football game against Maryland linebacker Isaiah Davis (22), Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland head coach Matt Canada, right, reacts during the second half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State's Tommy Stevens (2) is chased down by Maryland's Jordan Mosley (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 24: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown in front of Jordan Mosley #18 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland, center, rumbles to the 1-yard line during overtime against Ohio State at Maryland Stadium on Saturday. McFarland had a terrific day, rushing for 298 yards and two touchdowns for the Terps. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Jonathan Newton ** Usable by LA, BS, CT, DP, FL, HC, MC, OS, SD, CGT and CCT **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Texas running back Daniel Young, left, takes a hand off from quarterback Sam Ehlinger in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger throws to a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Texas head coach Tom Herman walks on the sideline in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, left, scores a touchdown in front of Maryland defensive back Tino Ellis in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa defensive back Riley Moss, left, breaks up a pass intended for Maryland wide receiver Dontay Demus during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (17) tries to rush past Temple safety Rodney Williams in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill, center, waits to huddle with teammates in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Tony Ding / AP
Michigan wide receiver Ronnie Bell (8) makes a 22-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Paul Sancya / AP
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, talks with Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada during warmups before an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) waves to the stands as he leaves the field after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, in black, gathers with players during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Temple, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Chris Knight / AP
Maryland's Javon Leake (20) is tripped up by Penn State's Kevin Givens (30) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Derwin Gray (55) and offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (54) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates with Derwin Gray #55 of the Maryland Terrapins after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Paul Sancya / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada watches in the first half of an NCAA football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill throws to a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post
A 2-point conversion attempt sails wide of Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) in overtimeto seal the victory for Ohio State at Maryland Stadium on Saturday afternoon in College Park, Maryland. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Jonathan Newton ** Usable by LA, BS, CT, DP, FL, HC, MC, OS, SD, CGT and CCT **
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) grimaces as he is examined by team trainers after an apparent injury during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with Parris Campbell #21 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after scoring against the Maryland Terrapins during overtime at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) scores a touchdown against Ohio State cornerback Kendall Sheffield (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland defensive back Antwaine Richardson (20) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass attempt in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Jeshaun Jones #6 of the Maryland Terrapins catches a touchdown over Kendall Sheffield #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad, left, protects the ball as offensive lineman Donnell Greene, second from right, tries to keep Maryland defensive lineman Jesse Aniebonam away in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, top left, stretches for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, front, dives for yardage against Maryland linebacker Isaiah Davis (22) and linebacker Durell Nchami (30) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland defensive lineman Jesse Aniebonam (6) closes in on Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) as he throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland players celebrate in front of Texas wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey (84) after Maryland linebacker Tre Watson, second from right, intercepted a pass intended for Humphrey in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. Maryland won 34-29. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Chris Knight / AP
Maryland's Brian Cobbs (15) catches a pass against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Jeshaun Jones #6 of the Maryland Terrapins catches a touchdown over Kendall Sheffield #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) waves to the stands as he leaves the field after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Doug McSchooler / AP
Indiana running back Mike Majette (24) is brought down by Maryland defensive lineman Byron Cowart (9) as he rushes the ball into the Maryland secondary during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32.
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 24: Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tackles Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Temple running back Ryquell Armstead rushes for a first down in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Temple fullback Rob Ritrovato, center, rushes past Maryland defenders in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, center, huddles with players in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Gary Cameron / AP
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, right, throws against the Maryland defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Ohio State tight end Rashod Berry, right, tries to get away from Maryland linebacker Nnamdi Egbuaba (31) after making a catch on fourth down in overtime at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in OT. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) drops back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) looks to pass as Maryland's Tre Watson (33) applies the pressure during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) is sacked by Iowa defensive end Parker Hesse during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-0.
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 24: Tommy Stevens #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes with the ball while being chased by Antoine Brooks Jr. #25 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland running back Javon Leake is tackled by Iowa defensive back Jake Gervase (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-0.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, center, directs his players in the final moments of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State's Daniel George (86) leaps over Maryland's RaVon Davis (2) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) runs in for a touchdown in front of Maryland's Antwaine Richardson (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) is hit by Indiana linebacker Cam Jones (34), injuring his left leg on the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) reaches out to catch a touchdown against Maryland defensive back RaVon Davis, right, during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Ayinde Eley #16 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after recovering the fumble of J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) walks off the field after being injured on a play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State's KJ Hamler (1) catches a pass in front of Maryland's Darnell Savage Jr. (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland is tacked by Iowa linebacker Kristian Welch (34) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Patrick Semansky / AP
University of Maryland president Wallace Loh stands on the Maryland sideline before an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post
Ohio State safety Brendon White (25) celebrates as Maryland's 2-point conversion attempt fails in overtime on Saturday at Maryland Stadium. MUST CREDIT: Washington Post photo by Jonathan Newton ** Usable by LA, BS, CT, DP, FL, HC, MC, OS, SD, CGT and CCT **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr., left, intercepts a pass attempt intended for Texas wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, right, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. Maryland won 34-29. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 24: Ricky Slade #4 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Chris Knight / AP
Penn State's Shaka Toney (18) blocks a pass by Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Penn State won 38-3.
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) fumbles the ball into the end zone that Maryland tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (17) recovers for a touchdown after being tackled by Ohio State linebacker Pete Werner (20) and safety Brendon White (25) during the fourth quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Doug McSchooler / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada talks with officials during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones, right, looks back at Texas defensive back B.J. Foster as he runs for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
A cheerleader carries a Maryland flag across the field in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, right, before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) is tackled by Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48) and Brandon Bouyer-Randle (26) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 24: Tyrrell Pigrome #3 of the Maryland Terrapins attempts a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jahrvis Davenport scores a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Johnnie Dixon #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch past RaVon Davis #2 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill, right, fumbles as he is tackled by Temple defensive tackle Michael Dogbe in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. Maryland recovered the ball on the play. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Temple running back Jeremy Jennings, right, rushes past Maryland defensive backs Antoine Brooks Jr., bottom left, and Darnell Savage Jr. in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill, left, is sacked by Temple defensive tackle Michael Dogbe, center, and defensive end Jimmy Hogan in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Paul Sancya / AP
Michigan linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) brings down Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis, center, left, speaks with Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank on the Maryland sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game between Maryland and Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland wide receiver Darryl Jones (21) runs with the ball against Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette (3) during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Texas wide receiver D'Shawn Jamison, left, rushes the ball past Maryland defensive lineman Byron Cowart (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) rushes for a 16-yard touchdown against Ohio State during the second quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) celebrates his touchdown next to tight end Luke Farrell (89) and wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) during the overtime of an NCAA football game as Maryland defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. (4) looks on at left, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) scrambles from Maryland linebacker Mbi Tanyi (50) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Interim head coach Matt Canada of the Maryland Terrapins speaks to Tyrrell Pigrome #3 of the Maryland Terrapins during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Rutgers tight end Daevon Robinson, left, is unable to hold onto a pass attempt as he is hit by Maryland linebacker Ayinde Eley in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland players kneel and honor their deceased teammate Jordan McNair (79) before the start of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Paul Sancya / AP
Maryland defensive back Darnell Savage Jr. (4) intercepts a Michigan pass in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State tight end Rashod Berry (13) stiff arms Maryland linebacker Nnamdi Egbuaba (31) during the second half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Interim head coach Matt Canada of the Maryland Terrapins reacts during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) recovers his fumble while being pursued by Michigan State's Kenny Willekes (48) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver DJ Turner, left, rushes past Minnesota defensive back Antonio Shenault for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) runs the ball against Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett (92) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Also seen is Maryland offensive lineman Sean Christie (70). (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
A television cameraman films the first half of an NCAA college football game between Maryland and Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins is tackled by Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome (3) hands the ball off to Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) scores a touchdown against Ohio State cornerback Kendall Sheffield (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland offensive lineman Marcus Minor (72) screams in the tunnel before an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Kyle Robertson / TNS
Maryland tight end Avery Edwards (82) does a snow angel on the field after a touchdown against Ohio State during the fourth quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in overtime. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland linebacker Tre Watson tackles Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers II in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md. Watson was ejected from the game on a targeting call on the play.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada stands on the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, top left, stretches for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) lies on the end zone after he scored a touchdown during overtime of an NCAA football game against Maryland linebacker Isaiah Davis (22), Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Will Newton / Getty Images
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 17: Darryl Jones #21 of the Maryland Terrapins runs past Damon Arnette #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill throws to a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
Tre Watson #33 of the Maryland Terrapins is ejected from the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium on November 24, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania.
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins, front, dives for yardage against Maryland linebacker Isaiah Davis (22) and linebacker Durell Nchami (30) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass / AP
Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) poses for photographers with team mascot Brutus after an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland interim head coach Matt Canada, center, gestures in the final moments of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. Maryland won 34-29. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Gary Cameron / AP
Maryland receiver Dontay Demus, center, is tackled by Michigan State defenders Xavier Henderson (3) and Raequan Williams (99) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Gary Cameron)
Patrick Semansky / AP
A group of Maryland defenders tackle Illinois wide receiver Jordan Holmes as he rushes the ball in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland wide receiver Taivon Jacobs, left, catches a touchdown pass in front of Texas defensive back Kobe Boyce in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Paul Sancya / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) is brought down by Michigan linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) in the first half of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Tony Ding / AP
Michigan running back Karan Higdon (22) rushes in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill (11) throws to a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) is tackled by Iowa defensive end Chauncey Golston (57) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-0.
Nick Wass / AP
Maryland running back Anthony McFarland (5) runs the ball against Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett (92) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Also seen is Maryland offensive lineman Sean Christie (70). (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) runs between Maryland defenders Darnell Savage Jr., left, and Adam McLean, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Brooke LaValley / TNS
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) carries the ball in overtime against Maryland at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ohio State won, 52-51, in OT. (Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS **
Patrick Semansky / AP
Temple quarterback Anthony Russo throws to a receiver in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

By Jeff Barker | jeff.barker@baltsun.com

PUBLISHED: February 5, 2019 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: June 30, 2019 at 4:40 p.m.

The University of Maryland has struggled to reverse recent declines in fan interest in the football program, which underwent a turbulent 2018 season after the heatstroke death of 19-year-old player Jordan McNair, a new document shows.

Athletic event ticket sales and outside donations to the football program fell in the fiscal year ending last June 30 for the second year in a row, according to financial figures obtained in a Public Information Act request by The Baltimore Sun.

And that was before a fall season in which fewer fans filled Maryland Stadium. The university acknowledged that football ticket sales and revenue slipped last season after McNair’s death, but said it was too early to say by how much. Publicly available statistics show that home football attendance, which hovered close to 40,000 from 2015 to 2017, dropped to about 35,000.

It’s hardly the path Maryland administrators anticipated when the school joined the prestigious Big Ten Conference in 2014 with the goal of stabilizing athletic department finances, elevating the football program and rejuvenating the fan base.

“There is work to do to rebuild the financial trajectory of Maryland athletics,” university athletics spokeswoman Jessica Jennings said in response to the budget figures, which are contained in a fiscal 2018 financial report to the NCAA.

She said the Big Ten has generally placed Maryland “on a stronger financial footing” but that the university’s priorities include “increasing the number of donors supporting the annual fund and rejuvenating ticket sales.”

To balance its budget, the school relies heavily on guaranteed revenues distributed by the Big Ten to its member schools regardless of how their teams perform. The conference has lucrative television deals with ESPN and Fox Sports.

The financial reports covering 2018 and earlier show Maryland’s share amounted to $40.6 million in the last fiscal year, up from $37.3 million in 2017 and more than double the distribution it received ($19 million) in its final season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The athletics budget showed a surplus of $475,000 in the last fiscal year.

But after five Big Ten seasons, Maryland’s football ambitions have not been realized. The school left the ACC after 61 years with hopes that the more potent and football-centric Big Ten would help consistently fill Maryland Stadium’s 54,000 seats.

“The idea that we would pack the stadium forgets the fact that there is an equation there,” said former Terps basketball star Len Elmore, a lawyer and college professor who once served on the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Trustees. “You’ve got to win in order to pack the stadium, especially when you’re in an environment where there are so many other competitive professional sports. I don’t know why that part of the equation wasn’t given more weight — the fact that it takes so long to turn programs around.”

Football’s success is important because it accounts for more than one-third of athletic department revenues. Operating expenses such as coaching salaries have been steadily rising, and the university in 2017 opened the $196 million Cole Field House center, which houses a new indoor practice facility for football.

Since joining the Big Ten, Maryland’s record in conference games is 13-30, including a 3-6 record during the tumultuous 2018 season.

McNair died in June after suffering heatstroke during a May 29 conditioning drill. University President Wallace Loh has publicly said the school took “legal and moral responsibility for mistakes the training staff made” on the day McNair was hospitalized.

A consultant’s report concluded that team staff failed to immerse the offensive lineman from Randallstown in cold water, a treatment that experts say likely would have saved his life. It said more than an hour passed between the time McNair started displaying initial heatstroke symptoms and when university officials called 911.

His death sent the football program into a prolonged transition period, punctuated by coach DJ Durkin being briefly reinstated and then being dismissed Oct. 31 by Loh.

“I think it’s a deep hole, but it’s not one they’re not capable of climbing out of,” Elmore said. “I think really it’s about a culture change — it’s about admissions that were made and actions that were taken to rectify the situation.”

Loh had announced in the aftermath of the tragedy that he would retire at the end of the school year. But the university system’s Board of Regents said last week that he would remain through June 2020 while the search for a new president proceeded.

Maryland said it has been implementing a series of reforms, including 20 suggested by Rod Walters, a sports medicine consultant hired to examine what happened to McNair.

Those include new conditioning and training procedures and increases to medical training staff members and on-site cooling stations.

“We fully understand that our fans had concerns last season,” Jennings said. “Maryland athletics continues to grieve the loss of Jordan McNair, and will continue to honor his life on and off the field. We will continue to keep our community updated on our work to enhance the well-being and safety of our student-athletes across all sports and our commitment to our student-athletes.”

She said the university has been boosting its outreach efforts to donors around the state. “On ticket sales, we are listening to the feedback of our donors and fans to make changes that enhance game day experiences,” she said. For example, she said, the university has added a private group space on the football stadium’s west concourse “to offer a more tailored experience for groups.”

The athletics department said last year that it still owed the university about $43 million in what it called “internal debt” — much of it as reimbursement for the $31 million it cost to leave the ACC. The school did not provide any updated debt figures.

Maryland football has had two winning seasons since 2011.

As the team struggled on the field, outside contributions to football fell from $2.3 million to $1.9 million from the 2017 to 2018 fiscal years, and donations to athletics overall decreased from $12.2 million to $11.7 million, according to the documents.

Ticket sales revenue from all sporting events went from $15.2 million to $14.7 million. After declining sharply to $6.6 million in the 2017 fiscal year, football ticket sales rose to $6.9 million the following year before declining again last fall in the first part of the 2019 fiscal year, according to the university.

The $6.9 million total barely surpassed the $6.4 million the team recorded in its final season in the ACC.

The financial documents obtained by The Sun contain a more detailed accounting of department revenue and expenses than is generally available. The most recent report, covering the fiscal year ending last June, was dated Jan. 15.

College football attendance has been declining nationwide. It fell more than 3 percent in 2017 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, the top level of college football that includes Maryland. The NCAA hasn’t released the 2018 figures.

“The trends were already starting to show when Maryland became a full-fledged [Big Ten] member in 2014,” said Karen Weaver, a sports management professor at Drexel University who has been a Big Ten coach and athletics administrator. “We’ve made it way too comfortable for people to watch any game they want at home.”

Weaver said Maryland also faced a problem competing for wins — and attention — in the Big Ten with traditional powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan.

“For a long time the conference was called the Big Two and the Little Eight,” Weaver said. While it has since expanded to 14 members, “Maryland has become one of those [little] teams,” she said.

In December, Maryland hired Michael Locksley, a former Alabama and Terps assistant, as head coach. Locksley is from the area and is known as a strong local recruiter.

“We have an opportunity to build something great here, and I am a builder by nature,” Locksley said. “It will take some hard work. It will take the community getting behind the team, but I have faith in our future.”

At University of Maryland, football fandom…

At University of Maryland, football fandom continues to fall

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