MashGet

Never before has a Ralph Friedgen-coached Maryland team entered the final month of the regular season under these circumstances: The Terrapins likely will be underdogs in all four remaining games, and they have to win all of them to become eligible for a bowl game.

An abundance of turnovers, sacks and injuries have sapped much of the drama out of the final third of Maryland's season, but coaches and players returned from a bye week with renewed optimism. They insist that the team has shown gradual improvement -- specifically in pass protection and on defense -- and cling to hope of a strong finish.