MIAMI, FL - Maybe they're just getting spoiled, but Maryland fans want more. This team was ranked #1 after beating USC in LA, and after losing 2 in a row rolled off their last 11 to finish 12-2 and ranked #4 in the country. The win over Iowa was the 4th game in a row that the Terps were simply dominant. Of those four opponents, only Iowa put up a serious challenge, driving down the field in the 3rd quarter with a chance to tie the game at 21. But Maryland DT Todd Strong swatted a pass into the air and CB Brian Williams caught it by his shoestrings to get the turnover in the redzone. The Terps turned that turnover into a field goal for a 24-14 lead going into the 4th. Tony Ortiz sealed the game with a beautiful run up the middle for a 32 yard touchdown with under 2 minutes to play.

Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Leslie had his worst game of the season, gaining only 72 yards on 24 carries. The Maryland faithful can only hope that his underwhelming bowl performance combined with a chance to win a National Championship will bring Leslie back for his senior season. Maryland losses only 4 seniors, the biggest being QB Jeremy Ricker. Six weeks ago that would have sounded good, but Ricker really came on in his last 5 games as the Terrapin starter. There are several juniors who could very well opt for the draft, so we will see if the chance for a championship run will keep the team together.

NCAA NOTES: Maryland rival #2 West Virginia won the National Championship over #1 UCLA with a stunning 4th quarter comeback, 29-24. The Mountaineers outscored the Bruins 20-0 in the 4th and won the game on a 67 yard TD pass with 13 seconds left. The early season Maryland/West Virginia game could very well be a 1/2 matchup in 2011.