By Ben Goldberg
Maryland's Campus Correspondent
TheRoadtoTampaBay.com

Consistency proved the one characteristic that eluded Maryland's football team last season. In the shutout of Wake Forest and a victory over Cal, the Terps showed they could contend for the ACC title; with a loss to Middle Tennessee and a disappointing showing against Virginia, the team looked like one that could contend for last place.

The key for 2009 will be how much the Terps are able to establish some consistency. It will be a particular challenge after losing 30 seniors from a year ago and with only eight starters returning. This is still a team that could make some noise in the Atlantic Division, or finish fifth - where they were picked in the preseason poll.

"(Coach Friedgen uses the word consistency) almost every time he talks to us. Every day. If he keeps harping on it, we'll hopefully get the message," cornerback Nolan Carroll said at the ACC Football Kickoff.

Offense

The Terrapin offense returns a host of skill players. Chris Turner looks nothing like a prototypical quarterback, but has stepped up time and time again when it matters most. After enduring quarterback battles in the past, Turner finally enters this season as the unquestioned starter. Fans hope that another year under his belt will allow Turner to play more consistently. The key will be to establish enough of a passing game to allow the ground game to take over.

Running Back Da'Rel Scott

Of course, without a solid offensive line that ground game will be limited. The line lost three starters, including All-ACC center Edwin Williams. Seniors Phil Costa and Bruce Campbell will be looked upon to guide the younger players. The success of the line will dictate the success of the running game.

Receiver has probably been the most talked about position this summer. With Darrius Heyward-Bey gone to the NFL, so is the Terps' top target. The receiving corps will have to step up, and Torrey Smith should be the one to ignite it. He was a lightning bolt in the return game last year and is nearly as explosive as Heyward-Bey. Ronnie Tyler and LaQuan Williams also have potential to play a major role this year.

Defensive Back Nolan Carroll

But the defensive side of the ball has fans worrying the most. The defense wasn't exactly a high point for the team last year and has to deal with the loss of seven starters and the transition to a new coordinator. Defensive line is still a concern. Travis Ivey is the only sure thing on the line as Jeremy Navarre and Trey Covington are gone and Dion Armstrong's status is uncertain.

The story at linebacker is similar to that of the defensive line. Most experience was lost, but there are definitely players still there. Preseason All-ACC pick Alex Wujciak returns and will be counted on to put up similar numbers to last year, when he was second in the ACC with 133 tackles.

At the ACC Football Kickoff, defensive back Carroll couldn't stop raving about the secondary. With the questions elsewhere on defense, the secondary is expected to be a strength. Kevin Barnes is gone, but the secondary is still full of big hitters. The biggest may be sophomore Kenny Tate, who Carroll compared to Virginia Tech's Kam Chancellor. Terrell Skinner and Jamari McCollough are also physically aggressive players who should give opposing defensive coordinators headaches. Don't overlook Carroll either, as he's blossomed into the leader of this defense.

Special Teams

In terms of special teams, the Terps have one of the best punters in the ACC in Travis Baltz, also a preseason All-ACC selection. Maryland must replace place-kicker Obi Egekeze. Nick Wallace appears the early favorite for the job, but don't count out Nick Ferrara or fifth-year senior David May. The return game is in solid hands with Smith, who set the ACC single-season record for kickoff return yards last season.