Da Rel Scott

If pundits and fans were optimistic before the season, it was largely because of Maryland's speed. But - with the exception of Darrius Heyward-Bey's long run against Clemson - the Terps haven't been taking advantage of this asset the past few games. Heyward-Bey had no catches against Virginia. Da'Rel Scott's longest run in the game was 12 yards. (For more, go to baltimoresun.com/terpsblog)

COLLEGE PARK - So much about Maryland seemed new. There was a new season to celebrate, a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback rotation and a flashy new starter at tailback. Maryland's red-clad fans were primed to rejoice in the novelty of it all, to embrace a win inside a stadium that is getting new suites and new seating. What the fans got instead yesterday was an uncomfortably close 14-7 victory against a Delaware team that got shoved around on the field - yielding 197 rushing yards by new Maryland starter Da'Rel Scott - but managed to keep the contest close.

College Park - It should have been only a quarterback "competition," and a settled one, for that matter. Maryland picks Jordan Steffy, he plays three quarters against Delaware in the season opener, he sits in the fourth quarter in favor of Chris Turner and the Terps hold on, 14-7. But no, it couldn't have been that easy in College Park. Not the game against a team from the former Division I-AA. And not the quarterback competition. No, it had to become a "controversy." There could be a million reasons Ralph Friedgen took Steffy out with 12:08 left yesterday and put Turner in. The one given, though, smelled fishy.

COLLEGE PARK -- Morgan Green was looking for a breakout game in last year's Red-White spring contest to propel him into the 2007 season. Instead, he suffered a break. Vying to start at tailback for Maryland this season, Green fractured his collarbone during the game a year ago after leading the White team in rushing. The injury, which required surgery, dampened what had been a promising spring. A year later, the outlook is different for the tailback from Charles County as the Terrapins play the Red-White game this afternoon at Byrd Stadium.