For Terrapins fans hoping to know who would be starting at quarterback when Maryland hosts Clemson next Saturday, they'll be disappointed to learn that both Danny O'Brien and C.J. Brown are listed as the No. 1 QB on the depth chart in this week's recently released game guide. Head coach Randy Edsall tweeted the news Monday afternoon. I am not sure what precedent there is, if any, of coaches listing two players atop the depth chart like that, or if there are any rules that prohibit coaches from doing such a thing. But one has to assume that Edsall is just forcing Clemson to prepare for both O'Brien and Brown during their preparations this week.
Edsall's decision was not made any easier during the Terps' Week 6 loss to Georgia Tech. O'Brien and Brown were both awful in the 21-16 defeat. O'Brien got the start but was removed before halftime after completing just 1-of-6 passes for 17 yards and an interception. Brown didn't fare much better in the passing game, completing fewer than 25 percent of his passing attempts (4-17) for 36 yards. He too threw an interception. He did however provide a spark in the running game. He amassed 124 yards and one touchdown on nine rushing attempts, highlighted by his 77-yard scamper that cut Georgia Tech's lead to 21-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Considering how poorly both were from the pocket, it's easy to understand why Edsall is hesitant to commit to one or the other as he prepares his team for their toughest test of the year against Clemson. One thing is certain though: if the Terps are to have any chance of pulling off the upset and climbing back into contention in the Atlantic division of the ACC, they'll have to get better quarterback play from whomever lines up at center against the Tigers.