Maryland football quarterback Danny O'Brien wasted no time in making a bold proclamation at the 2011 ACC Kickoff in North Carolina on Sunday. When asked about the Terps' chances this season, O'Brien laid it all on the line. Via InsideMDSports.com:
O'Brien certainly spoke with a veteran's confidence Sunday at the ACC Kickoff media function, repeatedly setting a firm bar for Maryland's 2011 campaign.
"The goal is ACC title or bust," O'Brien said. "Anything short of that is a failure as a season for us, despite any circumstances."
An ACC championship would be quite an accomplishment. Maryland finished 9-4 last season and 5-3 in the ACC, finishing one game behind Florida State for the Atlantic Division crown. Had they won the division, they would have faced undefeated Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. They'll have to bounce back this year without all-world wide receiver Torrey Smith, though they do have a lot of returning players.
Still, Florida State is better, Virginia Tech is outstanding as always and you have to fear Miami, among other teams. You have to like O'Brien's confidence, but winning the ACC would be a very tall order.
For more on the 2011 ACC Football Kickoff, visit Testudo Times.