The Military Bowl between University of Maryland and East Carolina University gets under way today at 5 pm with lots of pregame and tailgating activities beforehand.
It will be an emotional day for Ralph Fridgen, coach for Maryland, who was fired as head coach, but will coach in today's Bowl game.
“I have had 23 years of blood sweat and tears on the field. Today could be the last time I am on that field (College Park) ever.
Despite the dismal coaching future for Friedgen he said the team and fans have been supportive.
“There have been so many emails, texts and phone calls. I appreciate the support and kind words from so many people. I had no idea the kind of support I was going to get. There is a lot going on in my mind. There are just a lot of things going on right now", said Friedgen during a press conference for today's game.
“Playing in RFK, I don’t know how much it will do with me, as much as it has to do with the team. We are playing a very good opponent. We should have a good crowd, especially if the weather is good. I think it will be a very productive bowl game for everyone involved."
Especially for Maryland's senior standout wide receiver, and NFL hopeful, Torrey Smith who, just like his team mates hopes that Maryland comes out with a win for the team, and coach Friedgen.
“The desire to win for coach is something that is understood. We are expecting to win, but we know it is going to be a tough game.”
Same sentiments for rival East Carolina.
“We know they are going to come out and try to win it for Coach Friedgen and send him out with a victory, just the way we want to win for Coach McNeill, send him out on top, and end the season with a win.”
Two rivals wanting the same thing, should make for a pretty good game.
The Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman has been held in Washington, D.C.'s historic RFK Stadium since 2008 and for the initial two years was entitled the EagleBank Bowl. Organized by the DC Bowl Committee, Inc. and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority, the Military Bowl serves as a premier regional event benefiting the USO. With first-rate participants and events, the Military Bowl seeks to generate broad support for the USO, positively impact the regional economy, honor the U.S. military and solidify the nation's capital as a leading college football destination.
For more visit militarybowl.com.
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