Terrapins Say Their Rushing Defense Is Finally Up to Speed

"There was a thousand things going on at once, and you're trying to chase down two of the best runners in the country," Moore said. "It was quite a handful."

Cosh took the brunt of the heat for that unmitigated disaster, which resonated the entire season. Even as the defense steadied as the season unfolded -- despite continued inconsistencies against the run -- the first-year defensive coordinator remained a favorite target on the Internet message boards.

"The thing that game taught is how to persevere," Cosh said. "We came through tough times, we hung together and at the end of that game, we were still competing."

For the remainder of last season, the Terrapins emphasized open-field tackling, a push that continued into this season. Coach Ralph Friedgen even has included live tackling drills in practice this week, which he did not do leading up to the game last season.

Through Maryland's first two games of the season, Friedgen said the defense has shown a marked improvement in tackling. The maligned run defense also has turned in encouraging performances. Dating from the Champs Sports Bowl against Purdue last year, Maryland hasn't allowed an opponent to rush for more than 100 yards.

"I'm just looking big-picture-wise," Cosh said. "I think we pursue the ball better; our effort in pursuing the ball and I think our assignments are a lot better. There haven't been as many mental errors thus far in the season. We want to keep building on that."

The complexion of Maryland's defensive unit also has changed since last year's debacle. Henderson has since emerged as a force from his inside linebacker position, leading the Terrapins in tackles after coming into form midway through last season. The addition of Adrian Moten, Moise Fokou and Dave Philistin has added an element of quickness missing from the Terrapins' defense a year ago.

"I think we have a little more speed than we've had in the past," Friedgen said. "I think we have a little more depth. We're playing more guys."

This season, Cosh has made several changes to the defense in an effort to disrupt opposing teams' game plans. He hopes the changes also can make Maryland's blitz packages more difficult to anticipate.

In addition, Henderson said a year of experience together has helped improve the unit's cohesiveness, another issue that came to the forefront against the Mountaineers last season.

"I think that's the biggest thing," he said. "Knowing that the guy next to you will be there when you need him to be there."