shutout of NC State allowed the Terrapins to qualify for postseason play for the fifth time in Friedgen's seven seasons. On December 28, Maryland played Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl and scored on the first drive. The Terrapins eventually lost, 21–14. 2008 season Maryland entered the 2008 season with 30 senior players, the largest class since Friedgen took over as head coach in 2001.Patrick Stevens, Terps' seniors seek a proper send off , The Washington Times, December 30, 2008. Despite the experienced team, expectations were low and the ACC's preseason poll projected Maryland to finish fifth among the six teams in the Atlantic Division. At the end of summer training, and amidst some controversy, senior Jordan Steffy was named the starting quarterback over junior Chris Turner who had finished the 2007 campaign atop the depth chart. In the season-opener, Maryland used all three of its quarterbacks to edge Division I FCS Delaware, 14–7. The following week, the Terrapins were beaten decisively by Middle Tennessee State, 24–14, and some pundits predicted Friedgen was on the coaching "hot seat" and that his job was in peril.Could Friedgen really be on the hot seat? , Rivals.com, August 19, 2008, retrieved February 2, 2009. Maryland rebounded to record wins against four Top-25 ranked opponents. In week twelve, the Terrapins possessed a 7–3 record and were ranked first in the Atlantic Division with two regular season games remaining. Maryland lost both, however, and the team's standing fell. The Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho selected the Terrapins to play the Western Athletic Conference's number-two team, Nevada. In an offensive shoot-out against the nation's number-five offensive team, Maryland triumphed with a final result of 42–35. The Terrapins posted an 8–5 (4–4 ACC) record and Friedgen extended his postseason tally to 4–2, with twice as many bowl wins as any other coach in school history. 2009 season The Terrapins finished the season 2–10, with narrow victories against the James Madison Dukes and Clemson Tigers. Turnovers, a lack of talent, injuries, inexperience, and poor offensive line play were cited as causes for the poor season. Friedgen's job security was questioned, but with a $1.75 million salary, there was some question as to whether the University of Maryland could afford to buy out his remaining contract. According to contracts, Friedgen was to retire after the 2011 season and James Franklin would have become the new head coach. The Baltimore