NAVY vs. MARYLAND 2010

Navy has announced an agreement has been reached with the University of Maryland to play in the season opener in 2010. The game will be played on September 4, 2010 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Mids and Terps staged a memorable game in 2005, with Navy falling 23-20. The game was sold out as 67,809 looked on.

There had been reports that the 2010 contest might not take place, but both schools realize the economic value of the game, as well as the terrific boost it will give both programs locally in terms of media coverage and promotion.

"The game in 2005 was a memorable event and terrific game," said NavalAcademy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Everyone enjoyed theatmosphere and a rematch certainly seems in order. M&T Bank Stadium is afirst-class venue and we appreciate the Baltimore Ravens organization andits help in making this game possible.

The Baltimore Ravens may be the best NFL team to deal with in terms of putting on an event. It hasn't been long since both sides went to the Ravens and the MSA, and this deal took place relatively quick once in got to those two groups. The Ravens are first class in hosting events like this as they have with the 2005 matchup and as hosts of the Army-Navy and Navy-Notre Dame games.

"This game is special to many Marylanders and we are pleased it will beplayed in the 2010 season," said Maryland Director of Athletics Deborah A.Yow.There are still many people locally who don't realize Navy plays Championship Subdivision football, and many are shocked to find they lead all of the Championship Subdivision in rushing. ( I Hate saying that)

Navy is seeking its fifth straight bowl game, while the Terps are coming off an appearence in the Champs Sports Bowl. Both teams have four wins, with Navy's road to six slightly easier. Both teams have been hit by serious injuries and shows how well coached they are to still be in contention despite major issues. Who knows who will be left for the Terps to suit up at season's end, maybe they can dress my colleague Heather Dinich from the Baltimore Sun, she may have some eligibility.

Navy has been one of the best stories in college football and one of the hottest properties. The Mids have been able to secure Bowl tie-ins well in advance over the past couple of season due to the tremendous world wide fan support the Mids have. Navy has been popular on the West Coast, plaing in San Diego, San Franciscom and headed back to San Diego this year if they get to six wins. The Mids host Delaware at 1pm Saturday on CSTV, with Scott Zolakm a former Terp, joining me for the broadcast. Yes, that was a plug.

How good each team will be in 2010 remains to be seen, one can only hope both Paul Johnson and Ralph Friedgen are still at both posts. Either way, for once the fan will be the winner in this case, and in a lot of cases in sports lately, thats not the case.