There have been some painful moments along the way, but DJ Durkin's first season as a major college head coach has gone pretty much as expected, and that's a good thing.
The Maryland Terps wrapped up their Big Ten schedule with a 31-13 victory over Rutgers at Maryland Stadium and became bowl-eligible by evening their record at 6-6. Considering what Durkin inherited when he was hired last December, he couldn't have asked for much more than the chance to win a bowl game and finish year one with a winning record.
And while we're considering, that opportunity has come despite losing star defensive back Will Likely to a season-ending knee injury in mid-October and with starting quarterback Perry Hills in and out of the lineup with injuries to both shoulders.