University of Maryland Football
With Guilian Gary
Wide Receiver
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001; 12:30 p.m. EST

On Jan. 2 the sixth-ranked University of Maryland Terrapins will go up against fifth-ranked Florida in the Orange Bowl, Maryland's first appearance in a major bowl game since 1977.

University of Maryland wide receiver Guilian Gary was online to discuss the team, their 10-1 season and the Orange Bowl.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Baltimore, Md.: Hey Guilian, congratulations on the great year! I was wondering, what do you think about Shaun Hill's progress this year?

Guilian Gary : I feel that Shaun has come a long way in this offense. He improved more and more as the season went on.

Washington, D.C.: What are your thoughts on the Orange Bowl? How do you see the game playing out?

Guilian Gary : We are extremely happy that we are going to The Orange Bowl. The Gators are a high powered offensive team and our defense is up for anything they have.

Arlington, Va.: When the season started did you think that Maryland would make it this far?

Guilian Gary : When the season started our goal was to make it to a bowl game. Little did we know that it would be The Orange Bowl!!

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Congradulations on the great season! I will be at the Orange Bowl in the front row if possible! Do you think you have gotten the respect nationally that you deserve? GO TERPS FEAR THE TURTLE!

Guilian Gary : I feel that we have gotten respect, but there are still many people out there who don't know what the TERPS can do.

College Park, Md.: Great Season, you guys have really made the students and all Terp fans proud! Do you think yourself and Jafar will be able to get open and make big plays downfield against the speedy Florida defense?

Guilian Gary : I feel that the scheme that we have will help us have big plays. Bruce will keep the defense honest, by honoring his abilities.

Baltimore, Md.: Hey Guilian, did you have any idea Bruce Perry would have the impact he did?

Guilian Gary : Yes, we knew. Bruce was a good back since his freshman year, but Lamont was just better. Now he has come into his own and we are very happy that he has.

Baltimore, Md.: Hey Guilian, how does Byrd Stadium compare with other stadiums around the league?

Guilian Gary : Byrd statium was at it's best when we played Clemson. The atmosphere was great and we were thankful that our fans showed their support.

Somewhere, USA: Two questions --

Has the team practiced differently for this game?

What is the atmosphere in the locker room?

Guilian Gary : We are having very focused practices and the atmosphere is lively. We are all exited to play this game.

Alexandria, Va.: How many hours a week do you spend on football, and does that time affect your academic performance?

Guilian Gary : The amount of time that we spend with football high, but they make sure we have time to complete our assignments. We also have studyhall for atleast eight hours a week.

Delray, Va.: Do you think that your ranking is appropriate or should you be higher in the standings?

Guilian Gary : We know that the rankings will change after our game. That is when the rankings will matter to us.

washingtonpost.com:

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