e to say what qualities he brings, hes one of the best defen

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- DJ Durkin knew it would take some time for him to build Maryland into a team that can compete with the top schools in the Big Ten.Theres no telling how long it will take, because it became quite clear last weekend that a substantial gap exists between the Terrapins and the teams theyre trying to emulate.Coming off a humbling 59-3 loss at Michigan, Maryland now must prepare for No. 6 Ohio State at home Saturday.Thats a tough order for any team, let alone a youth-laden squad in its first year under a coach with a long-term plan for success.Its all a work in progress, and were going to continue down that road, Durkin said Tuesday. Weve bounced back from some tough things throughout this season.The Terrapins (5-4, 2-4) rebounded from an ugly home loss to Minnesota last month with a victory over Michigan State. But every one of their wins this season have come Perry Hills at quarterback, and his status for Saturday is up in the air after he reinjured his right shoulder in the second quarter at Michigan.Hes day to day. Thats the real answer, Durkin said. I trust Perry. Hell tell you how he really feels. Were not going to put him in harms way if its bad for him or our team.Hills first hurt his shoulder against Penn State and missed the Minnesota game. He returned to beat Michigan State and put up 36 points against Indiana in a loss two weeks ago.With or without him, the Terrapins are going to have trouble against Ohio State (8-1, 5-1). The Buckeyes put it all together last week in a 62-3 rout of then-No. 10 Nebraska and have totaled 101 points against Maryland over the past two seasons.Its another great opportunity, Terps receiver Levern Jacobs said. Theyre a great team and playing at a high level right now. Were definitely going to have to bring our A-game.Even that might not be good enough against the Buckeyes. Maryland gave up touchdowns on each of Michigans first five possessions and never had a chance after reaching halftime in a 35-0 hole.Thats the kind of thing that happens to a team that has started five true freshmen and employed 15 overall.In a normal year, youre probably not playing 15 freshmen, Durkin said. Some guys are in an unfair position right now. Theyre being forced to play and asked to perform, and theyre probably not quite ready. But thats OK. Theyll get ready, and theyll be that much more ready as we go forward.Durkin believes that the development of the underclassmen, combined with a few good recruiting classes, will enable Maryland to hold its down with the conference elite.Well close that gap and move forward, Durkin said. The team weve got right now, weve got a group of guys who know how to win. We havent done that at a consistent basis. But when were all playing together and doing the right thing, I think were a tough matchup for anyone.That, unfortunately, was not the case at Michigan.Weve got to get better, defensive tackle Azubuike Ukandu said. Thats not good enough to beat teams like that.---More AP college football at www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25.Cheap Football Jerseys . Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. Wholesale NFL Store .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. http://www.jerseyschinanfl.com/ . Instead of dwelling on the negative, Oates focused on what was good about the clubs recent play. It worked. Wholesale Jerseys NFL . -- Anaheim Ducks defenceman Luca Sbisa will be out at least six weeks with a torn tendon in his right hand. NFL Gear From China . JOHNS, N.Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph has been ruled out for up to seven weeks with an Achilles injury, but skipper Vincent Kompany returns to the squad for the Super Sunday visit of Tottenham.It is the second time this season that Delph has suffered a serious injury - he missed much of September and October with a hamstring problem that he picked up on England duty.However, better news for boss Manuel Pellegrini is that captain Kompany and midfielder David Silva return to the squad for the Premier League showdown with Spurs at the Etihad. Kompanys last comeback from injury, on Boxing Day, lasted just 10 minutes when he came off against Sunderland with a recurrence of his troublesome calf injury.I think that every player that will play the game must be 100 per cent, said Pellegrini.Vincent is working the last three weeks without any problems. He played 45 minutes in a friendly with the U21s so I think that he is ready now to play. Vincent Kompany is available for the clash with Tottenham Delph is worse as he has a problem with his Achilles tendon. He needs six or seven weeks to recover.Its difficult with so many injuries in the same position. Unfortunately, thats part of the season and we must try to manage with the players we have.Well see what the starting XI is - were not just thinking about one player and one game, were involved in a lot of competitions. Maybe we have a lot of criticism when we dont play weell but Im happy with the squad over the whole season.dddddddddddd Youve seen Kompany play for so many years I dont have to say what qualities he brings, hes one of the best defenders in the league.City have dropped to fourth in the table following last weekends 3-1 defeat by leaders Leicester, and he admits the clash with second-placed Spurs is a crunch game for both clubs.Its not a decisive game but it is a very important game - after it we will play for another 36 points, he said. For our team, its important to try to return to the top of the table. Two or three teams are in front of us in this moment so we must try to reclaim the points. Man Citys manager Manuel Pellegrini says the Spurs game is an important one Maybe it was an unexpected defeat against Leicester. The last 11 games we lost just one before that against Everton in the first leg of a Cup match we went on to win. We were in a good moment - but now we must play well against Spurs.Spurs a good team - they are involved in the title with 13 games to go.Watch Manchester City v Spurs live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday, with coverage from 4pm. Or watch all Super Sunday for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TVAlso See:Title race: Tactical battlesThierrys Super Sunday previewMan City fixturesGet a free ￡10 bet ' ' '