FanHouse Maryland Football

You already knew this if you follow recruiting and/or are a fan of Maryland or Illinois football. But if not, here's a sad, sad tale.

Melvin Alaeze was an all-world defensive end recruit out of Randallstown, Maryland a few years ago. He had offers from literally every major school and put on an amazing performance in the US Army High School All America game. He was tall, powerful and fast. There simply wasn't a better physical prospect in the country.

He was destined for stardom. Unfortunately, he's a terribly messed up kid.

His latest boo-boo is one that probably ends whatever limited chance he had to get his life back together. You see, Alaeze is now facing several charges including attempted murder.

Alaeze has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed robbery, car theft and use of a hand gun in the commission of a violent crime, according to Baltimore County court records.

He was arrested Jan. 13 in connection with the Christmas Eve incident at an apartment complex. The charges against Alaeze carry sentences ranging from life for attempted murder to five years for auto theft.

Those charges will effectively slam the door on any kind of college career if he doesn't end up behind bars.

Today's Thursday night ESPN game (7:30 p.m. Eastern) is an ACC/Big East battle between Maryland and West Virginia.

More upcoming, take a seat, tune into the game and leave your comments below!

-Pregame notes: West Virginia is a 17-18 point favorite with the betters right now.

-Both teams are 2-0, with Maryland owning wins over badly named cupcakes William & Mary and Middle Tennessee State and West Virginia owning wins over Marshall and Eastern Washington. Clearly this is the first game against a team with a pulse for both schools.

-Pregame chatter obviously about this weekend's big games (Florida/Tennessee, Miami/Louisville, Oklahoma/Oregon, USC/Nebraska, Michigan/Notre Dame, Auburn/LSU). ESPN's calling it "Separation Saturday". I'm shocked USC/Nebraska gets the primetime slot.

-Lou Holtz isn't doing himself any favors wanting to talk about the Notre Dame/Michigan game. Mark May's been killing him about the Notre Dame thing three weeks in a row now. Remember the Kool-Aid packet before the Georgia Tech game? Great stat: Michigan is winless in its last six road openers.

-Chris Fowler clearly ditched his bottle of "Just For Men" this offseason.

-Obligatory shot of the midfield meeting between coaches. Rece Davis called it a meeting between offensive minds. That's great and all but Maryland hasn't had a good offense since 2003.

-In case you haven't heard, Steve Slaton is not happy with Maryland about having his scholarship offer rescinded during the recruiting process. Early results: a nine yard run on his first carry. Eight yards on that second carry. West Virginia is running downhill.

-Maryland's defense is going to have a loooooong night. Touchdown Slaton on a simple outside pitch. One juked defender, two broken tackles, 38 yard touchdown. West Virginia's good, but that touchdown's all on Maryland's defense.

West Virginia 7, Maryland 0

-What is with Slaton's haircut? It's a real short buzzcut with jagged cuts all over his skull. Looks like his stylist needs to lay off the coffee with that shaky hand.

-Fumble! West Virginia ball again at the Maryland 11 on the kick return. Ladies and gentlemen, Maryland football! Oy...

-Touchdown West Virginia. This is getting repetitive. Eight yard pass to Reynaud, 10:11 in the first quarter and it's already 14-0.

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