Terps Take On #10 Rutgers
By DCist contributor Brett Gellman
The Maryland Terrapins (2-2, 0-1 ACC) are coming off one of the most disappointing losses of the Friedgen era after surrendering a 21-point lead in the second half of last Saturday's game at Wake Forest. Late in the third quarter with Maryland up 21-3, Terps QB Jordan Steffy threw a red zone pass which was intercepted by Wake CB Alphonso Smith and subsequently returned for a school record 100 yard touchdown. Fortunately, it was televised on ESPNU so most Terps fans were saved the pain of witnessing the team’s collapse. Then again, listening to the network’s commentators alone was painful enough.
The Terrapin offense failed to produce a first down after the turnover, which gave the Demon Deacons just enough time for 2006 ACC Freshman Player of the Year QB Riley Skinner to drive down the field before time expired to tie the game. The defending ACC Champions took advantage of the momentum shift, scoring 28 unanswered points, ultimately winning in overtime at BB&T Field in front of a rejuvenated crowd.
While the Deacs may have saved their season after a shaky start, Maryland, who essentially gave the game away, now has their back against the walls and faces an even stiffer challenge when they travel to Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway to face the 10th ranked Scarlet Knights.
Offensive line problems have plagued the Terrapins this season as they have already given up 16 sacks after four games. This is an alarming statistic because last year's squad only gave up 19 sacks throughout the entire season. LT Scott Burley left the Wake game early due to an injured elbow, which could help explain why Steffy was taken down twice during the last two plays of Maryland's overtime possession. But, it can also be attributed to the fact that Steffy held onto the ball too long while trying to find open receivers. Friedgen has stated Burley should be good to go for Rutgers but stressed that Steffy needs to learn to get rid of the ball faster instead of taking hits and losing yardage.
Another problem has been the lack of production in the passing game. Sophomore WR Heyward-Bey has yet to catch a touchdown pass this season and massive 6'8" senior TE Joey Haynos has been underutilized as well. The running game, on the other hand, has been very effective with senior RB Keon Lattimore racking up seven touchdowns in four games. Also, expect redshirt freshman Da'Rel Scott to get some carries as well this Saturday after his admirable debut performance against Wake as the Terps' kick returner.
Defensively, the Terps played a solid three quarters last Saturday against Wake (they only allowed a field goal prior to Steffy's miscue) but were visibly winded when it mattered most, during the fourth. Preseason All-American linebacker Erin Henderson, who is currently ranked 14th in the nation with 22 solo tackles thus far this season, will be tested by Rutgers RB (and Heisman candidate) Ray Rice, who has already accumulated 431 yards and 8 touchdowns in just three games. Scarlet Knights quarterback Mike Teel also leads the nation in passing efficiency so the Maryland secondary will have to step up if Rice can't get the ground attack going.
Coming off a bye week, and having already rolled over the perennial powers of Norfolk State, Navy, and Buffalo, Rutgers (3-0, 0-0 Big East) faces its first true test of the season against the Terrapins. Translation – the Scarlet Knights haven’t played anyone yet. Meanwhile, Maryland already has experience in defending against two Heisman candidates when they took on West Virginia, and despite coming up short, they held QB Pat White to his worst game so far this season. The Terps need to get the sour taste out of their mouth after last Saturday's disastrous result and what better way to do it than upsetting Rutgers on the road. It would certainly help before returning home to face Georgia Tech a week later.
This Saturday's game takes place at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, NJ. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 and will be televised on ABC. Tickets are sold out.