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.