Maryland came into this game against Miami looking to separate themselves by a game in the ACC Atlantic race. After seeing today's results, the Terps really would like this game back because of losses by Florida State and NC State. Had the Terps won, they would be at 4-1 in the ACC, and sitting atop the Atlantic division. Instead, now Maryland is at 3-2 and is tied in the loss column with FSU and NCSU for 1st in the Atlantic.
Miami running back Lamar Miller started off the scoring with an 8 yard run in the 1st quarter (missed extra point). Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien then responded with a 42 yard touchdown pass to Kevin Dorsey at the beginning of the 2nd quarter. However, after this touchdown, the Terps passing game would soon disappear as O'Brien only threw for 92 yards the rest of the game.
On Miami's next drive, senior linebacker Alex Wujciak picked off Miami quarterback Stephen Morris's pass and took it 60 yards to the house. This play was also important because Lamar Miller was injured, leaving Miami with Mike James at running back (However, Miller would return on the next drive). On the succeeding drive, Miami receiver LaRon Byrd caught a bomb to the goal line, where James was able to punch it in (extra point blocked). At this point, the Terps were up 14-12, and one wondered if those two missed extra points would prove costly.
After the Miami field goal, The Terps embarked on a 57 yard drive. However, the end result was not what they wanted. The Terps moved the ball from their own 33 down to the Miami 2, thanks to a big run by Davin Meggett and a big 3rd down conversion by Da'Rel Scott. At 2nd and goal from the 2, the Maryland coaching staff committed a grave error. Either coach Ralph Friedgen or offensive coordinator and play caller James Franklin put backup quarterback Jamarr Robinson in the game. At this point on the 2, all that needs to happen is give the ball to Scott or Meggett and punch it in for 6. Instead, the coaching staff got all fancy and wanted to give Jamarr some playing time. Why would you put in Robinson, who doesn't take very many snaps after being replaced? A decoy? In this situation there is no need to get cute, just punch it in, and take the 6. Especially against a defense like Miami, points are at a premium. I don't care who it was, but that could have the dumbest thing the coaching staff has done this season. Jamarr ended up fumbling the snap, leading to an 8 yard loss. Maryland ended up having to settle for a field goal. Miami added a field goal at the end of the half for a 17-15 game at halftime.
Miami tacked on a field goal in the 3rd quarter to take an 18-17 lead, and after the Terps gave them the ball back, it looked as if The U was going to take control of the game. However, Wujciak came through in the clutch and picked off another pass, taking it down to the Miami 17. With this great field position, the Terps were primed to take the lead. Unfortunately, O'Brien was picked off in the end zone by safety Ray-Ray Armstrong on the 2nd play of the drive. This mistake proved costly in the outcome of the game.
After getting the ball back, the Terps were able to get into the red zone again. However, they were forced to settle for a field goal yet again. This did give them a lead though, 20-18. The Maryland D did its job, and the Terps had the chance to ice the game with 5:22 left. A couple first downs would have sealed the game, because Miami had no timeouts left. The Terps went three and out, giving Miami the ball on their own 17, with 3:06 remaining. For Miami, the situation was simple, score and you win, don't score and you lose. True freshman Stephen Morris lead the team down the field, including a huge 3rd and 11 conversion where Morris scrambled for the 1st down. The drive culminated with a 35 yard strike to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds remaining. Despite this dagger, the Terps fought to the end, and Danny O'Brien's Hail Mary was knocked down in the end zone as time expired.
You have to give Miami credit for this victory. With their quarterback and team leader injured, Stephen Morris stepped in and lead the team to victory as a true freshman in his first career start. He really stepped up in crunch time, and was able to be poised while leading the team down field for the victory. The U played great defense, and was able to hold the Terps twice to field goals on the goal line, and forced a turnover in the red zone. That said, the Terps really could have used this game, and to be completely honest, they blew it.
The Maryland red zone fiascos were very frustrating, because if they could have converted, this game would have ended differently. However, no one can be expected to score a touchdown every time in goal-to-go situations, but it really hurt when the Terps had goal-to-go on the 2. Its one thing if the defense makes an outstanding play, but this one hurts especially because it was a self-inflicted mistake. To go along with the red zone troubles, Danny O'Brien did not play well at all. He threw for 134 yards, a touchdown, a crucial pick, and completed on 32% of his passes (9 of 28). This was probably his worst performance yet this season, and its too bad it came at a time where the Terps really needed him, without a running game today. One frustrating aspect of this game was the play selection, a 25-30 ratio of run to pass plays. With a relatively unstable run defense, I feel the Terps should have run the ball more than they did. This was one of the reasons why Miami had a time of possession of 36:42, compared to the 23:18 that Maryland had.
Miami turned the ball over twice, both picks by Alex Wujciak, and one for a touchdown. Maryland should have capitalized on the 2nd Wujciak interception, but instead threw a costly red zone interception of their own. On the defensive side, it was inexcusable to give up 504 yards to a Miami offense that was without Jacory Harris, and starting running back Damien Berry. The defense was bending without breaking most of the game, but finally broke when Miami scored on their last drive.
With a big game against rival Virginia next week, Maryland must quickly refocus their attention on beating the Cavaliers. The Terps still find themselves very much alive for the Atlantic title, and a trip to Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game. However, they still have a long way to go, including games against NCSU and FSU that will decide who wins the division. With losses this week by NCSU and FSU, Clemson has made their way back into the race at 3-3. The Terps and NCSU are at 3-2 and FSU is at 4-2. Hopefully, the Terps can regain their confidence, and be ready to travel down to Charlottesville next Saturday to take on UVA.
