Maryland started fast and took care of the game in the final minutes to top Indiana 38-35, snapping a three-game losing streak and improving to 5-3 (2-3). Breaking down our instant reactions:
Fast start…it was Maryland who was able to take control of the game early as the Terps punched in a touchdown on each of the first two drives to build an early 14-0 lead. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa settled into the game with ease as he connected on his first seven throws to six different receivers for 45 passing yards as the offense was rolling on all cylinders. It was an optimal start for an offense that has struggled to redefine itself in recent weeks, but the Terps weren’t able to sustain the success through the game.
Midgame lull…after the first two offensive drives, the Terps’ offense sputtered with two three-and-outs due to poor play design, blocking, and missed assignments. After tallying just shy of 150 yards of total offense in the first quarter, Maryland completed just four of their eight passing attempts in the 2nd quarter and couldn’t create a balanced offense after registering -2 yards on 11 attempts. Granted, those numbers are slightly deceiving as the Terps were sacked twice in the final 15 minutes of the first half as Indiana battled back, but the Hoosiers took advantage of the Terps’ offensive lull and turned in their own scoring drive to pull within four points heading into halftime. After Maryland punted on the opening possession of the third quarter, Indiana cashed in on a 66-yard rushing touchdown by RB Stephen Carr as the Hoosiers took their first lead of the game, prompting the Maryland offense to wake up on their next possession.
Unusual standouts…the Terps’ first deficit in the opening minutes of the second half prompted the offense to wake up and on the ensuing possession, Tagovailoa found WR Rakim Jarrett on a deep crossing pattern for his first big gain of the day. The passing game carried the Terps as running backs Tayon Fleet-Davis and Challen Faamatau shouldered the load in the run game, but Tagovailoa did well to distribute the ball to his array of receivers as nine different receivers caught at least one pass, but it was Carlos Carriere who was the unusual alpha dog on the team after posing a team-high eight receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns. The veteran pushed Maryland’s lead to 28-17 after finding the endzone in the third quarter, but Carriere eclipsed the century mark on Saturday after punching in a 45-yard touchdown to push the Terps lead to 35-20. After losing Dontay Demus and Jeshaun Jones to season-ending injuries, the emergence of Carriere looms that much larger for Maryland’s offense as head coach Mike Locksley and the offensive staff have patiently awaited someone to step up. Maryland will need these types of performances from guys like Carriere to aid the passing game and his play proved integral to the win.
Defensive pressure…the Terps did take advantage of an inexperienced Hoosier quarterback as the defensive line benefitted from having Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Sam Okuayinonou available. The Terps registered three first-half sacks and allowed just two third-down conversions on ten first-half attempts, and the pressure continued into the second half as Indiana finished the day 3-of-13 on third down. The biggest defensive breakdown came in the third quarter when Indiana RB Stephen Carr broke free for a 66-yard touchdown rush, while the Terps had a chance to seal the win early in the fourth after a pass went through the hands of cornerback Jakorian Bennett and into the lap of a Hoosiers’ receiver. It was the type of performance needed to recalibrate the Terps’ defense with matchups against Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State up next. Freshman linebacker Branden Jennings played sparingly in Saturday’s win over Indiana as Maryland brings him along to full health.
Inactives…DL Sam Okuayinonu and DL Mosiah Nasili-Kite were available on Saturday while CB Kenny Bennett missed his third consecutive game. Others not dressed for Saturday were OT Tommy Varhall, FB Joe Bearns, CB Deonte Banks, LB Durell Nchami, WR Jeshaun Jones, RB Antwain Littleton, TE Leron Husbands, WR Robert Smith, and OL Bruno Onwuazor were not dressed.
Notes…QB Taulia Tagovailoa finished the day 26-of-40 for 419 yards and two touchdowns, hitting the 400-yard mark for the first time this season. The 419 yards mark the third-most passing yards in program history and becomes the first Terp to do so since Danny O’Brien accomplished the feat back on November 27, 2010. Taulia also passes Boomer Esiason and moves to 14th all-time for passing yards in a season.