Maryland vs. Virginia Tech: Three Stats and What Stood Out

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With a sellout crowd packing SECU Stadium Saturday night, again the Terrapins could not do their part in terms of product on the field falling to Virginia Tech 35-26. James Franklin again is the thorn in Mike Locksley's side, this time in maroon and orange. We take a look at three stats and what they mean.

12-for-18 on 3rd and 4th Downs

A killer for Maryland all night was their inability to get off the field. Virginia Tech finished 10 of 16 on third down and 2 for 2 on 4th downs. This included starting 8 for 9 on third downs. In the early part of the game, Virginia Tech controlled the tempo with long drives that led to scoring plays. Virginia Tech had the ball for nearly the entire first quarter and this is when it felt like Franklin’s squad may run away with it. The worst offense of this third down defense was a 3rd and 18 in which Ethan Grunkemeyer was able to scramble for the touchdown instead of Maryland holding the Hokies to three. No matter what, it seemed like the defense could get off the field whether it was completions or penalties for pass interference.

The matchup that Maryland seemed to have the advantage in was on the defensive line versus Virginia Tech’s offensive line. The pass rush was not as prominent and unable to muck up the pocket on third down. Nahsir Taylor had the lone sack and Sidney Stewart did cause some pressure but had minimal impact on the stat sheet. More will be needed from the unit in conference play as the team’s most talent rich room. Tackling was an issue for the entire team as well on third down.

The secondary was also lacking on third downs as the unit was mostly still unknown based on the first two games. The group did not pass their first real test as Grunkemyer completed 79.5% of his passes. Maryland could not find the solution to stopping tight end Luke Reynolds. The Penn State transfer had 12 receptions for 107 yards and a score. A concern entering the game, Reynolds dominated Maryland and picked up some big catches on third down. The entire defense is going to have to play better and get off the field as conference play begins.

Malik Washington Accounts For 89% of Maryland’s Yardage

The positive takeaway from this contest is that Malik Washington is a good quarterback and Maryland may often have the advantage at the most important position on the field. Washington was solid for Maryland with 359 yards passing and three touchdowns. Washington is starting to find real chemistry with some receivers, particularly Chris Durr who racked up 12 catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Durr has broken onto the scene as an elite playmaker and is always there to make the tough catches. Kaleb Webb is also starting to come into his own and Dorian Fleming got much more involved with 72 yards and a touchdown. Malik was great on the move as well with some great throws on the run.

The pass game was good enough to win the game, the problem is that the offense is all on Malik. Again it is the running game that fails to provide any impact to Maryland's offense. The team only ran for 64 yards and averaged 3.0 yards per rush. The deficit made Maryland neglect the running attack but early on it was such a nopn-factor for Maryland. The push and playmaking ability is still not there despite multiple coordinator changes during the Locksley era. The one dimensional nature of the offense has been a problem and seems to may be a problem again.

Maryland is 0-9 in the 9 Most Attended Games in The Locksley Era

Another big spot and another loss for Maryland. In the few big games at home during the last 8 years, Maryland is never able to pull off the victory. One of those has had to have gone Maryland’s way in order to keep a fanbase around and/or your job. It is surprising that there are still sold out games at SECU Stadium based on track record, but it seemed like this was one last real crack to change the sentiment of this era of the program. The old saying is “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” Well how about 9 times?

In what was more than just a game based on the current situation with the coach on the hot seat, the opponent, and recruiting battles abound it was again a failure to be prepared for the big spot. Everything has been said already but with this result it may be the beginning of the end for the Locksley era. With the whole conference season to go, there is time to flip the script on the narrative, but there will be little confidence from the fanbase on the likelihood of that outcome.

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