For the first part of the game on Saturday night, the frustration was growing. The Terps were down 9 – 0 and looked like it was going to be more. Duke was driving once again and the Terps could only stop the Blue Devils inside the 20. Already the Devils had gotten inside the 20 three times and kicked field goals.
Now it looked like a touchdown was on the way. As one sits at the game, you start doing the math that being down 16 – 0 was still a score the from which the Terps could come back. Then on a pass from just outside the 20 yard line, the ball was tipped and Antwine Perez intercepted just inside the goal line. No touchdown.
A little while later the Terps scored a touchdown, capping off an 80 yard drive. At the half it was Duke 9 and the Terps 7.
The magic that is Tony Logan (#85) happened again. Last week the punt returner finally took one to the house. That was the first punt return for a touchdown since Jan 1, 2004 (Steve Suter v WVU at the Gator Bowl). On Saturday night, TLo did it again. Maryland was now up 14 to 9.
DaRel Scott scored a bit later on with a 74 yard short pass and run. It looked like Josh Allen a few years back against Florida State. On both the Logan punt return and the Scott run, you noticed how fast the Terps were. If you add in Torrey Smith and a few others, we have some very speedy guys.
Maryland now lead the game 21 to 9 and it looked like it was going to be a cakewalk from that point. But it was not to be. Duke was desperate to get back into the game and with 1/2 of the 4th quarter gone, went for the first down on 4th and 26.
Maryland went into the prevent defense and it worked. That is, it prevented Maryland from stopping the Blue Devils. Not only did Duke pick up the yardage, but got all the way to the one yard line and scored two plays later.
Maryland could not hold onto the ball and here came Duke marching down the field. WIth about two minutes left, Duke was left with a 4th down and 18 yards to go. This time the pass was tipped (just enough) and the defense was in place (cue up Antwin Perez again). The pass was incomplete and you can watch it for yourself on the video below.
Maryland was able to kill the clock and hang on.
So what if the team is not very good in all phases of the game yet. Four wins is a great start. Of course they have to get better from here. In the ACC this year, the squads are not playing to an absolute standard, they are playing to beat each other. In that battle of attrition, the Terps are now 1 – 0.
Next up (in two weeks) is Clemson. That will be a tough one. Followed by a trip to BC and Wake at home. Heres looking to be 6 -2 when October ends.
Note – for those following along on Facebook, please go to http://www.capitalsportsblog.com/ to view the video.
Nice column.