I cried.
There were hugs.
It meant so much, probably too much for a regular season game.
I didn’t make the trip to Blacksburg.
I watched from home, the same chair as when we lost to Michigan State in the NCAA’s a few years ago (you Terp fans know about that game).
I don’t want to recap the VT game, but there were a few situations that stood out.
First, was the punt return by Will Likely. It encapsulates that idea that our young players, many highly rated, will perform to that level in big moments. Will Likely finally showed the spark that we have been missing since Diggs hurt his shoulder in the WVU game.
Second, the defense showed up. To see pressure brought by just the front four allowed the cover guys to do their jobs. Great showing.
On the drive that had the Hokies tie the game, the 3rd and 24 play seemed to be a season killer. I kept thinking that it was a microcosm of the season in a single play. So close and so promising and then, zap. First down and a few plays later – touchdown and tie game.
Overtime – the almost infamous (it can’t be infamous as the Terps came back to win. But if it was a loss, it was the call that proved that the ACC had it in for the Terps (this one is for you Bruce)) phantom pass interference call against Alvin Hill #27.
However the Terps defense, as it has all season when faced with these situations, kept the Hokies out of the endzone. It was a superior effort.
Then it was winning time. What a great run by CJ at the end. The on field celebration was something to remember. Maryland managed, for the first time in a long time, for the first time in the Edsall administration, to keep it together under extreme stress.
Now we get to the important parts – this win gets us (yes – us, we, our guys) to a bowl. It might just be in Annapolis, the Military Bowl. And the two games that we have left are BC and NC State give opportunities to boost the win total.
At least for me tonight, our long national nightmare is over. The Terps are bowl eligible.
I couldn't believe we won