The Maryland Terrapins have secured a win in their opening game of the season against the UConn Huskies at home.
The Terrapins were simply too much for the Huskies and defeated them at every corner of play during the 50-7 rout. The Huskies even tried multiple quarterbacks, but simply could not complete anything more than a handful of chunk plays against the defense. Maryland now will look forward to their game against the Michigan State Spartans to kickoff in-conference play.
Maryland Terrapins Defeat UConn Huskies Behind Tough Defensive Play
After traveling to the great state of Maryland, the UConn Huskies failed to do much of anything against a potentially difficult opponent this season. The Maryland Terrapins are an experienced team with plenty of talent across the board. The Terrapins went 8-5 a season ago and won the Music City Bowl against Auburn, 31-13.
Heading into this season the big question surrounding Maryland was the quarterback position as Taulia Tagovailoa left for the NFL. Billy Edwards Jr hopped into the bowl game for Maryland and started as Tagovailoa opted out of the game. Edwards Jr looked solid but still did not seem ready to attack the secondary of many teams.
During his first regular-season outing as the starter, Edwards Jr went 20-of-27 passing and recorded 311 yards through the air. The quarterback had two touchdowns and only played three quarters as the backup quarterbacks were given a shot as well. The new starter proved he can run the ball when needed to gain the first down or attack the secondary of a defense until they have to stop him.
On the ground, the Maryland football team ran the ball 46 times for 248 yards and three touchdowns as eight different players carried the ball. Roman Hemby led the Terrapins with 66 yards on the ground and a touchdown after touching the ball 14 times. Nolan Ray also added 60 yards and a big 48-yard rushing touchdown.
Maryland Football Must Stop the Run Against Michigan State Spartans
With a dominant win over an okay team in the UConn Huskies, the Terrapins will now shift their focus to in-conference rival Michigan State. The Spartans lost 31-9 against Maryland a season ago but now will come into play with a new team and a new coach as well. Michigan State did not look great in their win over FAU to open the season, but a lot can be learned from the game for the Terrapins.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles did not seem to be on the same page as his receivers all night, which truly brought the offense to a halt at times. Chiles may not be the most accurate quarterback, but he has a strong arm and even stronger legs. The quarterback can and will take off, which is something Maryland will need to prevent against the Spartans.
The Spartans love to run the ball and with running backs Nate Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams it is hard not to. Lynch-Adams scored a big touchdown against FAU and provides the flash to the thunder that Carter has on the field. Carter is a big, powerful running back who the Spartans like to use as their primary carrier of the football.
If the Terrapins want to handily defeat the Spartans in their first conference game, the run game needs to be shut down completely. Chiles recorded two interceptions against FAU and averaged just 4.8 yards per completion against a bad defense. If Chiles and the Spartans have to throw the ball, it could be an easy victory for the Terrapins.
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