Maryland has struck first after shaking off some early miscues.
Quarterback Danny O'Brien's first pass of the game was an interception at mid field, after Maryland tried to go for a big play on their first offensive play from scrimmage. The ball was under thrown into triple coverage, and because of that, ECU got the ball near midfield after just one play.
From there, the Maryland defense stood strong. On a 4th and 1 from midfield, the Maryland defense penetrated the line of scrimmage and tackled Giavanni Ruffin for no gain, giving Maryland the ball right back at mid field. Two plays later, O'Brien and the Maryland offense struck.
On a 3rd and 5, the ACC rookie of the year threw a deep ball under duress to receiver Kevin Dorsey, who caught the ball in stride and ran 45 yards into the endzone. Ironically, Dorsey was given more playing time because junior Quintin McCree was declared ineligible for academic reasons. The ensuing extra point attempt was blocked, keeping Maryland's lead at 6-0 early in the 1st quarter.