If the first half of this game is any indication, it looks like the Terps are indeed playing hard for their departing coach. After a 23 yard field goal by Travis Baltz, Maryland is now up on ECU 9-0 in the middle of the 2nd quarter.
The Terps defense has really showed up so far in the first half. On ECU's previous possession, the defense forced a three and out, including two tackles for losses deep inside ECU territory. After a short punt that gave the Terps the ball at mid field, Danny O'Brien hit on another big play. O'Brien rolled out to his right and his tight end Matt Furstenburg for 29 yards. On the play, a personal foul was called on ECU that tacked on another 15 yards to the play.
Unfortunately for the offense, they were unable to cash in on the red zone opportunity, and were forced to settle for a field goal. Baltz, who missed a 25 yarder earlier in the half, was able to hit the 23 yarder to put Maryland up 9-0.
The offense has had plenty of opportunities to blow the game open, but so far has unable to excel in the red zone. The defense, on the other hand, has played extremely well, keeping the Pirates scoreless through one and a half quarters.