Propelled by strong performances in the first and fourth quarters Saturday the Maryland Terrapins defeated the Virginia Cavaliers, 27-20, in a Atlantic Coast Conference showdown at Scott Stadium. The Terps' (4-2, 2-0 ACC) scored a combined 27 points in the two quarters and were able to hang on to a much-needed victory over the Cavaliers (2-5, 0-3).
The win, even though it looked ugly at times, showed a lot about the Terps' writes the SB Nation blog Testudo Times.
There are a lot of things to dissect here, from Maryland's troubling offensive showing, even in victory, to their still-impressive defense. And we'll get to them in time; today, some, and throughout the week for sure. But one thing stands above the rest: Maryland is 2-0 in ACC play, and 4-2 on the season. No one, except crazy people, had them 2-0 to start the season, much less two games away from bowl eligibility with still half the season left to play.
The star of the game was, again, freshman wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who opened with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and caught four balls for 89 yards. Diggs' performance helped place Maryland in very good position in the ACC standings.
And yet, here they are. With Boston College - a likely win - still on the schedule, plus winnable contests against N.C. State, Georgia Tech, and UNC on the horizon, postseason play is now likely for Maryland. No, it's not pretty, but who cares about the aesthetics? Wins are wins are wins, and Maryland's darn close to having six of them.
Next Saturday, the Terrapins host the N.C. State Wolfpack (4-2, 1-1 ACC) at Byrd Stadium (3:30 p.m). That game will be broadcasted on ESPNU, and could determine if Maryland will be a threat to contend for the ACC Atlantic Division crown.