In a game that featured five lead changes, few would expect a final score this decisive.
The Maryland Terrapins pulled away late today in Charlottesville and escaped with a 42-23 win to keep their hopes of winning the ACC Championship alive. The final score was made possible by a 21-point fourth quarter performance.
The Terrapins were helped by Virginia's repeated mistakes on offense. The Cavaliers had 15 penalties for 140 yards, and gave up two interceptions on their final two drives of the game. Virginia quarterback Marc Verica had a solid performance in this game, but these two late errors may have cost his team the game. Maryland cornerback Eric Franklin picked off Verica with just under eight minutes left in the game, and linebacker Adrian Moten did the same on the very next possession. Moten's interception gave the Terrapins great field position with 4:32 remaining and helped set up Danny O'Brien's second touchdown pass of the night. Wide receiver Torrey Smith caught the final touchdown of the night for Maryland.
The Terrapins still control their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic Division. Wins in their final two games against Florida State and N.C. State would guarantee an appearance in the ACC Championship game. Both remaining games will be played in Byrd Stadium, where the Terrapins have not lost a game yet this season.