SB Nation DC - Maryland vs. Temple: Terrapins Squander Big Lead, Escape With 36-27 Victoryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2012-09-10T13:04:22-04:00http://dc.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30662782012-09-10T13:04:22-04:002012-09-10T13:04:22-04:00Maryland Vs. Temple: Handing Out Grades For The Terps' Big Road Win
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<p>Maryland got a huge win Saturday, defeating Temple 36-27 in Philadelphia. SB Nation DC hands out grades to each of the Terps' positional units.</p> <p>Maryland got a huge win Saturday in Philadelphia, defeating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a> 36-27 to start the year out 2-0. It was Maryland's first road win since November 13, 2010 (beating Virginia in Charlottesville) and the Terps' first win against an FBS opponent since the season opener against Miami last year. Maryland almost gave it away, but the defense held strong and a late score by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett">Justus Pickett</a> secured the victory. Let's hand out our grades, unit by unit.</p>
<p><b>Quarterback - B. </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> was much improved in his second collegiate game, almost hitting ten yards per attempt and scoring three total touchdowns. He completed just over half of his attempts and was key in the last drive, but it wasn't all great - he was sacked four times, lost a fumble, didn't break the 200-yard mark, and ran for 38 yards on 11 carries (excluding sacks). Still, it was a big improvement, and it's hard to ask much more of a true freshman.</p>
<p><b>Running Backs - B-. </b>Wes Brown was explosive in his debut at running back, running seven times for 50 yards, but he lost two fumbles. Justus Pickett was inconsistent, but finished with 69 yards on 21 carries and scored the game-clinching touchdown for the second week in a row. The Terps outgained the Owls by nearly 100 yards on the ground, and the Brown-Pickett combo seemed to work out pretty well. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165666/albert-reid">Albert Reid</a> didn't see any touches (a la Brown in week one), but Edsall said that is only because the right scenario didn't occur (as he said about Brown in week one).</p>
<p><b>Wide Receivers - B+. </b>Very much a mixed bag. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak">Marcus Leak</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a> were excellent - Leak had three huge catches for 90 yards and a touchdown and Diggs was explosive every time he touched the ball (nine times for 137 yards of total offense) - but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36612/kevin-dorsey">Kevin Dorsey</a> (one reception for eight yards) was the only other wide receiver to catch a ball. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75972/kerry-boykins">Kerry Boykins</a>, Nigel King, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134001/tyrek-cheeseboro">Tyrek Cheeseboro</a> were completely absent on offense (it is worth noting that Cheeseboro was fantastic on special teams), but Leak and Diggs put in fantastic performances to even it out a little. We're going to include the tight ends in this unit too (because they don't get enough action to merit their own), so <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36623/matt-furstenburg">Matt Furstenburg's</a> early 22-yard touchdown catch bumps this up to a B+.</p>
<p><b>Offensive Line - C+.</b> Hills was sacked four times, and Maryland only averaged three yards per carry, but it was a improved effort from last weekend's terrible outing against the Tribe. In particular, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76013/de-onte-arnett">De'Onte Arnett</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114377/sal-conaboy" class="sbn-auto-link">Sal Conaboy</a> played very well.</p>
<p><b>Defensive Line - A+. </b>Without these guys, Maryland loses this game. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36624/joe-vellano">Joe Vellano</a> played out of this world again - while he only had four tackles, he had two key ones for a loss (including a sack), and forced a fumble. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76015/a-j-francis">A.J. Francis</a> only had one tackle, but it was a sack on a big third down play in the second quarter, he recovered a fumble and he had the blocked field goal midway through the fourth quarter. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114383/darius-kilgo">Darius Kilgo</a> had three solo tackles and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134003/keith-bowers">Keith Bowers</a> had a stop - the defensive line combined for nine tackles (all solo) with three for a loss, two sacks, a fumble forced, a fumble recovered, and a blocked kick. They didn't pile up the tackles like we may be used to, but they came up big when they had to.</p>
<p><b>Linebackers - A-. </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133994/cole-farrand">Cole Farrand</a> had a nice game, with six tackles (one for a loss) and one fumble forced. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75999/darin-drakeford">Darin Drakeford</a> had five tackles and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133987/alex-twine">Alex Twine</a> had two (including one big hit), but the real star was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36619/demetrius-hartsfield">Demetrius Hartsfield</a>. The senior had four tackles, including one sack for a ten-yard loss, and two turnovers (a fumble recovery and an interception). The pick came on Temple's last drive of the game, and while the Owls' didn't have much of a chance anyway down nine with 40 seconds left, Hartsfield put the nail in the coffin.</p>
<p><b>Secondary - D.</b> Ugh. More of the same from this unit. This time, it was true freshmen Sean Davis and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/167358/anthony-nixon">Anthony Nixon</a> who were exposed, leading two an opposing touchdown apiece. Eric Franklin had five tackles, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75984/dexter-mcdougle">Dexter McDougle</a> had four (including one for a loss), but more importantly only got beat once. Of Temple's three touchdowns, two were on passes of more than 30 yards and the third was set up by a 29-yard completion to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135829/jalen-fitzpatrick">Jalen Fitzpatrick</a>.</p>
<p><b>Special Teams - B-. </b>Pretty much the inverse of last week, at least in the kicking game. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165664/brad-craddock">Brad Craddock</a> made both of his field goal attempts, including a 45-yarder, and all four extra points, after missing a 25-yard field goal in his debut. Nate Renfro, on the other hand, averaged a dismal 31 yards per punt on four attempts, although he did land one inside the Owls' 20. Stefon Diggs did his thing, with four total returns for 59 yards, but he muffed a key punt, turning the ball over and bringing this unit down to a B-. Wes Brown had one kick return for 22 yards.</p>
<p>Now, for the three things Maryland most needs to improve for this week's game against UConn.</p>
<p><b>1. Limit turnovers</b> - This is two straight games where Maryland has turned the ball over four times and still managed to win. All eight have come from true freshmen (four from Hills, two from Brown, one from Reid and one from Diggs) but that has to stop, and soon.</p>
<p><b>2. Find consistency in the running game</b> - Brandon Ross isn't even back yet, but the Terps have found three options that have worked at times on the ground - but none that have done so reliably. With more practice time and more looks during games, Mike Locksley should be able to find the right rotation.</p>
<p><b>3. Whatever you do, stop the long ball</b> - Maryland's biggest weakness this season has been giving up deep throws, and Dexter McDougle, Sean Davis and Anthony Nixon have all struggled. Hopefully Matt Robinson comes back soon, because that would be a gigantic boost to a secondary that has looked putrid.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/10/3305384/maryland-vs-temple-feature-grades-perry-hills-joe-vellanoPete Volk2012-09-08T15:31:09-04:002012-09-08T15:31:09-04:00Maryland vs. Temple Final: Terps Get Scare, But Hold On For 36-27 Victory In Philadelphia
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<img alt="Sep 08, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Marcus Leak (82) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m26m4DNDDfgHjL6iM7MHHb2w3xM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8867241/20120908_hcs_sy4_014.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sep 08, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Marcus Leak (82) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Maryland almost blew a huge lead, but ended up holding on for a key road victory in Philadelphia, beating Temple 36-27.</p> <p>After building up a huge early lead, Maryland let Temple get much closer than they would have liked, but ultimately pulled out the key victory in Philadelphia, beating the Owls 36-27.</p>
<p>After a slow start to the game, in which three fumbles led to a field goal from each side, Maryland exploded in the second quarter. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills" class="sbn-auto-link">Perry Hills</a> recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a beautiful 22-yard strike to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36623/matt-furstenburg" class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Furstenburg</a> in the end zone. On Maryland's next drive, he found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak" class="sbn-auto-link">Marcus Leak</a> in the end zone on a perfect play-action for a 32-yard touchdown, making it 17-3 Maryland.</p>
<p>On the second play of Temple's next drive, the Owls botched a snap so badly that the ball went from the 20-yard line all the way to the end zone, where <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84447/chris-coyer" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Coyer</a> dove on top of it for a safety. On Maryland's next drive, the Terps drove down the field quickly and scored again - this time on a botched snap that turned into an eleven-yard Perry Hills run.</p>
<p>At halftime, Maryland held a 26-3 lead, and the game looked fairly in hand. That's when the Owls woke up.</p>
<p>Throughout the third quarter, mental lapses from Maryland secondary players led to Temple touchdowns. <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Harper</a> scored a one-yard touchdown after a 28-yard completion to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135829/jalen-fitzpatrick" class="sbn-auto-link">Jalen Fitzpatrick</a>, and Coyer found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37850/c-j-hammond" class="sbn-auto-link">C.J. Hammond</a> for a 62-yard touchdown on a play-action that badly faked out true freshman safety Sean Davis.</p>
<p>In the midst of a key drive down the field, Temple started out the fourth quarter with their second botched snap of the game, leading to a loss of 18 yards and bringing up 3rd-and-31. Coyer was able to salvage it somewhat, running for 18 yards, but the Owls had to settle for a 40-yard field goal from McManus, making it 29-20 Terps.</p>
<p>With nine-and-a-half minutes left, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36624/joe-vellano" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Vellano</a> came up with what looked like a huge third-down sack on Coyer, but <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefon Diggs</a> dropped the ensuing punt. The Owls recovered, giving them possession in the red zone, but the Terps' defense stood strong again, forcing a field goal opportunity. McManus' field goal attempt was blocked by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76015/a-j-francis" class="sbn-auto-link">A.J. Francis</a>, and the Terps recovered near midfield.</p>
<p>Maryland's first play on the next drive was a Wes Brown fumble, his second of the day, and Temple recovered. On the drive, Coyer completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Fitzpatrick, who juked <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/167358/anthony-nixon" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Nixon</a> out of his socks on his way to making it 29-27.</p>
<p>Luckily, Stefon Diggs was there to save the day. Perry Hills led a great drive down the field for the Terps, topping it off with a 38-yard completion to Diggs for the first down. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett" class="sbn-auto-link">Justus Pickett</a> ran it in seven yards for the score, giving Maryland the 36-27 lead.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36619/demetrius-hartsfield" class="sbn-auto-link">Demetrius Hartsfield</a> picked off a late Coyer pass, giving the Terps the ball and sealing the victory.</p>
<p>Hills finished with a much-improved effort after a lackluster opener, completing 11 of 21 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns - but most importantly, no turnovers. Pickett ran 21 times for 69 yards, but the star on the ground was Wes Brown, who had eight carries for 54 yards in his first taste of collegiate action on offense.</p>
<p>Leak caught three passes for 90 yards - all of them huge - and a touchdown, and Stefon Diggs had 137 yards of total offense on nine touches.</p>
<p>Maryland outgained the Owls by 104 yards, notably shutting down Temple's vaunted running game. The tandem of Coyer, Matt Brown, Harper and Fitzpatrick averaged 1.3 yards per carry on 39 rushes.</p>
<p>It's a big road win for Maryland - who hadn't won a game away from home since November 13, 2010 at Virginia. The Terps now gear up for the Edsall Bowl at home against Connecticut next week. We'll have analysis tomorrow.</p>
<p><i>For more on Maryland football, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://dc.sbnation.com/">SB Nation DC</a> and<b> </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.testudotimes.com/">Testudo Times</a>.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3303305/maryland-vs-temple-final-terps-get-scare-but-hold-on-for-36-27Pete Volk2012-09-08T14:34:46-04:002012-09-08T14:34:46-04:00Maryland vs. Temple Score Update: Owls Gaining Ground Thanks To Porous Terps Secondary, Maryland Leads 29-17 After Third
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<p>After a fantastic second quarter, the Terps had some big setbacks in the third, thanks to a porous secondary and some key mental errors. They now lead 29-17, heading into the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>Maryland's first play from scrimmage was a fumble lost by Wes Brown, and Temple followed up with a play-action completion from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84447/chris-coyer">Chris Coyer</a> to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135829/jalen-fitzpatrick">Jalen Fitzpatrick</a> for 28 yards to bring them within the ten-yard line. The Owls then pounded the ball in, with a six-yard run from Coyer followed up by a one-yard score from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Kenny Harper</a>, cutting the Terrapin lead to 26-10.</p>
<p>On the next drive, the Terps looked in trouble after <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett">Justus Pickett</a> was stuffed after a one-yard gain and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> was sacked for a seven-yard loss, but Hills chucked the ball downfield to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak">Marcus Leak</a> on 3rd-and-17 for a huge 39-yard gain. Two plays later, Leak came up big again - this time with a 20-yard reception over the middle.</p>
<p>On third-and-three at the Owls' 14, it appeared Temple had stopped Perry Hills after a one-yard gain, but another personal foul was called (this time a facemask) giving Maryland a goal-line opportunity. After another Owl sack, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a> ran for five yards, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165664/brad-craddock">Brad Craddock</a> made the 26-yard field goal off the post to make it 29-10.</p>
<p>On the second play of Temple's next drive, a perfect play-action play found Chris Coyer with a wide-open <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37850/c-j-hammond">C.J. Hammond</a> for a 62-yard touchdown. True freshman safety Sean Davis bit hard on the fake, and the Terps' secondary was exposed, cutting the lead to 29-17.</p>
<p>After a three-and-out for Maryland, the Terps forced a 4th-and-1 near midfield for the Owls, and Temple completed a play-action pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135846/john-christopher">John Christopher</a> to extend the drive. Three plays later, Coyer completed a 26-yard pass to Alex Jackson to bring the Owls into the red zone.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3303304/maryland-vs-temple-score-update-owls-gaining-ground-thanks-to-porousPete Volk2012-09-08T13:37:45-04:002012-09-08T13:37:45-04:00Maryland vs. Temple Score Update: Terps Explode In Second, Lead 26-3 At Halftime
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<p>Maryland and Temple entered the second quarter tied at three. At halftime, it's a completely different story. The Terps scored 23 unanswered points and completely dominated the Owls in every way, entering halftime up 26-3.</p>
<p>After a quick seven-yard pass to true freshman Wes Brown, Perry Hills notched the first touchdown of his collegiate career with a 22-yard strike to Matt Furstenburg in the end zone. Brad Craddock hit the extra point attempt, and the Terps went up 10-3.</p>
<p>On third-and-four on Temple's next drive, A.J. Francis came up with a huge sack, and Brandon McManus's punt was returned eight yards by Stefon Diggs. A personal foul against the Owls gave Maryland possession at the opposing 38.</p>
<p>After a three-and-out for each team, Maryland got a break with a horse-collar penalty called on Temple on second down, and Wes Brown followed up with a nice pair of runs to get another first down. A perfect play-action, both in playcalling and execution, led to a wide open Marcus Leak in the end zone, and Hills found him for the 32-yard touchdown. Craddock hit the point after, and Maryland took a 17-3 lead.</p>
<p>On the second play of Temple's next drive, Temple botched a snap from the 20-yard line so poorly that it went all the way into the end zone. Chris Coyer dove on top of it for the safety, and it was quickly 19-3 Maryland.</p>
<p>On the ensuing drive, Maryland moved down the field quickly, thanks to yet another big penalty against Temple (this time roughing the passer) and a 21-yard run by Wes Brown. After dropping the ball out of the shotgun, Hills ran up the middle for eleven yards and another score, making it a 26-3 lead.</p>
<p>The Terps forced another punt at the end of the half, and ran one play before the quarter ended.</p>
<p>Perry Hills is 7/14 for 86 yards, and has run seven times for 27 yards with three total touchdowns.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Diggs only had one touch in the quarter (the punt return), but his high school teammate Brown had five rushes for 33 yards. Maryland is outgaining Temple 180 to 34, including an 86 to six advantage in the air.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3303170/maryland-vs-temple-score-update-terps-explode-in-second-lead-26-3-atPete Volk2012-09-08T12:43:43-04:002012-09-08T12:43:43-04:00Maryland vs. Temple Score Update - Fumbles, Penalties Active In First Quarter: Terps and Owls Tied 3-3
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<p>Fumbles and flags have been the story of the first quarter in Philadelphia, as Maryland and Temple have stumbled out to a 3-3 tie at the end of the first.</p>
<p>Temple received the opening kickoff, and Matt Brown fumbled the ball on the first play. The credit for the strip was given to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36624/joe-vellano">Joe Vellano</a>, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133994/cole-farrand">Cole Farrand</a> was influential in the play. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36619/demetrius-hartsfield">Demetrius Hartsfield</a> recovered at the Owls' 24, giving the Terps great field position to start out their first drive, but after an illegal block penalty to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36612/kevin-dorsey">Kevin Dorsey</a>, the drive stalled. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165664/brad-craddock">Brad Craddock</a>, who missed a 25-yard field goal against William & Mary last week, hit a 45-yarder to give Maryland the 3-0 lead.</p>
<p>On the third play of Temple's second drive, Maryland forced another fumble, this time from quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84447/chris-coyer">Chris Coyer</a>. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114383/darius-kilgo">Darius Kilgo</a> was credited with the force, but this time it was Farrand who played a large role, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76015/a-j-francis">A.J. Francis</a> recovered at the Terps' 45.</p>
<p>Three plays later, it was <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> who fumbled, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116455/olaniyi-adewole">Olaniyi Adewole</a> recovered at Maryland's 47. After a drive that included a facemask penalty by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114372/lorne-goree">Lorne Goree</a> and a 14-yard run by Coyer, the Owls tied it up on a 36-yard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84392/brandon-mcmanus">Brandon McManus</a> field goal.</p>
<p>On Maryland's next drive, the Terps managed to get two (!) first downs, thanks to an eleven-yard Hills run and a 9-yard screen pass to Stefon Diggs. The drive ended with an 18-yard punt (not a typo) from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133980/nathan-renfro">Nathan Renfro</a>.</p>
<p>After another defensive stop, Diggs returned a punt 27 yards, gained a key first down on a third-and-six option play that went 12 yards, and then another first down on a 12-yard reception on a slant play. That's where Maryland stands now, with a first-and-ten at the Owls' 29.</p>
<p>Diggs has four touches (two receptions, one rush, one return) for 60 yards on the day.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3303077/maryland-vs-temple-score-update-fumbles-penalties-active-in-firstPete Volk2012-09-08T08:00:48-04:002012-09-08T08:00:48-04:00Maryland Vs. Temple 2012: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More
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<img alt="September 1, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) looks to pass against the William & Mary Tribe at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XUoNHK74WTa4Eatj6ZZ-BhoKQjE=/0x1111:2666x2888/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8715783/20120901_jrc_ax1_156.jpg" />
<figcaption>September 1, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) looks to pass against the William & Mary Tribe at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Maryland will look to bounce back after an ugly week one win against William & Mary when they travel to Philly to visit Temple.</p> <p>Even though the season is still new, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a> football program has their work cut out for them in terms of creating buzz in College Park.</p>
<p>An ugly Week 1 performance against an FCS team, paired with the news of the Terps basketball program has landed Xavier transfer Dez Wells, means that few are antipicating Saturday's game against Temple.</p>
<p>The Owls will host the Terrapins at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on the heels of an impressive 41-10 victory over city rival Villanova.</p>
<p>Maryland enters the game looking to rebound after barely squaking past William & Mary to open their season, winning 7-6 after being down 6-0 at halftime and scoring a game-winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>After Maryland won the previous six games against Temple, the Owls responded last season with an impressive 38-7 victory over the Terrapins. Temple will look to prove to skeptics that they're a football program that belongs in a BCS conference with a similar performance in 2012.</p>
<p>As a true freshman under center, Maryland quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> struggled in his first career college start against the Tribe, completing 16 of 24 for 145 yards. Now, up against an upstart Owls team, Hills may find his second career start even more challenging.</p>
<p>On the other side of the ball, Temple's starting running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/49314/montel-harris">Montel Harris</a> is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. The senior suffered the injury against Villanova, and sat out the second half of the game after gaining just 12 yards on five carries.</p>
<p><b>Game time, TV channel:</b> noon, ESPNU</p>
<p><b>Point Spread</b>: Temple (-10)</p>
<p><i>For more on Maryland football, visit </i><a href="http://dc.sbnation.com" target="_blank">SB Nation DC</a><i> and<b> </b></i><a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/" target="_blank">Testudo Times</a></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/8/3295439/maryland-temple-2012-game-time-spreadNick Fasulo2012-09-07T23:36:51-04:002012-09-07T23:36:51-04:00Maryland vs. Temple: Terps Look For Revenge After Last Year's Blowout
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<img alt="September 1, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Justus Pickett (44) runs for a second half touchdown against the William & Mary Tribe at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7-b2QPxDrIqHZggJIpNId90nKww=/0x1050:2849x2949/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8719801/20120901_jla_ax1_590.jpg" />
<figcaption>September 1, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Justus Pickett (44) runs for a second half touchdown against the William & Mary Tribe at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Maryland snuck by FCS opponent William & Mary last week with a 7-6 victory, but face a much sterner test this Saturday on the road against Temple.</p> <p>Last year's Maryland football season started out pretty well. They beat Miami to open the season, and after falling behind big to a high-powered West Virginia team, they clawed back to lose by only six. Week three was a home match against Temple - one most Maryland fans probably expected to win, especially given how the year began.</p>
<p>How wrong they were. The Owls came in to College Park and pounded the Terps 38-7, led by an incredible performance by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84393/bernard-pierce" class="sbn-auto-link">Bernard Pierce</a> (149 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries) and a perfect day from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14273/chester-stewart" class="sbn-auto-link">Chester Stewart</a> (9/9 for 140 yards). As a team, Temple ran for nearly 300 yards on the day, and Maryland was completely hopeless on defense.</p>
<p>With a much-improved defense, the Terps will be looking for revenge this Saturday in Philadelphia, and the fact that Pierce and Stewart are both gone will certainly help. That's not to say the Owls don't have offensive weapons, however, as they put up 41 points against Villanova last week.</p>
<p>Temple's strength is in the running game again this year, with Matt Brown as the feature back (19 rushes for 145 yards in the opener) and <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Kenny Harper</a> (five rushes for 49 yards) and former Boston College standout <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/49314/montel-harris" class="sbn-auto-link">Montel Harris</a> (five rushes for 12 yards) providing some serious depth.</p>
<p>Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84447/chris-coyer" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Coyer</a> is a valuable weapon for the Owls, as well. With a record of 5-0 as a starter, Coyer is a big lefty who can run and throw. Against Villanova, he passed for one touchdown and ran for another, recording 80 yards on 13 carries.</p>
<p>The losses from last season are apparent on both sides of the ball - Temple only returns nine total starters (four on offense, five on defense). Among those gone on the defensive side of the ball are defensive end Adrian Robinson, linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37829/tahir-whitehead" class="sbn-auto-link">Tahir Whitehead</a>, and linebacker Stephen Johnson.</p>
<p>Temple's defense only gave up ten points against Villanova, but they also allowed over 350 yards of total offense, including 212 yards on the ground. The Owls did force an interception and a fumble (recovered by the Wildcats), and got seven solo tackles from Nate D. Smith.</p>
<p>Besides Smith, Maryland has to look out for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84453/justin-gildea" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Gildea</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37854/vaughn-carraway" class="sbn-auto-link">Vaughn Carraway</a> in Temple's secondary, although it's unlikely the Terps will end up throwing the ball too much given their QB situation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett" class="sbn-auto-link">Justus Pickett</a> was named the Terps' starting running back after his impressive performance against William & Mary last week, and he should expect to see the ball quite a bit - as should true freshmen backups <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165666/albert-reid" class="sbn-auto-link">Albert Reid</a> and Wes Brown. Quarterback Perry Hills was decidedly all right in his collegiate debut (despite throwing three interceptions), but will have to hold on to the ball if Maryland has any chance against the Owls.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see if Maryland gets <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefon Diggs</a> more involved in the game. Randy Edsall said their goal for last week's game against William & Mary was ten touches for the star freshman, and Diggs only received eight - including three on punt returns. Now, against a team that could be considered markedly better than the Terps, we'll see if Diggs starts to get the ball a whole lot more.</p>
<p>Maryland does get a boost on the defensive side of things, an added bonus to a unit that did extremely well last week. Defensive ends <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134003/keith-bowers" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Bowers</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76011/isaiah-ross" class="sbn-auto-link">Isaiah Ross</a> will both be back from injury, meaning the Terps don't have to start three defensive tackles on the line. Expect <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76015/a-j-francis" class="sbn-auto-link">A.J. Francis</a> to move back to nose tackle and Bowers to start at end, even though <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114383/darius-kilgo" class="sbn-auto-link">Darius Kilgo</a> had a great game last week.</p>
<p>That help on the line will be needed against the Owls' ground game, and that should be the key matchup for Maryland on Saturday. With the quadruple threat of Brown, Harper, Harris and Coyer, the Terps are going to have to be on their A-game to stop Temple's potent attack.</p>
<p><b>Prediction: Temple 23, Maryland 6.</b> The Terps give up a touchdown apiece to Brown and Coyer, and turnovers lead to three Owl field goals.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/7/3300739/maryland-vs-temple-football-2012-previewPete Volk