SB Nation DC - Connecticut Vs. Maryland: Late Comeback Falls Short As Terps Lose To Huskies, 24-21https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2012-09-17T08:15:02-04:00http://dc.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30994232012-09-17T08:15:02-04:002012-09-17T08:15:02-04:00UConn Vs. Maryland: Grading The Terps' First Loss
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<p>Maryland lost their first game of the season Saturday, but there were lots of positive signs, especially from the defense and two freshmen playmakers. </p> <p>After two wins to start the season, the Maryland Terrapins were handed their first loss of 2012 at the hands of Randy Edsall's old school, Connecticut. The Huskies won in College Park by a final score of 24-21, and while the Terrapins made a late comeback attempt, UConn never relinquished their lead. The Terps were led by the contributions of a pair of outstanding freshmen, and while the defense collapsed to give up a crucial touchdown late to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113330/lyle-mccombs">Lyle McCombs</a>, overall they had a much improved game, thanks to the season debuts of Matt Robinson and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159216/isaac-goins">Isaac Goins</a>. Let's hand out our grades, unit by unit.</p>
<p><b>Quarterback</b> <b>- C-. </b>Looking at the stats, it's tempting to give <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> a D or even an F. He was 10/24, passed for 109 yards, turned the ball over twice, and was sacked six times. He repeatedly neglected to pass to open receivers downfield, instead choosing to throw to receivers who were covered or even double covered. Throughout most of the game, he looked incredibly uncomfortable and didn't exactly inspire confidence in Maryland's attack.</p>
<p>However, the kid showed a lot in the fourth quarter. He threw a touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a> - yes, it was supposed to go to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak">Marcus Leak</a> and it wasn't exactly a great throw, but it ended up being a score that the Terps desperately needed. Later, Hills led a drive that ended in him scoring a 10-yard touchdown on a blown play. He drove down the field on the game's final drive, and found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36612/kevin-dorsey">Kevin Dorsey</a> on the right sideline for what would have been a crucial first down to keep the game going, but Dorsey dropped it to force fourth down. Hills ultimately didn't do enough to win the game, and his first three quarters were downright dreadful, but his fourth quarter was impressive, especially for a true freshman.</p>
<p><b>Running Backs - B. </b>If we were just ranking Wes Brown, this would easily be an A. The true freshman showed his explosiveness again after a promising (but also slightly worrisome, with two fumbles) performance against Temple, and this week, he got nearly all of the carries in the game. Brown had 14 rushes for 74 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and a 19-yard touchdown, the first of his collegiate career. He showed his speed and power throughout the game, and has been by far the best in Maryland's running back rotation this season.</p>
<p>For the other guys, there wasn't much going on. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett">Justus Pickett</a> started the game and finished with four rushes for two yards, and also caught a pass for six yards. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165666/albert-reid">Albert Reid</a>, the starter in week one, had one rush for no gain.</p>
<p><b>Wide Receivers - B. </b>Once again, it's a matter of two players playing well and nobody else really showing up. Stefon Diggs was fantastic, with 223 all-purpose yards on 12 touches (both career highs), and scored his first touchdown on this play, a terrific show of awareness from the true freshman:</p>
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<p>via <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1191657/maryland2.gif">cdn2.sbnation.com</a></p>
<p>Diggs was electric every time he touched the ball, and you have to think his role will continue to increase as the season progresses. He was especially effective on kick returns, where he averaged 32.7 yards per return, but his three catches for 57 yards and a score led the team.</p>
<p>The only other receiver with a good game for Maryland was Marcus Leak, the tipper in the above touchdown pass. Leak caught three passes for 35 yards, and has proven to be a reliable target for Hills - he's held or shared the team lead in receptions in each of the Terps' first three games.</p>
<p>Less reliable were the two guys we expected to be, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75972/kerry-boykins">Kerry Boykins</a> and Kevin Dorsey. Boykins finished with two catches for 15 yards and Dorsey had one reception for a four yard loss, but both had a key drop that stopped a drive. For Dorsey, it was one that stopped a possible Maryland scoring opportunity at the end of the game.</p>
<p><b>Offensive Line - C. </b>It's really hard to blame them too much for Hills' six sacks, because they went up against a Don Brown defense. But when you see that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113324/yawin-smallwood">Yawin Smallwood</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35859/sio-moore">Sio Moore</a> <i>each</i> had three, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75434/trevardo-williams">Trevardo Williams</a> added one of his own (half sacks explain the fact that the totals don't add up), you can't exactly give them much positive credit either. The Huskies had 13 tackles for a loss, and had pressure in the backfield all day.</p>
<p><b>Defensive Line - B-. </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36624/joe-vellano">Joe Vellano</a> had a tackle for a loss and so did <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76015/a-j-francis">A.J. Francis</a>, but the defense was not reliably able to put pressure on Chandler Whitmer and they were completely unable to stop the run on the Huskies' last scoring drive. Vellano finished with four tackles, all assisted, Francis had six stops (three solo) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114383/darius-kilgo">Darius Kilgo</a> had three tackles. Off the bench, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134003/keith-bowers">Keith Bowers</a> had a tackle as well.</p>
<p><b>Linebackers - B. </b>It's hard to give any unit on the defense a higher grade than this because of the terrible effort on the last drive, but Maryland's linebackers piled up the tackles on Saturday. Demetrius Hartsfield and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133994/cole-farrand">Cole Farrand</a> each had nine, and Farrand chipped in a tackle for a loss and an extremely athletic pass deflection. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75999/darin-drakeford">Darin Drakeford</a> had eight tackles as well as the Terps' only sack, and he made a great play early in the game to chase down Whitmer and strip the ball out from behind. Hills threw an interception on the next play, but it was a fantastic effort from Drakeford to chase the Huskies' quarterback down and force the turnover. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133987/alex-twine">Alex Twine</a> also played well, with five tackles and one for a loss.</p>
<p>Off the bench, L.A. Goree had two tackles and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75987/marcus-whitfield">Marcus Whitfield</a> had one. Except on that final drive, Maryland's linebacking unit had a great game, and was able to keep Connecticut's lead manageable throughout.</p>
<p><b>Secondary - B. </b>Whoa! No big plays given up! No getting beat on deep balls! Matt Robinson and Isaac Goins made a huge difference for this unit's depth, and it showed. Whitmer was limited to 68 yards passing on a 10/16 effort, and the Terps did not give up a touchdown through the air. Robinson had six tackles, Eric Franklin had four with a fumble recovery and a pass broken up, Jeremiah Johnson continued his strong season with three tackles, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75984/dexter-mcdougle">Dexter McDougle</a> had two tackles and played good coverage the entire game, and Goins had a stop off the bench.</p>
<p><b>Special Teams - B-. </b>Diggs was fantastic, as we mentioned earlier - 32.7 yards per kick return and 13.6 yards per punt return, and a good half of those looked unreturnable - but Connecticut's first score was on a Nick Williams punt return. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133980/nathan-renfro">Nathan Renfro</a> did better than last week, punting seven times for an average of 42.1 yards, but only landed one punt inside the Huskies' 20. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165664/brad-craddock">Brad Craddock</a> made all three of his extra point attempts and didn't try a field goal, but Williams' punt return set the tone for most of this game.</p>
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<p>Now, for three things Maryland has to improve if they're hoping not to get slaughtered at West Virginia this Saturday.</p>
<p><b>1. Stick with what you're good at on offense.</b> Maryland's offense has had three plays that have worked semi-consistently - running it up the middle with Wes Brown, throwing short passes to Stefon Diggs, and running the ball with Perry Hills. Nothing else has really worked, but if they rely more on these aspects they should be able to put some points up. I'm not saying do nothing else - you can be too predictable on offense - but Brown and Diggs definitely need more than a combined 26 touches.</p>
<p><b>2. Limit the mental mistakes. </b>This sounds obvious, and we've talked about it before, but it bears repeating. Maryland only turned the ball over twice this week after four in each of the last two games, but they can't give the Mountaineers any more possessions than absolutely necessary. Additionally, when you're playing against such a high powered team, you can't be dropping the ball on key third down situations. It'll be a tough game in an extremely hostile environment, and it's hard to imagine Maryland's true freshmen coming out of there without some big blunders.</p>
<p><b>3. Hope for health.</b> It's entirely possible that both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85395/kenny-tate">Kenny Tate</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133981/a-j-hendy">A.J. Hendy</a> will be back for the game, which would be two giant boosts to Maryland's pass defense. Tate is technically a linebacker, but he's also a great playmaker who is an interception threat at all times, and Hendy can play safety or corner. West Virginia has one of the best passing attacks, if not<i> the</i> best passing attack, in the nation, and the Terrapins can't make any mistakes if they hope to limit the damage.</p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/17/3338808/maryland-connecticut-grades-terps-huskies-stefon-diggs-wes-brown-perry-hillsPete Volk2012-09-16T20:04:53-04:002012-09-16T20:04:53-04:00UConn Vs. Maryland 2012: 'They're Just Not There This Year'
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<p>Though the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a> started the season 2-0, the overwhelming expectations around College Park have remained that the Terps don't seem likely to have many more wins in them. That seemed to ring true as they failed to come back over the UConn Huskies Saturday, in a 24-21 loss.</p>
<p>Maryland blog Testudo Times' editor Ben Broman <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2012/9/15/3337924/maryland-terrapins-uconn-huskies-football-stefon-diggs-edsall-bowl">seemed resigned to that idea</a>. The Terps have a true freshman quarterback, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a>, underclassmen at running backs — sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett">Justus Pickett</a>, freshmen Brandon Ross, Wes Brown and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165666/albert-reid">Albert Reid</a> — and myriad injuries at defense, including once first-team All-ACC linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85395/kenny-tate">Kenny Tate</a>. The mistakes that come with youth haunted the Terps, particularly on their last possession, in which they ran out the clock and lost seven yards in four downs.</p>
<p>Here's Broman's take:</p>
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<p>This loss is frustrating, and should be. It showcased just how little ready this team is for primetime. They're still too young, with not enough talent or depth in key positions. Long-term, there's actually plenty to be encouraged about. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a> is the truth, Wes Brown got the ball and showed that he deserved to, and the defense is still pretty well set. There are bright points here, and if they're built around this team has some true potential down the road.</p>
<p>They're just not there this year.</p>
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<p>Maryland fans are sure to have more to gripe about next week, when they venture up to Morgantown and take on West Virginia.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Terps, make sure to visit <a href="http://testudotimes.com">Testudo Times</a>.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/16/3343976/maryland-uconn-2012-reactionEthan Rothstein2012-09-16T10:59:22-04:002012-09-16T10:59:22-04:00Connecticut Vs. Maryland Blog Reaction: Terps Endure 'Frustrating' Loss
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<p>Saturday's 24-21 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a> showcased a lot of what's wrong with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a> football program. Mistakes led to an early 14-0 hole and the young offense wasn't powerful enough to overcome the deficit. The game that was dubbed the "Randy Edsall Bowl" turned out better for the Terps' head coach's former team, and left his current team looking lost and inexperianced.</p>
<p>"This loss is frustrating, and should be,' <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2012/9/15/3337924/maryland-terrapins-uconn-huskies-football-stefon-diggs-edsall-bowl">wrote the SB Nation blog Testudo Times after the game</a>. "It showcased just how little ready this team is for primetime. They're still too young, with not enough talent or depth in key positions. Long-term, there's actually plenty to be encouraged about. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a> is the truth, Wes Brown got the ball and showed that he deserved to, and the defense is still pretty well set. There are bright points here, and if they're built around this team has some true potential down the road."</p>
<p>The loss did feature some bright sports, however, as freshman wide receiver Stephon Diggs almost single-handedly led the Terps to a second-half comeback.</p>
<p>"The star of the game was undoubtedly Diggs, who finished with 223 total yards," writes Testudo Times. "The fact that he gets so few touches on offense - four today, and one of them wasn't even thrown to him - is a continuing travesty. He's Maryland's best player by a mile, especially on offense."</p>
<p><em>For more on the Maryland Terrapins, head over to </em><a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><font color="#093369"><em><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></em></font></a><em>and continue to check out </em><a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b><font color="#093369"><em>SB Nation DC</em></font></b></a><em> for the latest news and updates. Visit </em><a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/"><font color="#093369"><em>The UConn Blog</em></font></a><em> and </em><a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/"><font color="#093369"><em>SB Nation Boston</em></font></a><em> for Huskies news and notes</em></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/16/3341286/connecticut-maryland-final-score-blog-reactionJared E. Smith2012-09-15T16:08:01-04:002012-09-15T16:08:01-04:00ANIMATED: Stefon Diggs' First Touchdown Catch Was A Miracle, Just Like Stefon Diggs
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<p>Well, <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3338092/uconn-vs-maryland-final-score-diggs-brown-score-first-touchdowns">the Terps lost</a> to UConn today, but no one expected Maryland to do much of anything this season - heck, they've already matched last season's win total and beat an FBS team on the road for the first time since 2010. So, you know, progress. The real bright side is this was hyped freshman receiver/returner <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefon Diggs</a>' first true breakout game. He had huge returns, clutch catches, and his first career touchdown. It was amazing that a player like Diggs even came to Maryland - when was the last time the Terps had a five-star recruit commit, sign and play with no drama like this? - and his first touchdown catch was as unbelievably awesome as his presence is in College Park.</p>
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<p>That was sophomore <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak" class="sbn-auto-link">Marcus Leak</a> with the assist, for those keeping track at home, Diggs shrug says "How did I get here?" I don't know Mr. Diggs, but I'm sure glad you came.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a>, head over to <a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></a>and continue to check out <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b>SB Nation DC</b></a> for the latest news and updates. Visit <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/">The UConn Blog</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for Huskies news and notes.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3338362/stefon-diggs-td-catch-gifEthan Rothstein2012-09-15T15:40:11-04:002012-09-15T15:40:11-04:00UConn vs. Maryland: Stefon Diggs, Wes Brown Score First Touchdowns, Terrapins Lose 24-21
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<p>Maryland got touchdowns from three true freshmen, but ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt during the "Edsall Bowl", losing 24-21 to visiting UConn.</p> <p>COLLEGE PARK, MD - - Turnovers and lack of offensive effectiveness were the story again for Maryland, but this time they couldn't pull out the win. The Terps saw touchdowns from freshmen Wes Brown and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs">Stefon Diggs</a>, but were unable to defeat the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/connecticut-huskies">Connecticut Huskies</a> in what had been dubbed the "Edsall Bowl". UConn pulled out the victory by a final score of 24-21, holding off a late Maryland comeback.</p>
<p>During a dismal first quarter in which Maryland only put up eight yards of offense (compared to UConn's 85), the Huskies got on the board first when Nick Williams returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown. Each team had a turnover in the quarter: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75999/darin-drakeford">Darin Drakeford</a> forced a fumble from Chandler Whitmer, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills">Perry Hills</a> immediately threw an interception to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75432/dwayne-gratz">Dwayne Gratz</a>.</p>
<p>In the second quarter, both teams got a little more offense going. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113319/scott-mccummings">Scott McCummings</a>, UConn's Wildcat quarterback, ran the ball in for a three-yard score after a good drive for running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113330/lyle-mccombs">Lyle McCombs</a>.</p>
<p>On the Terps' next drive, they were finally able to get some movement, thanks to 13 yards on the ground from Hills and a late hit penalty against Connecticut. After an underthrown incompletion to a double-covered <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36612/kevin-dorsey">Kevin Dorsey</a> and a drop over the middle by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75972/kerry-boykins">Kerry Boykins</a>, Hills found Stefon Diggs over the middle for a huge fourth down completion. Diggs faked out three Husky defenders on his way to an 18-yard gain.</p>
<p>Two plays later, Wes Brown took a hand-off up the middle for 19 yards and the score, making it 14-7 Huskies. It was Brown's first collegiate touchdown, and his first touch of the day.</p>
<p>Brown had a good game for Maryland, running 14 times for 74 yards and the one score. After fumbling the ball twice in his offensive debut last week, he was able to hold on to the ball during this game.</p>
<p>Late in the third, Hills was absolutely demolished by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113324/yawin-smallwood">Yawin Smallwood</a>, who broke through the middle to get the sack and force a fumble. The Huskies recovered, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87210/chad-christen">Chad Christen</a> kicked a 34-yard field goal to make it 17-7.</p>
<p>After a facemask penalty on a Maryland punt gave the Terrapins another chance, the team was able to take advantage. Hills rolled to the right and threw a pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak">Marcus Leak</a> near the end zone, and the ball deflected off Leak's hands into the waiting arms of Diggs in the end zone. The true freshman showed fantastic awareness, catching the ball for the 29-yard touchdown and cutting the Huskies lead to 17-14.</p>
<p>Diggs finished with 223 yards of total offense on 12 touches, both career highs. He looked electric every time he touched the ball, as Maryland continues to get him more involved in the offense.</p>
<p>McCombs and McCummings combined for a great drive on the ground midway through the fourth quarter, extending the Huskies' lead. McCummings ran for 30 yards, including a 21-yarder on second and nine from the thirty, and McCombs had 14, including an 11-yard touchdown up the middle to make it 24-14.</p>
<p>After that score, Hills started to get his game together. He started out the next drive with a six-yard run, and then completed a 22-yard pass to Marcus Leak for the first down. After a third down conversion to Kerry Boykins and a four-yard run by Brown, Hills ran it ten yards up the middle off a broken play for the touchdown, cutting the Huskies' lead to 24-21.</p>
<p>After the defense forced a three-and-out, Hills completed a 13-yard screen pass to Boykins before pitching it to Brown for six yards. Hills was sacked, forcing a third-and-ten. He passed it to Diggs, who ran around the entire UConn defense before diving for the first down. After another sack, Kevin Dorsey dropped a first-down catch on the sideline, forcing a third-and-14. What followed was one of the strangest playcalls in recent memory.</p>
<p>Hills rolled out to the right, turned around and while jumping passed the ball to Kevin Dorsey, who was smothered for a five-yard loss. Hills' fourth-down pass was incomplete, and Connecticut kneeled to end the game.</p>
<p>Stay tuned to this StoryStream, as we will have quotes and analysis forthcoming.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Maryland Terrapins, head over to <a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></a>and continue to check out <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b>SB Nation DC</b></a> for the latest news and updates. Visit <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/">The UConn Blog</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for Huskies news and notes.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3338092/uconn-vs-maryland-final-score-diggs-brown-score-first-touchdownsPete Volk2012-09-15T14:52:25-04:002012-09-15T14:52:25-04:00UConn vs. Maryland Score Update: No Offense To Be Found, Huskies Lead 17-7 After Third
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<p>Another quarter, and another showcase of offensive inefficiency from Maryland and Connecticut. There were three first downs in the entire quarter, all from the Terps, but the Huskies have managed to add to their lead.</p>
<p>Wes Brown started out the half at running back for Maryland, and it appears he's won the starting job...at least for the day. In three games, the Terps have had three different "feature" backs - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165666/albert-reid" class="sbn-auto-link">Albert Reid</a> in week one, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett" class="sbn-auto-link">Justus Pickett</a> last week, and now Brown today.</p>
<p>After a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75999/darin-drakeford" class="sbn-auto-link">Darin Drakeford</a> sack forced a third down, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefon Diggs</a> returned a punt where he was surrounded by Husky defenders for 31 yards, juking the punter out of his socks along the way. The Terps ended up moving backwards on the drive thanks to a personal foul penalty and a sack, and were forced to punt.</p>
<p>Later in the quarter, Maryland got a first down when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills" class="sbn-auto-link">Perry Hills</a> completed an eight yard pass over the middle to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75972/kerry-boykins" class="sbn-auto-link">Kerry Boykins</a>. After a false start, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113324/yawin-smallwood" class="sbn-auto-link">Yawin Smallwood</a> tore through the line and absolutely demolished Hills, forcing a fumble that the Huskies recovered at the Terps' 23. Maryland's defense held strong, holding UConn to seven yards over the next three plays and forcing a field goal attempt. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87210/chad-christen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chad Christen</a> nailed the 34-yard field goal to make it 17-7.</p>
<p>Perry Hills continues to struggle, and is 5/16 for 45 yards. Wes Brown has nine carries for 55 yards, and Stefon Diggs has 139 yards on nine total touches.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Maryland Terrapins, head over to <a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></a>and continue to check out <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b>SB Nation DC</b></a> for the latest news and updates. Visit <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/">The UConn Blog</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for Huskies news and notes.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3337972/uconn-vs-maryland-score-update-huskies-lead-after-third-quarterPete Volk2012-09-15T13:55:50-04:002012-09-15T13:55:50-04:00UConn vs. Maryland Score Update: Teams Trade Touchdowns, UConn Leads 14-7 At The Half
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<p>Maryland finally got some offense going thanks to the contributions of two true freshmen, but both offenses still looked sluggish in a quarter that featured two touchdowns. At halftime, Connecticut leads Maryland 14-7.</p>
<p>On a drive that started at the end of the first quarter, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113330/lyle-mccombs" class="sbn-auto-link">Lyle McCombs</a> had 24 yards on the ground to bring the Huskies to the three-yard line on third and goal. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113319/scott-mccummings" class="sbn-auto-link">Scott McCummings</a> ran it in to give UConn the 14-0 lead.</p>
<p>On the Terps' next drive, they were finally able to get some movement, thanks to 13 yards on the ground from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills" class="sbn-auto-link">Perry Hills</a> and a late hit penalty against Connecticut. After an underthrown incompletion to a double-covered <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36612/kevin-dorsey" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin Dorsey</a> and a drop over the middle by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75972/kerry-boykins" class="sbn-auto-link">Kerry Boykins</a>, Hills found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/165665/stefon-diggs" class="sbn-auto-link">Stefon Diggs</a> over the middle for a huge fourth down completion. Diggs faked out three Husky defenders on his way to an 18-yard gain. Two plays later, Wes Brown took a hand-off up the middle for 19 yards and the score, making it 14-7 Huskies. It was Brown's first collegiate touchdown, and his first touch of the day.</p>
<p>Connecticut was able to move down the field after a 19-yard completion to tight end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35874/john-delahunt" class="sbn-auto-link">John Delahunt</a> on their next drive, but <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87210/chad-christen" class="sbn-auto-link">Chad Christen</a> missed the 49-yard field goal.</p>
<p>On Maryland's next drive, Hills had a wide open Boykins over the middle but instead threw it to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak" class="sbn-auto-link">Marcus Leak</a>, who was unable to pull it in. Hills was sacked on the next play, forcing a punt.</p>
<p>Later in the quarter, Diggs made something out of nothing with a 23-yard punt return from his own five, and big ground gains from Hills and Brown moved the Terps down the field. The drive ended quickly, with a Hills incompletion (again with an open receiver), a Diggs rush for no gain, and a sack.</p>
<p>Brown had three rushes for 38 yards in the quarter, and Diggs has 100 total yards of offense on seven touches. Hills has looked dismal thus far, with a 2/11 mark for 24 yards and an interception.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Maryland Terrapins, head over to <a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></a>and continue to check out <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b>SB Nation DC</b></a> for the latest news and updates. Visit <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/">The UConn Blog</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for Huskies news and notes.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3337740/uconn-vs-maryland-halftime-score-wes-brown-stefon-diggsPete Volk2012-09-15T13:11:42-04:002012-09-15T13:11:42-04:00UConn vs. Maryland Score Update: Huskies Lead 7-0 After First on Nick Williams Punt Return
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<p>Both offenses have struggled so far, but Connecticut has taken an early lead in what has been dubbed the "Edsall Bowl" thanks to a big special teams play.</p>
<p>On Connecticut's first drive, Connecticut quarterback Chandler Whitmer took advantage of some space up the middle and scrambled for 29 yards. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75999/darin-drakeford" class="sbn-auto-link">Darin Drakeford</a> was able to make a fantastic play, catching up to Whitmer from behind and stripping the ball free, which Eric Franklin recovered.</p>
<p>On the next play, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159215/perry-hills" class="sbn-auto-link">Perry Hills</a> threw his fourth interception of the season, as a blitz forced him to make a poorly executed throw towards <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134002/marcus-leak" class="sbn-auto-link">Marcus Leak</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75432/dwayne-gratz" class="sbn-auto-link">Dwayne Gratz</a> picked it off, and the Huskies had the ball back.</p>
<p>The Terps were able to make a defensive stop on the next drive, highlighted by two tackles from Jeremiah Johnson and a big hit from Franklin.</p>
<p>After a Connecticut punt pinned the Terrapins within their own five, Maryland went three-and-out and were forced to punt. Nick Williams returned Nate Renfro's kick 58 yards for a touchdown, giving the Huskies an early lead. It was Williams' first career punt return for a touchdown.</p>
<p>UConn has outgained the Terps by a margin of 85-8, and Maryland is without a first down in the game. Hills finished the quarter 1/4 for six yards and an interception, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133991/justus-pickett" class="sbn-auto-link">Justus Pickett</a> ran three times for a total of zero yards.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Maryland Terrapins, head over to <a href="http://testudotimes.com/"><b>Testudo Times</b><b> </b></a>and continue to check out <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/"><b>SB Nation DC</b></a> for the latest news and updates. Visit <a href="http://www.theuconnblog.com/">The UConn Blog</a> and <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Boston</a> for Huskies news and notes.</i></p>
https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/9/15/3337488/uconn-vs-maryland-terps-huskies-score-update-first-quarter-nick-williamsPete Volk