Maryland Defense Shines in Battle Between Two Former Rivals

© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

In the 80th meeting between the two former Atlantic Coastal Conference foes, the Maryland Terrapins (2-1, 1-1) defeated the Virginia Cavaliers (2-1) 27-13 on Sept. 14 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. The Terrapins' defense rose up in the second half and floored Virginia to take their fourth straight victory against the Cavaliers and increase their series lead to 46-32-2.

Fear the Shell

Maryland’s defense stepped it up in the second half after Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown before the end of the first half. It sent Scott Stadium into a frenzy and it felt like all the momentum shifted into the Cavaliers' locker room. Defensive coordinator Brian Williams' unit decided it was time to quiet the stoic Hoo’s crowd as the Virginia offense was held to just 82 yards of total offense in the second half.

Colandrea had just 58 passing yards in the second half. Williams’ defense did a great job at keeping Colandrea off-balance. While the sophomore quarterback was only sacked once during the second half, the Terps continuously made Colandrea feel uncomfortable in the pocket. His passes looked off as he was overthrowing his receivers and never made proper adjustments.

© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Turnover Palooza

Maryland totaled 4 turnovers. Dante Trader Jr. had the first one in the first quarter, returning it 17 yards to the Maryland 48-yard line. Jalen Huskey had a toe-tap interception along the Maryland sideline in the third quarter at the Terps' 42-yard line. Why was the score so close if the turnover margin was so lopsided and Maryland got the ball in great field position? Maryland’s offense couldn’t get out of its way at times.

The fourth turnover was on a third-and-8 midway through the fourth quarter when Virginia wide receiver Malachi Fields was stripped of the ball on a screen pass. It resulted in another Terrapins turnover. Quarterback Billy Edwards broke through on a 1-yard rushing touchdown and the Terrapins' offense finally scored off a turnover.

© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Maryland Offense Comes Through

Edwards did a nice job leading the offense throughout the game. He threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kaden Prather that capped an 8-play, 68-yard drive with 10:55 left to go in the third quarter. That go-ahead touchdown gave Maryland a 14-13 lead. Prather made a great adjustment on the catch while diving into the end zone. Edwards' first TD pass went to wide receiver Tai Felton for 19 yards, giving the Terps their first lead at 7-6.

What's on Deck?

Next up for Maryland is a matchup against the Villanova Wildcats on Sept. 21 back at home in College Park, Md. For Virginia, the Cavaliers will regroup and take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Sept. 21 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.