Maryland 32, Miami 24: Terrapins Pull Out Victory Behind O'Brien, Chism
by Ben Broman on Sep 5, 2011 11:34 PM EDT
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The most hyped opening game in College Park lived up to its billing. Maryland debuted garish new uniforms and a new offensive scheme in front of a packed house and on national television, and the Terrapins backed up the buildup: Danny O'Brien threw for 348 yards, Cameron Chism forced a fumble and had a crucial pick-six, and Maryland defeated the Miami Hurricanes in a thriller, 32-24.
In all honesty, Maryland should've wrapped up the game quickly. Incredibly, seven of their eight drives ended up in the red zone. Even more incredibly, they only got a single touchdown out of the seven trips, putting up only 19 points. The game could've been 21-7 or 28-7 early, but instead the Terrapins consistently let the Hurricanes back into the game.
And Miami took advantage. The Canes grabbed several leads throughout the game, including a 24-23 advantage with 4:00 minutes left. Maryland pulled back a field goal to take the lead, but left over a minute and a half on the clock for Miami. With visions of last year's heart-breaker fresh in the minds of fans and players and Miami driving with 40 seconds on the clock, Cameron Chism excorcised last year's demons with an interception and 54-yard touchdown return.
And so, by the skin of their teeth, Maryland escaped with an eight-point victory in their season opener.
Maryland started the scoring early, with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Tyler on the first drive of the game. O'Brien, however, squandered a chance to take a 14-0 Terrapin lead with an interception in the end zone on the ensuing drive. Instead, two Miami rushing TDs and two more failed red zone attempts for Maryland later, the Hurricanes held a surprising 14-13 lead late in the 2nd quarter. Maryland went into halftime with the lead only thanks to Joe Vellano's entertaining 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the final minute of the half. Rest assured: video of that is forthcoming.
The Hurricanes refused to let that be a seminal moment of the game, however, as Stephen Morris had a five-yard TD run on the Canes' first drive of the second half. Maryland regained the lead with yet another short Nick Ferrara field goal. The Terrapins had a chance to put the game firmly in hand with their 6th red zone trip of the game early in the fourth quarter, but came up empty yet again - and this time, Ferrara missed the chip shot, keeping the score at 23-21.
Miami answered with a time-sucking 12-play drive, which was extended by a controversial holding call on Chism. Maryland ultimately stopped the Hurricanes, but Jake Wieclaw gave Miami a 24-23 lead with a 30-yard field goal, leaving the Terrapins a little over four minutes to respond. Thanks to a gorgeous 52-yarder from O'Brien to Kevin Dorsey, Ferrara was able to knock home a 32-yarder from the right hash with a little over 90 seconds to go. After that ... well, Chism happened.
One of the big storylines of the game will undoubtedly be Maryland's production on offense and simultaneous red zone frustrations. Maryland's offense was downright fantastic, especially early ... until they got inside the 15, as was mentioned above. An important caveat there, though: the Terrapins were without D.J. Adams, Maryland's de facto short yardage back. Davin Meggett was out of place trying inside the 20, running horizontally as much as he did vertically. When he returns, things should smooth over.
Red zone jitters aside, Maryland's offense was rather impressive. Danny O'Brien was as good as you had expected him to be, and Gary Crowton's screen-heavy, up-tempo offensive scheme was a breath of fresh air. After all, it's pretty rare that a team has 311 yards of offense in the first half, and 499 yards total. It was clockwork, and Kevin Dorsey (8 catches, 124 yards) and Matt Furstenburg (4 catches, 68 yards) both benefited.
I have to say, though, once Maryland squandered red zone opportunity and red zone opportunity, and once they had their first punt late in the 2nd quarter, the shine really wore off the new scheme. Crowton appeared to rely very heavily on screen passes, to the point where Miami was creeping up and stuffing them easily. It did open up a few downfield passes, but he didn't take enough shots for my taste. But hey: it's tough to complain about nearly 500 yards of total offense.
Things were much less impressive defensively. Maryland's sporting a new, smaller, quicker defense, but it didn't really work against a relatively full-force Miami offense. Todd Bradford didn't really have a "scheme" per se, and often sat back too much, which just about never worked. The defensive line couldn't pressure Morris without a blitz, the linebackers looked a step slow, and the secondary was beaten several times. Kenny Tate in particular looked out of place as a linebacker. All in all, a disappointing performance.
There's more to come tonight / tomorrow morning, including report card/helmet stickers, jersey stuff, and more.
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Big Spoon....
At least you still have basketball season, brah.
Crowton is a genius, I never lost faith.
Well, unless you count the first 3 1/2 quarters.
by 1 proud terp on Sep 5, 2011 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Lou and Mark
Lou Holtz and Mark May looked bored as hell
Past Lou's bed time
probably forgot to take some meds too.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 5, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Tweeted SVP about the snakepit thing...
he says it’s some kind of joke of his…I guess I just don’t get it
by LeftCoastTerp on Sep 5, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
uniforms
Liked the uni’s for a 1 time thing. But thats about it. They are original and unique, but a little loud.
blowout!
This game should have been a blowout! There were 10, maybe 17 points Maryland left on the board with missed FG and red zone blunders.
Maryland Football Uniform Comment!
on a more serious note, the team looked good out there on both sides of the ball for the most part. They look like they have a great deal of chemistry, which is great for a new-look program to develop so quickly. They all seem to have bought in to the program and look up to Edsall. Watching the ‘Terrapins Rising’ episode featuring Ronnie Tyler and his dad being on life support, I have a great deal of respect for Randy Edsall. He is passionate about football, and he’s passionate about his team. I look forward to watching this team and program continue to develop and become a force to be reckoned with. GO TERPS!
I like lamp, but I love sports.
I love the Uni's. This state kicks ass!!
DOB for ACC POY!!. his stats should’ve been way better, also with Adams back in the WVU game our Red zone offense should be better
sounds like Laymanand Grant might be soon
but i havent been paying too muc attention
by Maryland1206 on Sep 5, 2011 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I do think the Tate assessment was spot on
just wasn’t really too involved it seemed like. But he was held every time he came off a blitz it seemed like. Like Orakpo for the skins’ and they never call it
by Maryland1206 on Sep 5, 2011 11:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Holding is almost always permitted when it is a much lighter player being held.
I have no idea why this is the case but it is. So just like Orakpo, get used to it with Tate.
So frustrating seeing that.
Rak gets held ALL the time I don’t need the elite pass rushers on both my football teams getting held w/no call all the time!
I like lamp, but I love sports.
He was very impressive.
Think he wouldn’t had fared quite as well if UM had all their players. Their shuffling of the secondary and lack of dline push helped. But either way, DOB is a fantastic QB. That throw on the comeback drive was pretty damn amazing. Maryland should have had a bunch more points. Miami played well in the redzone, but still lucky that it wasn’t a blow out. Could have gotten ugly quick for Miami.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 5, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
he threw like 50 times.
But they were relatively easy passes for the mot part.
by Maryland1206 on Sep 5, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
My sentiments, exactly.
I think he can make the big throws but he was not asked to do so, for the most part.
Cameron Chism is big....
insert joke here____________________
by Righty Driesell on Sep 5, 2011 11:49 PM EDT reply actions
AMAZING!!!!
Years down the road this may prove to have been the turning point in Maryland athletics!
Never have I been so happy to be soaked!
Great game
Great Victory. The offense looked fantastic. I think we’ll see the run game develop as the season progresses. We took what the defense gave us. Even depleted Miami still has great players. They have been recruiting top players for years and there is not as much drop off as the commentators would have us believe. All in all a great victory for Randy and the boys.
Just saw this status on FB, lol
of course lebron james doesn’t like maryland’s jerseys, we actually finish our 4th quarters
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
yea my response was
@kingjames those jerseys are much better looking than your mom #cantbelievedelontetappedthatass
our Uni's need to say Fu@# WVU on them somewhere next
i just hate them
First maryland game as a student
After being a fan all my life! That was amazing! That pick 6 carried one of the most electric feelings through that student section!
Walkin in a Wieters Wonderland
Disappointed with the ESPN coverage
The announcers and half-time pundits did not seem interested in watching the game. They definitely wanted a Miami win. Lame Rece, Mark, and Lou didn’t want to find a way to be on the field for their coverage.
Most impressive thing in this game was Maryland playing well against UM
oline. Minus the only Miller run, it held up pretty well and really ruined UM’s game plan.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
That's not very nice, you are always welcome at
tomahawknation.com
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 5, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Just a joke. If we win at Doak
you can be assured i wil make myself at home though.
by Maryland1206 on Sep 5, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
HAHA,
yeah, and I would expect it.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 5, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
The noles fans over on their SBN site are actually very cool for the most part.
I’ve gotten warm receptions when I pop by ever now and then. Curious question: Is this seeming demise of the U a huge wet dream, or are you a little worried that the rivalry will suffer in the big picture?
by 1 proud terp on Sep 6, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I think FSU was in good position to beat
UM 3 outta 4 years for the foreseeable future. Perhaps more. That was before nuclear bomb that is Shapiro detonated. I honestly don’t want Miami to get penalized so severely that their next meaningful season will be 2022. But that is certainly a possibility and at this point I would say likely. I think it hurts not just FSU and the rivalry but also hurts the entire ACC. Even though UM wasn’t going to be ‘5 rings!’ UM anytime soon they carried the name brand to give the ACC a boost. If they fall into obscurity, below 500 each year, it will hurt everyone in the ACC. So no, I don’t honestly want to see it happen…and I really, really hate Miami.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 6, 2011 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with what you're saying.
It’s no fun to hate someone that can’t fight back. In any case, FSU looks like it’s in a great position to rule the ACC for a long while…or at least until the ACC is blown up in the coming Super Conference Armageddon.
by 1 proud terp on Sep 6, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah,
the ACC may not even be in existence, at least not in it’s current form. Almost get tired of talking about conference realignment. Which FSU fans have discussed, in detail, a lot. Was so glad when actual football got here…
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 6, 2011 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Likewise.
We’ve beat the Maryland to the Big 10/SEC thing into the ground. Unfortunately, I think major change is a brewin’, although I think the consensus of Terps fans would prefer to remain in an improved ACC with addtions of Pitt, WVU, Syracuse and Rutgers/UConn. But you’re right, so glad we’ve got actual games to talk about again. Good luck the rest of the way, dude.
by 1 proud terp on Sep 6, 2011 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
IF ONLY
We had DJ Adams to beast it up in the red zone!
We're clearly a work in progress. We'll work out the kinks.
My only concern right now is depth on defense.
I’ll cut the D some slack this time. They did well considering it’s a new scheme vs a team as talented as Miami, remember last time we had a new DC and scheme against a very talented team on an ESPN opener(cal). Also considering our d line vs miami’s o line and players playing different positions .
Miami oline is damn big
and very talented and they weren’t missing any players due to suspension. Think Maryland did an admirable job against them. Got some serious shots in on Morris.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 5, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
FSU will be tough
but its hard not to believe we couldnt get 2nd in the division
shirts
Loved seeing all the sucks to be U shirts in the student section!
Oh and
Stefon diggs, Eddie Goldman , and Kenny bigelow were in attendance
Good to hear
They must of enjoyed the good game, crowd, and unis any know of others that made it to the game?
Stop Hating the swag Sports Center.
And stop sounding lik a litte girl Lebron
no we will get penalized for beating a team
without 8 starters… plus I don’t think we are top 25 material yet.
Not so much penalized.
Just one ACC team beating another unranked ACC team. But yeah, not top 25 material at this point, either.
most important question.
as of right now, would Wale rather have the Grammy or Danny OB?
Just Heard!!!
HOLY SHIT!!!
MD DOIN BIG THINGS!!!
@DaveTelep For those drinking late night beers at Bentley’s in College Park, Jake Layman gives you another reason to celebrate. FB win, stretch 4 man
If he did commit.
I am happy, he’s a god player. Just would rather have Grant.
Grant could still commit
Turgeon definitely wants both. Grant will announce by Thursday.
just christman eve. mom let you get a sneak peak
AJ, MM, Grant, Diggs,Goldman, Spence and twins all commit tommorow
by Maryland1206 on Sep 6, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
i agree
Grant is a better player and was probably leaning towards us. Still happy with layman though.
by Verycooldude9 on Sep 6, 2011 12:18 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
f this sucks.
this is really gonna hurt the scholly situation for the twins. if we get grant and another 4 or 5 which is what we need most right now then we will not have room for the twins in 2013. i was really hopin to keep it simple in 2012 with shaq mitch and amile (with seth). then 2013 the twins or britt and anya
You aren't satisfied with getting ANOTHER top 100 recruit?
by Maryland Pride on Sep 6, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
i kinda hope so
but at the same time, i think he could be a vital piece to a natty team
by (adm)iregary on Sep 6, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
just got out of the shower
have completely lost my voice, was sopping wet, and can honestly say that was the best college experience ive had thus far. love maryland, go terps.
you guys were pretty damn rowdy on TV, good job.
FSU Football, making bad teams look bad since 2010.
by onebarrelrum on Sep 6, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I have a feeling
room will be made for the twins. People get shown the door all the time.
do you think turge is dumb?
of course he is gonna keep 2 free
LOVED THE UNIS and the "our state, our school, our team" theme
i hope they get put in rotation and go on sale to the gen public
Lets gooo Maryland
Layman
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer
but doesn’t he look like a Dookie? just saying. still excited to land him!
I like lamp, but I love sports.
Poor Ben. No rest for the weary. Over/under on story?
by Righty Driesell on Sep 6, 2011 12:23 AM EDT reply actions
Horse face Linda Cohn
clowning us. STFU skank!
Seriously Though
She wouldn’t know good lookin if it smacked her in the face. Awesome Night for Terps!!!
I guarantee we got some new diehard fans. SWAG!
Sterling Gibbs just tweeted props to our unis at Carmelo A.
Interesting. You coulda been a contenda, son!!
by 1 proud terp on Sep 6, 2011 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
WOW! What a night!
First off, props to all the fans in attendance keeping the color scheme in tact. Student section was fun to say the least.
The uniforms – Awesome! Andy Samberg face popular with this site.
The atmosphere with the rain and Espn made for an amazing football game.
I can say all the recruits touring around the stadium during the pregame were enjoying the students and the attention.
Jake Layman – Lets goooo!!!
clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!
smoke'em if ya got'em!
oh man what a game
danny o looked very solid with the exception of that pick in the end zone. our red zone offense could definitely use some work and our run game was nothing to write home about but overall im very pleased with our effort
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."
I didn't know who it was either
Then I actually clicked on it and saw it was Brandon Jennings and I lost it. He now has one of the biggest fans in the land. Seriously.
Plus, he showed MD love all night and gave a shout out to Danny OB.
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