C.J. Brown has scored five total touchdowns in the first half of his return to Byrd Stadium, as Maryland has a 40-10 lead over the FIU Panthers at halftime in College Park.
On the first play of the second quarter, C.J. Brown found Deon Long on a 25-yard fade route into the end zone, easily beating his FIU defender for a touchdown. Brad Craddock made the extra point, and Maryland took a 20-3 lead.
Maryland forced another FIU three-and-out, thanks in large part to Quinton Jefferson, who had two-and-a-half tackles and a half a sack on the three-play drive. On Maryland's next drive, C.J. Brown was sacked by Greg Hickman, who forced a fumble that was recovered by FIU.
The Panthers drove to the two, where they faced first-and-goal. After an incomplete pass from Medlock, Keith Bowers and Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil managed to hold FIU on the next two plays. On fourth-and-goal from the one, Lamarq Caldwell made his way through, cutting Maryland's advantage to 20-10.
Maryland started with the response early, as C.J. Brown kept the zone read for a 64-yard gain down the left sideline, bringing the Terps into the red zone. On the next play, Brown found a wide-open Kenneth Goins for a 17-yard score on the play-action fake. Brad Craddock missed the extra point, making Maryland's lead 26-10.
The Terrapin defense then forced yet another three-and-out, allowing C.J. Brown to get to work again. Two plays after completing a difficult seven-yard pass to Long, Brown found Stefon Diggs on a play-action that completely fooled the defense. Diggs was so open he was able to stumble multiple times and still score from 66 yards out with no one getting close. Craddock made the extra point, making it a 33-10 Maryland lead.
After another FIU three-and-out, Brown started the drive off quickly with a 20-yard pass to Deon Long. The Terps then methodically moved down the field with short passes and running plays, before Brown kept it himself for an 11-yard touchdown run. It was Brown's fifth total touchdown of the first half. Craddock made the point after, making it 40-10 Terps.
Stat totals:
C.J. Brown - 15/16 for 237 yards and three touchdowns, nine rushes for 99 yards and two touchdowns
Brandon Ross - seven rushes for 23 yards
Albert Reid - five rushes for 15 yards
Deon Long - Seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown
Stefon Diggs - Four receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, 181 total yards