A slow third quarter saw just six points -- two Maryland field goals -- as the Terps enter the fourth quarter leading Virginia 20-16.
Maryland's offense started the second half on a notably hot note -- Caleb Rowe found Stefon Diggs for five yards before a seven-yard rush for Brandon Ross, and then Rowe completed an eight-yarder to Deon Long. On the next play, Brandon Ross ran 30 yards down the left sideline. Two plays later, Ross ran for eight yards, but a Rowe pass to Diggs fell out of his hands, setting up a Brad Craddock field goal. The Aussie hit the 36-yarder, giving the Terps the 17-16 lead.
The Cavaliers were given good field position on their next drive thanks to a solid return by Darius Jennings, and Kevin Parks burst free for a 19-yard run two plays later. A false start on another potential big gain by Parks stalled the Virginia drive, and David Watford made a crucial mistake when he elected to forego a potential first down, juking to the left and getting stopped instead of powering forward for the needed yardage. Virginia punted the ball away.
After a few uneventful drives back-and-forth, Albert Reid contributed to Maryland's success on the ground, taking the ball up the middle for a 38-yard gain. On third-and-13 two plays later, Rowe scrambled up the middle for 19 yards and a huge first down. On the next play, Rowe found Diggs on the right side for an 18-yard play where Diggs somehow managed to keep his feet in bounds. The drive stalled on two incomplete passes from Rowe, and a pitch to Diggs resulted in a loss of yardage, forcing another Craddock field goal. He hit it from 32 yards out, making it 20-16.
Some stats:
Caleb Rowe - 14/27 for 250 yards
Brandon Ross - Nine rushes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, two receptions for 79 yards
Stefon Diggs - five catches for 75 yards