Randy Edsall's Terrapin squad has not looked good in his return to Connecticut, trailing the Huskies 7-0 on the road after on quarter.
Maryland won the toss and deferred, so it was the Terps' defense that opened the game on the field. They were able to force a three-and-out, and a poor Connecticut punt gave Maryland the ball near midfield. The Terps were unable to take advantage, as Brandon Ross was stuffed on fourth down, turning the ball over on downs (again near midfield).
Connecticut got on the board first, with three straight completions from Chandler Whitmer bringing the Huskies into the red zone. Three plays later, running back Lyle McCombs was pushed five yards by Huskie defenders into the end zone, giving UConn the 7-0 lead.
Maryland's next drive started in a rough manner, as on the second play C.J. Brown's option toss to Brandon Ross was mishandled for a fumble. The running back was able to recover, leading Maryland with a third-and-long that they could not convert.
The Terrapins' next defensive drive got off to a rough start, with a first down and a roughing the passer penalty against Quinton Jefferson. On the next play, however, Dexter McDougle made a ridiculous diving interception, giving the ball back to the Terps.
Maryland's offense started to get it back together on the next drive, with back-to-back big completions from Brown to Stefon Diggs (26 yards) and Deon Long (21 yards) followed by a 16-yard run by Brown. On the next play, Brown's pass to Brandon Ross fell out of the running back's hands and into cornerback Tony Mack's, giving UConn the ball back.
After a Connecticut three-and-out, Brown found Diggs over the middle for a 36-yard gain. Maryland was eventually stopped again just short on fourth down, giving the Huskies the ball yet again.