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Maryland can rebound from an early deficit
When Maryland went down 14-0 midway through the first quarter, you could see Maryland fans panicking across social media. After C.J. Brown's first pass of the game was intercepted and Maryland was forced to punt on their second possession, Iowa's two touchdown lead felt more like 30, as flashbacks to the Ohio State game crept into the minds of many.
But Maryland was able to respond, scoring a touchdown on their next possession. And after allowing two touchdowns to the Hawkeyes in their first two possessions, the Terps' defense responded:
IOWA | 1st | I47 | 03:33 | Kickoff | M48 | 01:33 | Punt | 3-5 | 2:00 | ||
IOWA | 2nd | I34 | 14:15 | Punt | M47 | 13:30 | Fumble | 2-19 | 0:45 | ||
IOWA | 2nd | I25 | 10:46 | Kickoff | I14 | 08:53 | Punt | 3--11 | 1:53 | ||
IOWA | 2nd | I25 | 06:47 | Kickoff | M44 | 03:30 | Punt | 9-31 | 3:17 | ||
IOWA | 2nd | I38 | 00:17 | Interception | I42 | 00:00 | End of half | 3-4 | 0:17 | ||
IOWA | 3rd | I42 | 15:00 | Possession | I42 | 15:00 | Kickoff | 0-0 | 0:00 | ||
IOWA | 3rd | I35 | 15:00 | Kickoff | M37 | 13:02 | Punt | 5-28 | 1:58 | ||
IOWA | 3rd | I43 | 11:46 | Punt | I45 | 10:41 | Punt | 3-2 | 1:05 | ||
IOWA | 3rd | M35 | 00:00 | Punt | M35 | 10:21 | Fumble | 0-0 | 0:00 | ||
IOWA | 3rd | I37 | 07:56 | Punt | I38 | 06:14 | Punt | 3-1 | 1:42 |
Maryland's defense didn't allow an Iowa score until 1:46 left in the 3rd quarter. At one point, after being down 14-0, Maryland went on a 38-7 run, before allowing two late Iowa scores.
Maryland found a running game
The Terps have struggled with running the ball this season. Entering Saturday's game, they ranked 96th nationally in rushing yards per game (140.3). But on Sunday, led by C.J. Brown's 99 yards, the Terps finished the game with 212 total rushing yards.
Maryland also got Stefon Diggs involved in the running game, as the junior wideout ran two play designed for him that gained a total of 12 yards. Finding ways to get the ball in the hands of one of your best play makers is always a good idea.
Stefon Diggs continues to climb in the Maryland record books
Diggs finished Saturday's win over Iowa with nine receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in all-purpose yards with 163.
As a result of Diggs' performance, the junior wide receiver achieved several milestones this weekend, according to Maryland's athletic department:
Diggs eclipsed the 2,000-yard receiving plateau for his career and passed Azizuddin Abdur-Ra'oof (1984-87) for fifth in program history with 2,015 yards.
What were your takeaways? One additional one is that Maryland WILL LIKELY achieve bowl eligibility this season, which is good. The Terps could also end up playing in a New Year's bowl, or in one of the B1G's lower tiered bowls.