Discussion preceding Maryland football’s 2024 campaign was chock-full of anticipation and unanswered questions, specifically at quarterback. It was evident that its on-field play would need to answer many of the uncertainties.
In Saturday’s matinee matchup against UConn, uncertainty was not an apt word to describe the play of the Terps. From start to finish, Maryland’s play was resounding in a 50-7 rout of UConn. It’s now 14-1 in season-opening games since 2010.
The Terps began the contest with possession and Billy Edwards Jr. in at quarterback. In a drive that lasted just 3 minutes and 28 seconds, Maryland’s offense sped down the field and finished things off with an 18-yard strike to wide receiver Tai Felton.
Felton was nails all game, racking up seven catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns, smashing his previous career-high of 140 yards against Rutgers last year.
Edwards appeared confident at the attack’s helm, albeit nearly fumbling on a quarterback keeper early. On his first drive, he relied on a quick, scripted passing attack that mostly featured Felton and a 13-yard Roman Hemby rush.
The defense was equally as assertive on its first few go-arounds. Neither of UConn’s first two drives eclipsed over three minutes, with its first lasting just 1:21. The Terps were aggressive, often employing man coverage and sending extra rushers at inexperienced Husky quarterback Nick Evers. On UConn’s second drive, linebacker Caleb Wheatland’s blitz on third down forced an errant pass.
The first quarter’s — and possibly the game’s — premier play was undoubtedly redshirt freshman Nolan Ray’s 48-yard touchdown scamper for Terps. He evaded multiple Husky defenders before cruising the last 20 yards into the end zone. Maryland’s 131 first quarter rushing yards were its most since 2018, when it racked up 148 against Ohio State.
The second quarter’s action saw the pace of the game slow considerably. Not only did Maryland fail to score a touchdown, it also incurred four straight punts that began in the latter portion of the first quarter.
One of its four drives that ended in a punt saw redshirt sophomore quarterback MJ Morris take the reins of the offense. However, he spent just 1:32 on the field, going three-and-out after sliding just short of the first down marker.
A diving interception by redshirt senior Glendon Miller with just under a minute to play in the first half gave Edwards and company a chance to extend the lead. But after a seam-beater and subsequent sideline toss to tight end Dylan Wade, the Terps couldn’t punch it in from five yards out.
Ultimately, Maryland’s failure to cap off drives led to three second-quarter field goals, all courtesy of Jack Howes. The Terps led 23-0 at half.
A quick switch in intensity saw Maryland hit paydirt early in the third quarter, as Edwards orchestrated a drive that culminated in a Hemby touchdown. The redshirt junior flashed of his 2022 self, finishing the day with 14 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Up 30-0, the remainder of the game felt like much of a formality for the Terps, who inserted a plethora of their backups. However, that was not before senior linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II secured a tip-drill interception, the first of his career.
Even when UConn cut into Maryland’s lead with a late-third quarter score — now with Joe Fagnano under center — the home Terps didn’t hesitate to respond. Edwards and the starters were immediately reinserted and Felton broke multiple tackles on his way to a 75-yard touchdown.
There are still questions as to how Maryland will fare against tougher conference opponents this season. However, a dominant win to begin the campaign will more than suffice for now.
Three things to know
1. Three quarterbacks saw game action. The quarterback competition that seized much of the preseason’s attention continued Saturday afternoon. While it was overtly clear that Edwards was the No. 1, the fact that Morris saw some early run highlighted Locksley’s interest in seeing both in game action.
Edwards went 20-for-27 through the air for 311 yards and two touchdowns, while also posting 39 rushing yards. Morris recorded 13 passing yards — on a 75% completion percentage — and 13 yards rushing. Cameron Edge replaced Morris in the fourth quarter following a head injury. He completed four of six passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.
2. A combination of tight ends played. Preston Howard, who was listed as a starter and graced the field early, saw no game action after the first drive. He stood on the sideline with his pads on and helmet off for the remainder of the contest.
Instead, a combination of Dylan Wade, Leon Haughton Jr. and Leron Husbands impressed, with the former taking the majority of snaps. Wade finished with two catches for 38 yards, and the trio had a solid blocking outing.
3. The secondary made its presence felt. One of the areas of question heading into the season was the viability of the Terps’ defensive back room. But the secondary impressed Saturday, allowing just 14 completions. Transfer Jalen Huskey and redshirt sophomore Perry Fisher both excelled at outside cornerback, but it was Miller who showed out the most, roaming the field at both safety and nickelback. He led the team with six tackles and snagged a pick.
