Maryland Football has 56 new players this season – a roster filled with young people and inexperience on both sides of the ball That youth and inexperience was in full display on Saturday night as Maryland struggled through all three phases – returning the ball four times These key turnovers proved to be costly in the 43-3 loss
“I never felt like after the first practice we had an attacking rhythm,” said head coach Mike Locksley
Northwestern made Maryland pay for those mistakes, scoring 16 points on turnovers Taulia Tagovailoa threw three interceptions, while freshman Isaiah Jacobs frisked a kickoff
Last season Northwestern averaged 16 2 points per game, almost triple that total in tonight’s contest.The 40-point win marks the Wildcats’ biggest margin of victory in a conference game since 1970
Northwestern totaled 336 yards in the first half, posting a balanced attacking offense under new offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, while Maryland gained just 86.The Wildcats finished with 537 total yards and 325 yards in ground, attacking the Terps defense constantly on the edges
“In order for us to stop the race it all depends on the control of the gaps and the guys who maintain the integrity of the gap for which they are responsible,” said Locksley “A couple of times they’ve managed to take the advantage over us, we were cut and cut off from our shortcomings «
The Terps’ offense showed optimism in the first practice, as Tagovailoa led them on a 12-game, 56-yard first try that ended with a 33-yard field goal from Joseph Petrino, however, that momentum was shortlived as the Wildcats paraded the field and executed their own 14-game, 75-yard touchdown This first training session ended with a one-meter touchdown by running back Isaiah Bowser
The campaign that followed marked the first of Tagovailoa’s first errors In pursuit of first-year wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, Tagovailoa knocked over his target and the ball flew straight into the leaping arms of cornerback A from NUJ Hampton Making the Terps pay for their mistake, the Wildcats executed a 55-yard touchdown in five games Quarterback Peyton Ramsey topped the run with a 12-yard touchdown run flaunting his athleticism and ability to extend plays That touchdown was part of an effective outing for the veteran who finished 23-30 for 212 yards
Sensing the Wildcats gaining momentum, the Maryland offense looked for a big game to return in the game Targeting Dontay Demus who was double covered, Tagovailoa threw his second interception, this time chosen by JR Pace though Maryland’s defense halted after the turnover, the attack struggled to succeed on the remaining first-half records Tagovailoa’s timing and pace appeared to be staggered after the turnovers, missing several open receivers on routine throws
« The first interception was a mistake, we tried to shake it off, » Tagovailoa said. « After that it was me and I took full possession of it »
While the Maryland offense struggled, the Wildcats offense continued to be successful as the first half progressed, particularly in the race game. At 5:43 a.m. to the end of the first period, running back Drake Anderson showed his explosiveness on a 37-yard touchdown taking the lead to 24-3 Anderson’s burst topped the headlines for 158 rushing yards from Northwestern in the first half, going well over Maryland’s 24 yards In the final six minutes of the first half, Northwestern converted two field goal attempts, putting the finishing touches on a dominant 30-point first half
Maintaining offensive balance after the break, the Wildcats marched onto the field for a 17-play, 75-yard touchdown to open the second period On that record, Ramsey and the offense executed several third and fourth downs – an area where they excelled all night.They converted 50% of third down chances and all-time 100% of their 4th down chances
As the third quarter progressed, the Maryland attack progressed with first consecutive tries However, this progression was short-lived as Tagovailoa threw a third interception – eerily similar to the second, throwing himself into a double cover on a deep pass. Outside of turnover, Northwestern continued his success in the football race, ending with a 30-yard touchdown from Evan Hull on the sideline.
Maryland focus on improving every facet of the game going forward as they host Minnesota in the home opener on Friday October 30
“Obviously we haven’t played well enough in any of the three phases,” said Locksley “What we have to do as a staff is to watch the tape and keep trying to develop this team every week »
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World news – United States – Turnover dooms Maryland football in unbalanced loss to open season at Northwestern – WMUC Sports
