After a thrilling 50-7 win against UCONN in Week 1, the Maryland Terps dropped their second game of the season against Big Ten opponent Michigan State.
The Terps’ first conference game was a competitive affair, with both teams exchanging lead changes throughout the contest. However, the flags and mental mistakes added up for the Terps, and the Spartans nailed a game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter, sealing the 27-24 win.
One example of a self-inflicted mistake happened seconds before the first half ended. Michigan State kicker Jonathan Kim missed a 55-yard field goal, but Maryland jumped offsides. Kim got a second chance, and he nailed the next kick from 50 yards.
The Spartans won the game because of their sufficient passing game. Quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns. The Terps cornerbacks had trouble covering the Spartans’ receivers all game. Two underclassmen, Kevyn Humes and Braydon Lee, had subpar games and will look to rebound against Virginia next week.
After the game, head coach Michael Locksley talked about the young CBs:
“We’ve got young corners and some guys playing their first football for us.” “It’s a matter of those guys growing up a little and learning the lessons that come along with failing like we failed today.”
Teprs quarterback Billy Edwards Jr had an impressive game but suffered his first loss as an NCAA starting quarterback. Edwards was poised all game, throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded a rushing touchdown in the first quarter. His favorite target? Terps receiver Tai Felton, had 11 receptions for 152 yards. Felton had 178 yards against UCONN and continues to impress
The Maryland Terps will head on the road and play Virgina in Week 3.