The Terps dig deeper into the loss column with a disappointing game against Rutgers on Saturday night.
Maryland returned to Secu Stadium for a Big Ten rivalry matchup against the Scarlet Knights. Despite the Terps having a three-game winning streak against the Knights, this struggling Maryland team was unable to continue that standard with a 31-17 loss.
The Scarlet Knights simply came in as the more strategic team on Saturday night. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 20 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, capitalizing on deep passing and converting on crucial fourth downs. Running back Kyle Monangai also pulled through with two touchdowns and 97 yards, demonstrating Rutgers’ red-zone effectiveness that had the Terps beat.
Billy Edwards Jr. threw for a solid 335 yards with a 32 out of 55 completion ratio, leading to two touchdowns from Maryland’s frequent scorers Tai Felton and Roman Hemby. Felton’s touchdown in the second quarter marked his 81st reception of the year, setting a new Maryland single-season record. But despite the Terps’ offensive assets, they found themselves unable to finish drives, growing more inferior to Rutgers’ defense as the game went on.
The game remained close leading into the fourth quarter, with Maryland even gaining a 17-14 lead early in the third quarter from a Roman Hemby touchdown. However, the fourth quarter unraveled for the Terps, as Rutgers took control over the game pace and brought the final score to 31-17.
Maryland has now lost three games in a row, with their last win being against USC back on October 19. This win for Rutgers has secured them a bowl game for the second year in a row, as the Terps’ chances of becoming eligible slip farther away each week. Maryland wraps up their season with two dangerous away games against Iowa and Penn State, as winning both of those is the only way the Terps finish with a .500 record. Maryland is now 1-6 in conference play, and 4-6 overall.
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