Story By: Richard Thomas
Photos By: Hal Jalikakik
College Park, MD–
It was homecoming weekend in College Park today, but this game was anything but a homecoming for Terp fans, as they faced a the Wolverines as a heavy underdog and their final numbers showed exactly why they were today and may be for the remainder of the season.
The Terps (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) went three-and-out on their first offensive drive, and the Wolverines (7-2, 4-2) scored less than five minutes later to take a 14-0 lead. They wouldn’t need to score any more the rest of afternoon as the Terps offense just didn’t exist enough to match what Jim Harbaugh put on the field.
In the third quarter, a pass interference penalty on a third-and-long situation deep in Maryland’s side of the field extended a Michigan drive and presented the Wolverines a few more shots at the end zone. They eventually took advantage, as Patterson completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Eubanks as the Wolverines’ lead swelled to 28-0.
Another score by Hassan Haskins was added for good measure until Maryland finally had its breakthrough that came, ironically, by dint of its special teams. With the fourth quarter nearing, Javon Leake returned the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. A brief glance in the stands, showed that most of the student section and many of the regular Terp fans had headed for the exist after this touchdown.
“We have quite a few things to take a look at after the game today,” said Terps Head Coach Mike Locksley. “As many of you know, things do not get any easier next week but we have to prepare for big games like this mentally and physically and put our best effort on the line. Today we just did not do that.”
Next up for the Terps, a road game to face the strong 3rd ranked Ohio State.
