09/10/2023
It was a discouraging start to the game last night, giving up 14 points in the first four minutes on a missed defensive assignment and a pick 6. Subsequently, the Terps found a way to settle down on both offense and defense last night, scoring 38 straight points and holding Charlotte out of the end zone again until late in the game.
Taulia threw for nearly 300 yards, overcame two uncharacteristic interceptions, and guided the offense expertly in the second half, several times throwing the ball away rather than taking more hard hits. Roman Hemby had a monster day, averaging 8.1 yards a carry for 162 yards, gaining 153 of those yards in the second half, including a touchdown. Colby McDonald had fewer carries, averaged 9.1 yards per carry, and scored on a 23 yard scamper at a critical point in the second half. The MD offense was able to accrue 530 yards of total offense.
The defense tightened up after the initial blown assignment, and they generated their first turnovers of the season, getting a fumble recovery and interception. They also accumulated 3 sacks, two of them from Jaishawn Barham. Once again, Beau Brade led the team in total tackles.
For the most part, special teams was a plus for the game, with Jack Howes demonstrating his howitzer leg on deep, booming kickoffs well into the end zone. He also was 3-3 on field goals of 32, 38 and 45 yards, and was 3-3 on extra point attempts. Colton Spangler averaged 43.5 yards on his two punts, and Jeshaun Jones showed a spark in returning punts with his one return for 12 yards.
It was nice to get a win in a night time game on natIonal television for a change, and the Terps finished the 38-20 victory by fighting back from their shell-shocked state caused by the opening stumbles.
After the victory, it was nice to be welcomed to Brade Village outside of the Jones-Hill House, spending a few moments with Ron Brade, Angela, Bianca, Beau, Brielle, Ron’s dad Robert, and other family and friends that have gravitated to the open arms of the Brade family to support Beau in his exploits on the field. It is especially nice to join this confab after a win!
Friday night, the Terps will get another opportunity to display their progress in this year’s maturation process on a national stage, taking on the Wahoos of UVA. It will be the last contest for this team before the conference schedule begins the following week, and they’ll have the chance to continue to tighten up their efforts in all phases of the game before the B1G games begin. The Terps are taking care of business, so hop on board the Terrapin Train!
Let’s go, MARYLAND!!!