Reality check may be in progress for the Maryland Terrapins. After starting the season with back-to-back wins against nationally ranked Texas and then at Bowling Green, Maryland is struggling against the winless Temple Owls.
The Maryland offense that rushed for 444 yards last week, has been shutout for the first 30 minutes and held to 61 yards of total offense. The rushing attack has been invisible against Temple, totaling eight yards in the first half and just 0.6 yards per carry. Maryland is 1-of-7 on third downs, as they trailed 21-7 at halftime.
The lone score by the Terrapins came from the defense, a pick-six as defensive back Darnell Savage intercepted Temple’s Anthony Russo and returned it 23 yards to the end zone.
Well … it always seemed like it would have to be the defense that got things going.
In that vein, DARNELL SAVAGE. 23 YARDS. PICK 6. pic.twitter.com/AtrBvFCf1F
— Jared Goldstein (@_jgoldy17) September 15, 2018
Maryland’s defense has not be exempt from the struggles, allowing 240 yards by Temple’s offense. Temple has converted 4-of-9 on third down and have two key fourth down conversions.
Maryland’s defense can’t get off the field, and the offense cannot stay on the field. It’s the second straight week Maryland has been stale in the first half. Last week, Maryland ignited for 35 second half points. They’ll need that type of surge in the second half if they want to avoid an upset loss to the Owls.
