Are the bright primetime lights too big for Maryland? The Terrapins entered Week 2’s Big Ten Saturday Night game on NBC as heavy favorites (-24.5) against Charlotte. However, a three-play sequence in the game’s opening moments turned disastrous for Maryland.
The 49ers needed five plays to march down the field on the Terrapins for an opening-drive touchdown. Charlotte quarterback Jalon Jones found a wide-open Jarius Mack for a 48-yard touchdown thanks to a blown coverage by the Maryland secondary.
Maryland wide receiver Octavian Smith Jr. muffed the ensuing kickoff near the goal line. Fortunately, the Terrapins recovered the football.
However, on the very next snap — Maryland’s first offensive play — quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa was intercepted by Charlotte linebacker Demetrius Knight, who returned the pick 16 yards to paydirt for the touchdown.
Charlotte led Maryland 14-0 with 11:56 remaining in the first quarter.
The crowd at Maryland’s SECU Stadium was shocked. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley couldn’t have imagined such a disastrous start to the game.
If Maryland wants to save its season, they’ll dig themselves out of the two touchdowns-hole.
