Maryland bounced back from a disappointing loss in Week 2, beating former ACC rival Virginia in Charlottesville 27-13. The Terrapins sweep the two-game series under head coach Mike Locksley. Maryland has now beaten Virginia four straight games going back to 2012.
The Cavaliers held a 13-7 halftime lead, but Maryland’s defense proved to be the difference in the game. In a repeat from last year’s meeting in College Park, the Terrapins forced four turnovers against the Virginia offense as quarterback Anthony Colandrea committed three with two interceptions and a fumble lost.
The Terrapins’ offense woke up in the second half, outscoring the Wahoos 20-3 in the final 30 minutes. The Billy Edwards/Tai Felton duo steered the ship.
Edwards continues to thrive as one of the better Big Ten quarterbacks this season, posting a 74.7 QBR in three games. Felton is emerging as one of the best wide receivers in the nation, collecting 447 yards so far this year.
Mike Locksley’s team rebounded from the loss to Michigan State to get a solid win on the road. The Terps now have to focus on FCS-powerhouse Villanova at SECU Stadium. The Wildcats are ranked fifth in this week’s APFCA. But before focusing on the challenges of next week’s game, let’s look back to the key takeaways of Maryland’s win over Virginia.
Tai Felton emerging as a premier WR with a third straight 100-yard game
Felton extended his 100-receiving yard streak to three games to open the season with nine catches for 117 yards and a touchdown Saturday against Virginia.
The senior was once again Edwards’ favorite target. Edwards targeted Felton thrice on Maryland’s opening possession.
Felton is emerging as an excellent route runner and can shed off defenders to create space. In the second quarter, Felton had an incredible three-play stretch. First, he caught a 15-yard pass but took a huge hit. It appeared Felton was shaken up by the hit. Yet, he stayed on the field. The next play he nearly hauled in an acrobatic one-handed touchdown, but he was ruled out of bound. After a review, Felton split two Virginia defenders in the end zone for a touchdown.
Felton also displayed his ability to run after the catch, snagging a hitch route and turning up the field to get away two Cavaliers for a 37-yard gain. He is growing into a do-it-all receiver. His three-game performance has garnered him recognition as arguably the Big Ten’s best wideout.
He is third in the nation in receiving yards and is shooting up the draft boards. If he continues this dominance through the Big Ten, he can become a top prospect for next year’s NFL Draft.
Billy Edwards solidified his spot at QB
Maryland has quickly found another stud at quarterback with junior quarterback Billy Edwards. In the last three games, Edwards has totaled 827 passing yards (second in the Big Ten) and six touchdowns.
Against Virginia, Edwards made a lot of good reads and decisions. He’s an accurate short-range passer with pinpoint accuracy. He is decent at throwing deep balls. However, he would like back some of his shots in the second half.
Edwards highlighted his ball placement when he hit wideout Kaden Prather in the third quarter to put the Terps ahead 14-13. Edwards pump-faked to freeze the secondary before dropping the ball between Prather and the sideline in the end zone on his back shoulder.
Prather turned around into the catch away from three Virginia defenders, including the safety coming over the top.
After two years backing up Taulia Tagovailoa, Edwards finally has his opportunity. Saturday, he took full advantage with 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Maryland’s defense got needed stops in second half
Maryland’s defense got four turnovers and five punts. Replicating their defensive effort from last year’s game against Virginia
Virginia didn’t figure out Maryland’s defense for the second straight year. The Terrapins forced four turnovers and five points.
Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. led the charge, tallying 11 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. After Maryland linebacker DJ Samuels stuffed Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea on a read-option, Trader intercepted the QB on the ensuing snap.
The Terps’ defense made up for the offense’s ineffectiveness until the final drive of the first half. After Felton’s touchdown gave Maryland an early 7-6 lead, Virginia’s offense marched 71 yards on five plays in 49 seconds for a touchdown just before halftime. The drive was sparked by a busted coverage, leading to Colandrea connecting a 45-yard bomb to wideout Trell Davis. Colandrea finished the drive with a highlight-worthy scramble for the touchdown with one-second remaining.
However, Maryland’s secondary regrouped and eliminated the big play for Virginia. The Terps’ front pressured Colandrea, forcing him into costly mistakes outside of the pocket.
The Terps got defense and red zone stops. However, they’ll want to shore up their run defense. Virginia rushed for 123 yards and 4.1 yards per carry. Consistency will be imperial if Maryland wants to be a real threat in the Big Ten.
