The Indiana Hoosiers entered Saturday’s game against the Maryland Terrapins turnover-free. The Hoosiers’ offense had zero turnovers through their first four games of the season — all wins. Meanwhile, Maryland’s defense came off two stellar performances against Virginia and Villanova in their previous two.
However, Maryland’s offense failed to capitalize on their ball-hawking defense. As a result, Indiana still hung 42 points on the Terps for a 14-point win in a game that got away from Maryland late.
Maryland forced Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke to throw interceptions on the first two drives of the game by the hands of defensive backs Jalen Huskey and Glendon Miller.
Maryland killed Indiana’s promising opening drive, locking in with a Kellen Wyatt sack and a pass deflection by Perry Fisher before Rourke overthrew a 3rd-and-16 pass into the hands of Huskey.
The interception was Indiana’s first turnover of the season.
Rourke’s second interception was a bad throw. Miller had Indiana wideout Ke’Shawn Williams well-covered. Yet, Rourke tossed the ball right into Miller’s hand.
Despite the two early interceptions, the Terps offense failed to take advantage. Instead, Maryland had minus-two yards on six plays and two punts.
Later in the second, Maryland forced a third Indiana turnover, a fumble by Indiana’s running back Kaelon Black. Still, Maryland didn’t score off the turnover. The Terps trailed 14-7 at the half. If not for Indiana’s turnovers, the score may have been worse.
Ultimately, Indiana’s offense got on track, gaining 510 yards and scoring six touchdowns. Rourke had a fumble later in the game. Even then, Maryland’s drive resulted in a turnover on downs.
Mike Locksley’s defense forced four turnovers on a team that didn’t turn over the football throughout the season. Yet, Maryland still lost by two touchdowns.
Rourke finished with 359 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Indiana added three rushing touchdowns. Ty’Son Lawton, Justin Ellison, and Myles Price scored.
Ironically, Maryland had zero turnovers. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Roman Hemby rushed for 117 yards on ten attempts, including a 75-yard touchdown helped by an umpire’s block.
No one could imagine that Maryland would win the turnover battle 4-0 against one of the Big Ten’s most potent offenses and still lose. Unfortunately, that was the case for the Terps. Indiana (5-0) remains undefeated and just as impressive as the previous weeks. Meanwhile, Maryland (3-2) falls to 0-2 in the Big Ten.
