Maryland’s dry spell continues, outmatched in 38-7 loss against No. 14 Michigan
It did not take Maryland long to dig themselves into another hole against a team they had little margin for error against.
In fact, the Terps already trailed 11 seconds into their homecoming game.
Michigan wide receiver Giles Jackson fielded the opening kickoff and went virtually untouched down the right sideline for a 97-yard touchdown. This play sucked the energy out of the little Maryland fans at the stadium that already seemed to be outnumbered by Wolverine fans.
Things did not get any better after the return. Self-inflicted wounds the team has been struggling for weeks with along with the talent disparity gave the Terps little chance to find their ground to make it a competitive match up.
The 38-7 loss against Michigan Saturday afternoon marked Maryland’s fourth straight defeat, dropping their season record to 3-6 and Big Ten record to 1-5.
“Give Michigan credit for the win today,” head coach Mike Locksley said. “Coach Harbaugh had his team ready to play.”
Quarterback Josh Jackson made his first start since injuring his ankle against Purdue, but his return did not spark the Terps’ struggling offense.
After Wolverine running back Zach Charbonnet scored on a two-yard run to put Michigan up 14-0 with a little under nine minutes to go in the first quarter, Maryland was a busted play away from responding with a score of their own.
A 22-yard reception from tight end Chig Okonkwo and a fourth down conversion from running back Anthony McFarland put the Terps in prime scoring position at the Wolverines’ 12-yard line late in the first quarter.
Taking the snap on third-and-seven, Jackson had no time to set his feet to make an accurate throw as two missed cut blocks from his linemen led to immediate pressure from three Michigan defenders.
Being hit as he threw, Jackson’s pass lofted into the air and fell into the arms of Wolverines’ defensive back Josh Metellus, killing one of the Terps offense’s best shots at a score.
“I guess I’ve just got to get the ball out a little bit faster,” Jackson said. “I went from one read to the second and by that time, I was hit.”
After forcing a Michigan three-and-out, Maryland soon found themselves in the red zone again with a chance to chip away at their deficit.
A 24-yard reception from wide receiver Brian Cobbs put the Terps on the Wolverines’ 11-yard line, but they walked away again with no points to show for it. Two runs for zero combined yards and a sack on third down forced Maryland to kick a 37-yard field goal, but kicker Joseph Petrino could not convert as his kick was too far right.
Jackson finished the afternoon throwing for 97 yards and an interception.
Locksley credited the Wolverines’ defense along with the Terps’ lack of execution for the struggles in the red zone.
Leake provided the lone bright spots for the Terps by returning the ensuing kickoff for a 97-yard touchdown. This is his second kick return for a touchdown of the season and the third of his career. He is now tied with former Super Bowl wide receiver Torrey Smith for the most kickoff returns in school history.
The Terps’ chances of becoming bowl eligible slipped further out of grasp. The team has to win out in order to make its first bowl game since 2016. Maryland has their toughest challenge of the season next week when they travel to Columbus to take on the No. 3 team in the nation.
The Terps will visit Ohio Stadium on Nov. 9 to face No. 3 Ohio State at noon.