Maryland falls in a deflating loss in the final home game of the season against Iowa

Courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

The Terps (4-8) fell short of the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) in a game with playoff implications and bowl eligibility.

Despite the loss, Tai Felton had an explosive day and while making history, finishing with two touchdowns on just six receptions for 57 yards and became second all-time in touchdown receptions for Maryland.

Billy Edwards Jr. left early in the second quarter, came back to start the second half, but left on Maryland’s second possession in the second half due to an injury. He finished the day ⅝ for only 26 yards throwing but ran for five carries for 25 yards.

Maryland's lack of offensive production was the story for the first half, with just 65 yards of total offense, three first downs, and being ⅙ on third down.

On the other side of the ball, the defense’s performance wasn’t pretty either. Iowa’s offense had 200 yards of total offense, 139 of which were on the ground, 15 first downs, and only 3/7 on third down.

The defense was able to force a big sack, followed by a fumble recovery on Iowa’s first offensive drive but the story of the game was Iowa’s successes running the ball and Maryland's inability to create much offense.

In the second half, the team found a little spark in the defense and held Iowa to a field goal attempt on their first possession in the second half.

Maryland then came back with an answer, driving down the field on an 11-play 70-yard drive. They were unable to convert the two-point conversion but were able to put points on the board with the score 16 - 6 late in the third quarter.

On Maryland's fourth offensive possession, Tai Felton scored a 12-yard touchdown, his second of the day, cutting the lead to 19 - 13 early in the fourth quarter.

But the defensive struggles to stop the run opened up once again, and Iowa was able to answer with a 68-yard touchdown run by Kaleb Johnson to increase the lead to 26 - 13 with 9:19 left in the fourth quarter.

Just when Maryland was looking back to answer on their fifth offensive possession, MJ Morris threw an interception with Kaleb Johnson for Iowa to recover.

MJ Morris threw his second interception of the day, leading to a field goal, increasing Iowa’s lead to 29-13.

“ We had a few of those one-man breakdowns that didn’t allow us to get into a rhythm on the offensive side to help out defense cause that's what we would’ve needed to do,” coach Mike Locksley said.”

After a promising comeback, Maryland had two turnovers late in the fourth quarter.

Maryland finished the game with 227 total yards, two turnovers, and 14 first downs.

MJ Morris finished the day 12/33 for 103 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had nine carries for six yards.

The Terps look to finish the season against fourth-ranked Penn State on the road on Nov. 30.