O’Brien, Maryland pull away in fourth
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – It was a rare day in quarterback Nirvana for Maryland’s Danny O’Brien and Virginia’s Marc Verica.
With no pass rush to fear and open receivers wherever they looked, the scoring conditions were ideal Saturday at Scott Stadium. But it was O’Brien and Terrapins who took the most advantage in a 42-23 victory before 45,634.
With Virginia dropping five passes and one key interception, committing 145 yards of penalties, and throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions, Maryland seized its opportunities to break its three-game losing streak against the Cavaliers.
The Terps (7-3, 4-2) remain in control of their destiny in the ACC Atlantic as they contemplate their final two games, both at home, against division foes Florida State (7-3, 5-2) and North Carolina State (7-3, 4-2).
“Here we are with two weeks to go in the season and we have a shot to win our division,” said Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen. “We were picked last in our division by the all experts. That in itself is an accomplishment.”
Maryland was down 23-21 late in the third period, but took the lead early in the fourth with a 72-yard march fueled by back-to-back passes from O’Brien that totaled 53 yards. The first, a 26-yard completion on third down to LaQuan Williams, went through the hands of Virginia linebacker Darnell Carter, and was the turning point.
“It was a big play, huge play, could have gone the other way,” said Friedgen. “I think James [Franklin] was yelling, ‘No, no, no.’ And then, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ It was one of those deals.”
Three plays later, freshman D.J. Adams (13 carries, 37 yards) scored his third touchdown, giving the Terps the lead for good, 27-23.
Maryland senior linebacker Adrian Moten halted two of Virginia’s next three possessions, one with a sack and one with an interception, which he wrestled from the arms of Cavalier wideout Kris Burd. In between, Terrapins sophomore safety Eric Franklin had an interception.
“They threw the whole kitchen sink at us in the first half,” said Moten. “Second half we kinda knew what they would do.”
Maryland took advantage of the charity to score twice more, O’Brien throwing touchdown strikes to senior running back Da’Rel Scott and junior wideout Torrey Smith (7 receptions, 157 yards) as the Terps out-scored the Cavs 21-0 in the final period.
“I’m very disappointed in the lack of better effort, particularly in the fourth quarter,” said Virginia coach Mike London. “It’s frustrating to have 16 penalties. That’s directed on us, the coaches.”
It was far from a perfect outing for Maryland. The Terps surrendered 290 yards passing. But they did hold Virginia power back Keith Payne, who was averaging 5.0 yards per carry, to 68 yards on 18 carries and came up clutch in the fourth period.
“Our whole thought process was to get him low,” said Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown. “When they were in their big sets, we tried to match with our big personnel.”
The penalty-filled first half was a comedy of errors on both sides, but Maryland cashed in as O’Brien completed rainbows of 35 and 62 yards to Smith and 55 yards to junior wideout Quintin McCree. Each of the passes set up touchdowns as the Terps took a 21-10 lead.
“We thought their secondary was their strength,” said Friedgen. “But they were all manned up.”
The Maryland offensive line also keyed O’Brien’s success, not allowing a sack.
“It’s fun,” said O’Brien. “For me, I can just sit back and play football. Line did great today, not just in pass protection, but running the football.”
After struggling in the red zone against Miami, Maryland was efficient, scoring touchdowns on all six trips inside the 20. Adams got the tough yards with an assist from Zach Kerr, a 6-2, 320-pound sophomore defensive tackle who the Terps are now using in the backfield in short-yardage situations.
“He’s a great lead blocker,” said O’Brien. “We kind of put this little package in for him. To see the guys fly back all week was encouraging. He’s one of the best athletes on this team, considering how big he is.”
Next up for Maryland is nemesis Florida State. The Seminoles have won 17 of 19 meetings. It’s the kind of game – with postseason implications – the Terps have been craving.
“I’ve been ready for this since my freshman year,” said Moten. “Hey it’s up for grabs. We’ve got eight o’clock, prime time. Everything is on the line right now.”
