Efficiency drives Maryland’s offense
Maryland’s offense wrapped up another largely efficient day with QB Billy Edwards Jr. leading the way. Edwards led the offense to a 300-yard total offense day – by halftime – after connecting with six different receivers while completing all but three of his 24 attempts for 199 yards. RB Roman Hemby converted a fourth-down run on the opening drive, then two plays later, it was Edwards who connected with WR Kaden Prather again for his second touchdown in as many weeks. Hemby would join the touchdown party on the next drive, capping off a seven-play drive with a six-yard run to push the lead to 14-0.
Maryland’s third drive stalled as Jack Howes ended the drive in points thanks to a 46-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 17-0, as both QBs Billy Edwards Jr. and MJ Morris made their way onto the field during the drive. An 80-yard drive powered by the passing attack led to Nolan Ray punching in his second rushing touchdown of the season, running behind a package that once again featured DLs Taizse Johnson and Dillan Fontus.
The game wasn’t without mistakes for the offense and the first came in the final minute of the first half when RB before Colby McDonald was stripped for a fumble at the Villanova 15, marking the first redzone trip of the season that ended without points. The turnover woes continued into the first drive of the second half after QB Billy Edwards tossed his first interception of the day and second of the season, setting ‘Nova’s offense up inside the redzone for the first time on the day.
The turnover set the stage for ten consecutive Villanova points, cutting the Terps’ lead to two possessions, but Edwards stepped right back up to give Maryland enough breathing room. Edwards leaned on his arm to find Felton for an early first down before TE Dylan Wade's 37-yard catch-and-run pushed them outside of the redzone. Three plays later, it was Edwards to Felton for their final snaps of the game.
In addition to the offense finishing 7-of-10 on third downs, Edwards ended his day 28-of-32 for 328 yards and pair of touchdowns, setting a new program record after completing 87.5% of his passes.
Tai Felton, the playmaker
It was clear who Maryland’s top offensive weapon was through the first three weeks of the season, and Saturday was no different. Felton took the game’s first offensive touch as he went on to record eight catches in the first quarter, the most by any Big Ten player since at least 2012 in one quarter.
And when Maryland needed him most in the second half, it was Felton who stepped up once again. Felton’s third quarter touchdown was just enough to subdue Villanova’s momentum to get the Terps back on track inside SECU Stadium, while it marked his fifth touchdown of the season. Felton’s 157 receiving yards secured his fourth consecutive 100-yard receiving game, tying a record held by Jermaine Lewis, while his 41 catches through the first four games mark the most in program history, surpassing a record once held by TE Frank Wycheck. His 14 catches vs. Villanova also mark the most by a Terp since joining the Big Ten and are tied with Torrey Smith, Frank Wycheck and Russ Weaver for the second-most in program history.
Offensive line shakeup
Though there’s no long-term concern, OT Andre Roye was inactive vs. UConn which paved the way for OL Marcus Dumervil at left tackle, marking his first start at Maryland and second in his career. Yet the offensive line saw plenty of freshman Terez Davis at left tackle after checking in midway through the first quarter, while Anthony Robsock made his way onto the field in the first half. Kyle Long, meanwhile, filled in for Aliou Bah at RG to open the second half before Bah returned.
Defense & Special Teams Flash
After holding the Wildcats to just four yards of offense through its first two drives, Villanova drove 59 yards on 13 plays highlighted by a 23-yard run to open the second quarter. But it’d be special teams this time who would come up big as DL Dillan Fontus blocked Villanova’s field goal attempt, marking the first blocked field goal since CB Jakorian Bennett did so vs. Michigan State in 2022.
While veteran Ruben Hyppolite drew the start and saw time throughout the game, Maryland also turned to their young linebackers in the non-conference finale as second-year LB Michael Harris record his first career touchdown, while second-year LB Daniel Wingate was on the field for much of the first and second half. In the secondary, freshman CB “Kerm” Humes made himself a frequent piece in the rotation as freshman CB Judah Jenkins filled out the rotation late in the second half, but the starters had chances to iron themselves out as the Wildcats took shots in the second half.
After being dealt a short field following Edwards’ interception, Maryland’s defense stayed within their assignments on first and second down before DL Tommy Akingbesote registered his first sack of the year – and first sack of the day for the defense. It seemed like Maryland did enough to mitigate ‘Nova’s momentum until the kickoff when a surprise onside kick gave them a short field, setting the stage for a consecutive scoring drive after a 17-yard pass cut Maryland’s lead to 24-10 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.
After the offense gave Maryland a bit more breathing room thanks to Felton’s score, Maryland registered its second third-down sack of the game to force Villanova to a field goal attempt with just over ten minutes remaining. The lack of pressure through the first 30 minutes was apparent after failing to register a tackle for loss, but the front seven helped seal the deal with three sacks and six tackles for loss in the second half. Maryland also matched its goal of holding opponents under 3.3 yards per carry as Villanova finished with 2.3 on Saturday.
Next: Maryland returns to Big Ten play, will face Indiana on BTN for a noon kickoff.
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