Michigan rolls over Maryland in Big Ten opener
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Analyzing Michigan's 28-0 victory against Maryland.
THE BIG PICTURE: Well it wasn’t pretty, but the weather wasn’t either. Wet, cold and gusty conditions didn’t favor either team, but Michigan, who is on the cusp of entering the Top 25, was able to stay in the conversation by getting Jim Harbaugh his first Big Ten victory. The nation’s No. 2 defense maintained its status by holding Maryland to 105 yards, 37 in the second half. The Wolverines took advantage of erratic quarterback Caleb Rowe, who threw three interceptions, and stuffed the running game, which was only able to amass 29 yards. After running for 130 last week against West Virginia, Terrapins running back Brandon Ross was held to 44.
Jake Rudock was 16-for-32 for 180 yards and a touchdown, but he turned the ball over twice. He was shaky at times, with several passes floating past open receivers. The Wolverines didn’t have leading rusher De’Veon Smith, who injured his ankle/foot last week against BYU, but rushed for 199 in his absence. Michigan was unsteady in the first half, racking up 180 total yards and clinging to a 6-0 lead at the break. But Michigan rolled in the second, more than doubling its total offense and scoring three touchdowns.
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT: It’s been a rough season for the Terps, and they’re only five games in. Maryland was blown out by Bowling Green 48-27 in Week 2, humiliated by West Virginia last week 45-6, and followed that performance up with a shutout by Michigan. Walking through campus before the game, there were an overwhelming amount of Michigan tents and tailgaters, and their presence was felt in Byrd Stadium throughout the game, having more of a reason to be vocal.
It was an ugly day all around for Maryland. The Terrapins were 1-for-18 (Michigan was only 5-for-17) on third down, and Rowe threw three interceptions, before being yanked in favor of backup Daxx Garman. Rowe has 12 interceptions in five games, seven in the last two. This hasn’t helped the Terps’ turnover margin, which ranks second worst in the nation. Opponents have scored 84 points off of 17 Maryland turnovers.
TOP PLAY: There weren’t many, but late in the third quarter with Michigan fresh off its first touchdown of the game, receiver Jehu Chesson ran around the end on a sweep and exploded for a 66-yard touchdown to put his team up 21-0, emptying the Maryland student section.
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