Maryland Vs. FIU: Live Game Thread

September 15, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Connecticut Huskies tackle Ryan Wirth (53) and linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33) attempt to tackle Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

During Saturday’s game against Florida International, I’ll be having a live game thread. I encourage all Terps fans that are watching the game from home to interact with us here on the site. Leave some comments with some of your predictions for this afternoon and the season, as well interact with us during the game. I’ll be providing my opinions leading up to kickoff and even more during the game. It’s the afternoon that we’ve been waiting for. GO TERPS!!

10:11 a.m. – I’d like to welcome all Maryland fans to the open game thread! We’re less than three hours from kickoff and I’m just as excited as you guys are. According to Bodog, Maryland is currently a 21-point favorite against FIU.

If you’re looking to prepare for the game, we have extensive coverage here at Terrapin Station MD. If you haven’t gotten a chance to listen Art and I’s podcast from earlier this week, check it out here! There’s also a game preview, five things to watch for on both offense and defense, and a season prediction with results up on the site.

10:42 a.m. – In case you missed it this morning, Maryland’s captains will be sophomore running back Albert Reid, linebacker L.A. Goree, and cornerback Jeremiah Johnson.

12:09 p.m. – According to Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post, defensive end Zeke Riser is in shorts. Safety Zach Dancel and WR Tyrek Cheeseboro are both not dressed. Neither participated in practice this week.

12:15 p.m. – Make sure you follow Terrapin Station MD staff writer Steven Ulrich (@StevieU22) who in the press box at Byrd Stadium!

12:26 p.m. – There is a very large amount of Maryland targets in the house at Byrd today. St. John’s safety Ayron Monroe, Gonzaga offensive lineman Richie Petitbon, St. John’s quarterback commit Will Ulmer, Friendship Academy cornerback Jalen Tabor, and Friendship Academy offensive lineman Quarvez Boulware among the attendees.

12:33 p.m. – Florida International wins the toss and defers to the second half.

12:42 p.m. – C.J. Brown didn’t seem to have much rust on that drive. He was 3-for-3 for 43 yards. Brad Craddock connects on a 20-yard field goal to give Maryland a 3-0 lead.

12:45 p.m. – Abner Logan forced the fumble on the kickoff and the Terps recover at the FIU 13.

12:47 p.m. – Disappointing start for the Terps as they have to settle for field goals on back-to-back possessions. Craddock hits another one and it’s 6-0 Maryland

12:50 p.m. – If Medlock’s throw is on target, Jeremiah Johnson would’ve gotten burned. Lucky break for Maryland. FIU to punt.

12:51 p.m. – Will Likely may not be returning punts for a while. He coughs it up and FIU has great field position.

12:55 p.m. – Maryland’s defense holds and FIU has to settle for a field goal. Terps lead 6-3 in the first quarter. Darius Kilgo recorded a sack on the series, which definitely helped.

1:02 p.m. – C.J. Brown rolls out and hits Deon Long near the sideline for the completion. The play is under review.

1:05 p.m. – Brown fakes out the entire defense and bounces it outside for 29-yard touchdown. Terps lead 13-3.

1:10 p.m. – Maryland looks great on both sides of the ball. The Terps put points on the board on all three possessions and have dominated FIU on defense. Great start.

1:13 p.m. –  The Terps are going to Brandon Ross quite a bit so far. Albert Reid yet to see action.

1:26 p.m. – After some internet issues, I am back. Deon Long catches his first touchdown as a Terp from 25 yards out. Maryland leads FIU 20-3.

1:35 p.m. – If Mike Madaras can’t go, we could see true freshman Moise Larose at left tackle.

1:39 p.m. – The Golden Panthers go for it on fourth down and convert for the touchdown. Maryland still leads 20-10 with 8:30 remaining in the first half.

1:45 p.m. – After bursting for a 64-yard run, C.J. Brown finds fullback Kenneth Goins wide-open for the touchdown. Brad Craddock misses the extra points and it’s 26-10 Terps.

1:48 p.m. – Fans might be calling for Adam Greene soon if Craddock’s miscues continue.

1:57 p.m. – C.J. Brown drops back and goes deep to a wide-open Stefon Diggs, who stumbles but doesn’t fall down and takes it to the house. Maryland has a commanding 33-10 lead with 5:58 left in the first half.

2:09 p.m. – C.J. Brown runs it in for another Maryland score. It’s 40-10 and I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see the starters in the second half.

2:15 p.m. –  We go to halftime and Maryland has a 40-10 lead over FIU. C.J. Brown has three passing touchdowns in additions to two rushing touchdowns. Stefon Diggs and Deon Long each have a touchdown catch as well. I’d be surprised if we see many of the starters in the second half.