Maryland Football: Terps fall short at Rutgers

Maryland looked to pick up win number five on the road against Rutgers, but they fell short.

From the start, Rutgers went to their ground game to try and beat Maryland. On their first drive, the Scarlet Knights shaved off six minutes and 15 seconds, and missed their 53-yard field goal attempt.

The Terrapins often found themselves on their heels trying to hold back the Rutgers offense. The Scarlet Knights’ offensive line was really just controlling the Terrapins upfront. This led to 5.6 yards per carry as a team.

A rather back and forth game would eventually come down to the fourth quarter. Rutgers scored during the first play of the quarter, to tie the game at 24 all.

The Scarlet Knights would then hold Maryland to a three-and-out that took 2:18 off the clock. After receiving the Maryland punt on their own 35, Rutgers would chew the clock as much as they could. An 11 play, 65 yard drive that lasted 5:09 would result in a second touchdown in a row.

Now trailing 31-24, Maryland’s back was up against the wall and they needed to score. Adversity struck, as Max Bortenschlager was not out on the field after suffering an injury as he tried to run through a defender. He put his head down, and lost the battle, then walked off holding his shoulder/neck area.

Instead of Caleb Henderson taking over, Ryan Brand was put in the game. Brand led Maryland down the field on a 17 play, 63 yard drive, but would fall just short of tying the game. A 4th and 10 throw to the back corner of the end zone was not completed, with a questionable no-call as the defender held DJ Moore’s jersey.

Rutgers would then take over the ball with 46 seconds and kneel out the clock, and finish the 31-24 victory.

This was a crucial game for Maryland as their bowl hopes are all but gone. The Terrapins will face Michigan at home, Michigan State on the road, and Penn State at home to finish the season.