Game Recap: Michigan defeats Maryland 34-27
Maryland started the game as ugly as they could have muffing the game's opening kickoff which led to a quick 7-0 Michigan lead. But anytime things looked to be in a position to take some control in the game, it was Blake Corum who had the answer, and continued to terrorize the Terps.
Michigan had not yet been tested, having played Hawaii, UCONN, and Colorado State. Teams that are unanimously considered among the ten worst teams in the country this year, nary an FBS win among the trio. Maryland came in undefeated and with some talented athletes on the offensive side of the ball, and gave the #4 team in the nation all they could handle.
Turning Point in the Game
Aside from a muffed kickoff that gave Michigan the lead, Maryland really dominated the first half of the game and looked to be heading to the break with a 17-13 lead, when on 4th and 1 Blake Corum, put the Wolverines back in front.
Michigan Game Ball
Blake Corum
30 carries, 243 yard, 2rushing TDs
Corum was the man for Michigan, he virtually sealed the game for Michigan on a 3rd and long with a shade over three minutes remaining in the game, with Michigan nursing a one-score lead. TLDR; Corum tore 'em.
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Maryland Game Ball
Jaishawn Barham
8 tackles, .5 TFL, the true freshman linebacker was everywhere, though he had some bad moments as well for much of the game he and that Terripan defense gave them some opportunities to win the game. Bright future for the youngster.
Game thoughts & Notes
You have to wonder what happens if the Terps do not fumble the opening kickoff and could have taken care of the football better. They lost the rushing battle and had a -2 turnover margin today. This is not a disciplined enough football team, and yet their margin of defeat vs #4 Michigan was only seven points, easily covering the 17.5-point spread. This could be an omen for things to come for Maryland, good or bad. Maybe they can use the momentum to find a way to win more games, or perhaps they will do their best to emulate Nebraska's 2021 campaign.
As for Michigan, this was a disappointing showing for them after rolling over everyone in their path to this point. The question about how good they are is completely fair. To me, they did not look like a team worthy of such a lofty ranking today. But the CFP committee isn't deciding the field today, survive and advance. When you don't bring your best stuff, find a way to win, get to the film room and fix it. Michigan will have an opportunity to do just that.
What it Means for the Winning Team
It means there is work to do. Michigan has a long way to go if they expect to defend their B1G Championship. Tougher tests are ahead, and the effort today by everyone but Blake Corum won't be enough to get over those hurdles. Time to regroup and get back to the drawing board.
What it Means for the Losing Team
Locksley's slow rebuild is heading in the right direction. I am not a fan of moral victories, but the truth is Maryland has a talented team, and these kinds of showings are better than the blow-out style losses we have seen in the past. Hopefully, Taulia is okay, and the Terps can get back on the bike, and just what the doctor ordered, as a struggling Michigan State squad is coming to visit next week.
