Kenny Tate stopped Ricky Dobbs at the goal line with 34 seconds left, and Maryland stunned in-state rival Navy 17-14 on Monday to break a seven-game losing streak that began last October. Observations of a great victory for the 1-0 Maryland Terrapins:
Who cares about stats? Navy’s 417 rushing yards meant nothing because Maryland stiffened when it had to. To hold this potent offense to only 14 points is a credit to Def Coordinator Don Brown. Moten, Kenny Tate, Alex Wujciak and Demetrius Hartsfield stood out at key moments.
The first drive script was flawless as the Terps went up 7-0.
Jamarr reminded me of Vince Young with his single wing type running. He finished with 92 yards.
Shocked that Niumatalolo went for the TD at the end. That last 1 yard is always tough to get. Ralph made adjustments at half and decided to concentrate on Dobbs. Very Effective! The harder Dobbs was hit –the less effective he became.
Up 14-7 the Terps drove down field via the run and then on 2nd and 2 from the 19 Jamarr threw an interception.
Navy’s attempt to keep the ball away from Torrey Smith proved costly field position wise.
Coach Niumatalolo’s postgame comments “You have to give Maryland credit. Coach Friedgen and his program, obviously a hard fought game, but they made plays to win the ball game. Like I said all the credit to their program, give Maryland the credit” “Ifs, ands, and buts, but you have to find a way to finish. I can’t remember a time where we rushed for 400 yards and lost a ball game. There’s no consolation in moving the ball. The object of the game is to score and they did a good job keeping us out. We just had some mental lapses. I got out-coached. This is a team loss. We came in here trying to make sure we took care of the football. We lost the turnover battle. We knew they were going to try and run the ball and we had a hard time stopping the run. We could have converted in the red zone. So like I said, we just had a mishap there at the end of the half. We were either just going to throw the ball out of bounds and kick the field goal and we had a mental lapse there. And it was probably a bad call on my part to go for it there at the end. The biggest fault is my fault. We could have kicked the game into overtime and seen what happened – bad decision.”
Kudos to Travis Baltz in a pinch hit role as placekicker in the absence of Nick Ferrara.
I had a chance to meet new AD Kevin Anderson. First impressions were excellent as the new AD greatly enjoyed his first victory over Navy.
Great crowd of 69000 of which it seemed about 60-40 Maryland.
Ralph was clearly in the best mood I have seen in 7 months referring to the importance of finishing!!!
Danny OBrien’s debut was spoiled by what looked to be a busted play. I believe he will get some reps against Morgan State this Saturday night.
Ricky Dobbs–great player yes–Heisman candidate—nahhhhhhhhhh
Next up The Morgan State Bears Saturday night at 6PM
Ryan
I’m glad we won. As always. But, if watching that defense, makes you feel anything but total frustration, then somethings wrong.
Give Done Brown credit? That is some of the luckiest stuff I have seen in a long time.
2 punts. I mean, wow.
But, the thing is, the thing that is the most troublesome is…the players, actually look like they have talent, but this teams coaching staff, has to be one of the worst in NCAA football.
Not declining that chop block on 4th down, and giving Navy, who moved the ball at will the 3rd down back, was just horrid.
MD is running all over Navy, to begin the game, and Franklin calling a crossing pattern on 2nd and 2, getting intercepted, just blows my mind.
Hartsfield, not diving on the ball, and trying to pick it up instead, reflects what he has been taught.
If they win, Fridge sticks around, as does Franklin. So, its a double-edged sword. Lets hope for just a bowl game, but nothing special. That way, they will still can him, and bring in someone who knows what they are doing.
In the words of Mike Preston, when asked what can the Fridge do to save his job? He responds “He can hire Vanderlinden as his recruiting coordinator”
· 11/12/2019
freddy from boca
the good. md won. defense made big plays when needed most. vellano played really well.. md running backs played well. robinson ran well. nice game by baltz. great play by moten to cause a fumble. the bad. navy ran about 85 plays. md coaching staff has no confidence in robinson as a passer and for good reason. he can’t read defenses so he can’t check off. he only lookk at his primary receiver. poor playing calling by franklin. but we won and that’s the most important thing. robinson like vince young. give me a break. young was a superstar in college. i don’t think robinson is the qb is 3-4 games.
· 11/12/2019