Nov 2, 2002

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Chris Downs ran for 157 yards and four touchdowns Saturday, leading Maryland past North Carolina 59-7 for its sixth straight victory.

It was Maryland's first win at UNC since 1988, and the biggest margin of victory in a series that dates to 1920. The Terrapins improved to 7-2, 3-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Steve Suter tied a Division I record with his fourth punt return for a touchdown this season, a 77-yarder that gave Maryland a 24-7 lead about six minutes before halftime.

North Carolina (2-7, 0-5) actually led 7-0 - on a 1-yard sneak by quarterback C.J. Stephens - but ended up with its fourth straight loss.

After Maryland tied the score at 7-7 on Scooter Monroe's 80-yard touchdown reception, the Terrapins took the lead for good 1:06 into the second quarter on a 38-yard field goal by Nick Novak.

Downs' first touchdown was a 9-yard run that put Maryland up 17-7 about 5˝ minutes into the second quarter. Downs gave Maryland a 31-7 halftime lead with a 36-yard run with 1:11 to go before the break. He rushed 14 times for 93 yards in the first half.

Downs also had a 1-yard plunge on Maryland's first drive of the second half and a 6-yard run with 8:48 left in the third quarter. The latter was set up by a 70-yard pass from Scott McBrien to Monroe two plays before.

Monroe had three catches for 167 yards to top 100 yards receiving for the second time in three games.

McBrien left the game in the third quarter with 190 yards on 6-for-11 passing.

Terps freshman Josh Allen scored on runs of 60 and 2 yards in the second half.