Nov. 7, 2008

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Postgame Notes

Heyward-Bey Leading the Way: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey has been a catalyst for the Terps offense all season, and he continued to provide a spark for the Terps offense against Virginia Tech. The junior wideout recorded five receptions for 92 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown reception from QB Chris Turner on a slant pass during the third quarter. That play marked Heyward-Bey's eighth career gain of 50 yards or more. It also tied for the third-longest play by the Maryland offense this season. Heyward-Bey has now caught at least one pass in 31 of the last 34 contests.

Chart Climber: With his 63-yard touchdown, Darrius Heyward-Bey tied Gulian Gary (1998-01) for third on Maryland's all-time list with 13 career touchdown receptions. His 12-yard reception during the second quarter enabled Heyward-Bey passed Azizuddin Abdur-Ra'oof (1984-87) to move into third place in school history with 1,976 career receiving yards. Heyward-Bey remains in fourth place in all-time with 126 career receptions, needing just nine receptions to overtake Frank Wycheck (1990-92) for third place in that category.

Quote-Worthy: Former Maryland WR Azizuddin Abdur-Ra'oof on being passed by WR Darrius Heyward-Bey in the school's career receiving yards record book: "I'd like to be the first to congratulate Darrius on continuing to move up the receiving chart. I think it's awesome. Records are made to be broken, and I can't think of a better person to pass me."

Mr. Smith Comes From Washington: WR Torrey Smith continues to make the most of his opportunities after recently being inserted into the starting lineup. The freshman wideout registered the first blocked punt of his career during the third quarter to give the Terps offense the ball at its own 45-yard line. Smith also snared a career-high four receptions for 62 yards against the Hokies. Smith added 101 kickoff returns yards to account for 163 all-purpose yards, his third-highest total of the season.

Block Party: Torrey Smith's blocked punt gives the Terps four blocks in a season (two blocked punts and two blocked field goals) for the first time since the 2005 season.

Turner on Target: QB Chris Turner continued to orchestrate a productive Terps offense on Thursday. The junior signal-caller completed 19 of 31 passes for 240 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown strike to WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. Turner has now attempted 92 passes without throwing an interception. He now has thrown for at least 200 yards in 11 of the last 14 games in which he has started.

Moving Up the Ranks: Chris Turner's performance against the Hokies catapulted him into the top-10 in career passing yards, as he passed Dick Shiner (1961-61) on that list. His touchdown reception, the 16th of his career, moved him into a tie with Vic Turyn (1947-48) for 15th place in school history.

Through the Uprights: One game after notching the game-winning field goal against NC State, PK Obi Egekeze connected on two of three field goals versus Virginia Tech. Egekeze's 41-yarder enabled him to pass Joe O'Donnell (1994-96) to claim sole possession of eighth place on Maryland's all-time list with 29 career field goals. He now has connected on 23 of 26 field goal attempts (.885) during ACC play for his career.

Fokou's Continued Sack Binge: LB Moise Fokou registered his team-leading fifth sack of the season near the end of the second quarter when he took down Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon for a loss of three. Fokou entered the game ranked ninth in the conference in sacks. DL Travis Ivey and LB Rick Costa also notched sacks Thursday against the Hokies.

Tackle Machine: As has been the case much of season, LB Alex Wujciak paced the team in tackles against Virginia Tech. The sophomore Mike linebacker tallied a game-high 13 tackles. Maryland lost for the first time this season when Wujciak or Dave Philistin tally 10 or more tackles. The Terps were 5-0 when either had double-digit stops.

Points Off Turnovers: Maryland has its special teams unit to thank for its excellent starting field position that led to its second field goal of the game during the third quarter. Freshman WR Tony Logan recovered a botched punt return at the Hokies 11-yard line to set up the score.

Great Scott: Despite being only a sophomore, Da'Rel Scott has been Maryland's leading rusher all season. On Thursday the Hokies held the Terps' ground game in check, so Scott found other ways to contribute. Scott caught a career-best five passes for a career-high-tying 57 receiving yards.

Long Drive: The Maryland offense has demonstrated quick-strike ability all season, but against Virginia Tech it managed its longest scoring drive of the 2008 campaign. Thanks in large part to Darrius Heyward-Bey's 63-yard touchdown catch-and-run, the Terps drove 98 yards in six plays for their first touchdown of the game.

Spreading the Wealth: Making his first career start, FB Taylor Watson recorded his first career reception during the Terps' opening drive when QB Chris Turner found him for 11 yards. Watson is the 17th Maryland player to catch a pass this season - the most in one season since 18 Terps notched receptions in 2003.

Baltz's Punting Prowess: P Travis Baltz continued to prove he is one of the ACC's best punters with his performance against Virginia Tech. The sophomore punted six times for 290 yards, including a season-long punt of 59 yards and three punts landing inside the Hokies' 20-yard line.