Oct. 23, 2010

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Quick hits: Maryland improved to 5-2 on the season, including 2-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, with its 24-21 victory over Boston College. The Terps are just one win away from bowl eligibility and tied for second in the Atlantic Division... Maryland snapped a 10-game road losing streak, including a seven-game string in the ACC. Its last road win was at Clemson on Sept. 27, 2008.

Changes on the O-Line: Pete DeSouza, Maryland's starting right tackle the last three games, was lost for the season after being injured in a traffic accident Thursday so the Terps had to adjust. Paul Pinegar was moved from center to right tackle and Bennett Fulper earned the starting nod a center, the first of his career at that spot. Pinegar did have experience at right tackle, starting there four times in 2009. Fulper has split time between center and right guard this season.

First Scoring Drive: Maryland's first scoring drive went 48 yards on 13 plays in 6:05. Danny O'Brien was 6-of-8 for 31 yards, while Davin Meggett ran five times for 14 yards. The drive was capped when O'Brien threw to Torrey Smith for a 2-yard TD.

Fourth-down conversions: Maryland, which entered today's game 5-for-8 on fourth-down conversions this season, had two on its first scoring drive against the Eagles. Danny O'Brien completed a 9-yard pass to Ronnie Tyler on a fourth-and-7 to extend the drive, and later threw to Adrian Cannon for 11 yards on a fourth-and-1.

Second Scoring Drive: After fourth-down conversions were key to Maryland's first scoring drive, it was a pair of third-down conversions that keyed the second one. With a third-and-9 on BC's 25-yard line, O'Brien threw over the middle to Kerry Boykins for a gain of 21 yards. Then, on third-and-goal from the 6, O'Brien again looked over the middle, this time to Ronnie Tyler, for a touchdown.

Another TD for Smith: Torrey Smith's touchdown catch in the first quarter was his sixth of the season and 13th of his career. The six this season are the most since Vernon Davis also had six in 2005. His 13 career TD receptions ties him for third in school history with Darrius Heyward-Bey (2006-08) and Guilian Gary (1998-2001). Jermaine Lewis (1992-95) is first on the list (21) while Greg Hill (1982-84) is second (18). Smith finished with a season-high nine receptions for 37 yards.

Defensive Force: When Kenny Tate forced Montel Harris to fumble in the second quarter, it marked just the fourth fumble by the BC running back in the first 687 touches of his career. Tate now has four forced fumbles this season, the most by a Terp since Milton Harris also had four in 2005. Tate tied for the team high with eight tackles, including seven solos and one sack.

Two for Perez: Antwine Perez had two interceptions in the first half and now has three this season. He is the first Terp to record multiple interceptions in a game since Cameron Chism had two against Middle Tennessee State last season. Perez, who entered today tied for third in the ACC in passes defended (1.17 per game), also had four tackles and a fumble recovery.

Opportunistic Defense: Maryland scored 14 points off BC turnovers in the game. The Terrapins now have a 52-7 advantage on points off turnovers this season. Maryland forced three turnovers in the game and did not commit one.

Third-down Improvement: The Terps entered today's game last in the ACC in third-down conversions (18 of 71/25.4 percent). Their best mark so far this season was 5 of 13 (38.5 percent) against Morgan State. But against Boston College, Maryland converted on 10 of 19 chances. The Terps had started the game just 1 of 5, but converted nine of their final 14 attempts. Seven of Maryland's conversions came via the pass, while three came by run.

Fourth-down stops: Maryland stopped Boston College on fourth down on the final two drives to preserve the win. BC finished the game 2 of 4 on fourth downs. Maryland entered the game third in the ACC by holding opponents to a 45.5 percent conversion rate on fourth down.

Tidbits: Kerry Boykins made the first touchdown reception of his career on a six-yard pass in the second quarter ... Ronnie Tyler tied a career-high with five catches and had a team-high 57 receiving yards ... the Terps won the battle of time of possession, 33:15 to 26:45 ... Danny O'Brien matched his career-high with three TD passes.