Sept. 6, 2011
LIKE! Maryland Football on Facebook
LIKE! Maryland Athletics on Facebook
GREENSBORO, N.C. -
Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien, defensive lineman Joe Vellano and defensive back Cameron Chism have been recognized as Atlantic Coast Conference Players of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.
O'Brien led an offensive attack that produced 499 yards of total offense in a 32-24 win over Miami, the most by a Terrapin team since Nov. 12, 2005. The sophomore went 31 of 44 for 348 yards and a touchdown - the third 300-yard passing game of his career - while also running for 37 yards. His 385 total yards led the ACC and ranked third nationally in the opening weekend.
O'Brien's start set the tone for Maryland, as he went 6 of 7 for 72 yards on the game's opening drive and after four series was 19 of 26 for 228 yards. He also spread the ball around, hitting six receivers on the night.
The defense, meanwhile, forced four turnovers and came up with two defensive scores that were pivotal to Maryland's victory.
Vellano recovered two fumbles, the first of which led to a field goal and the second was scooped up and run in 30 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown return came with 0:47 left in the second quarter, giving Maryland a 20-14 lead and the momentum heading into halftime.
Chism provided perhaps the biggest play of the game when he intercepted Miami quarterback Stephen Morris on fourth-and-three and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown with under a minute to play. The score increased Maryland's lead from 26-24 to 32-24. Chism also had a hand in another defensive score when he forced the fumble that Vellano ran in 30 yards for a touchdown. The senior finished the game with six tackles, including one tackle for loss.
With three players on the nine-man list, Maryland had more honorees than any other school. Virginia and NC State had two each.
Wide receiver Kevin Dorsey, offensive lineman Andrew Gonnella, linebacker Darin Drakeford and place-kicker/punter Nick Ferrara were also nominated.
For the full release from the ACC, click here.
O'Brien a Nominee for Manning Award POW
Danny O'Brien is one of eight nominees for the Manning Award Player of the Week. To vote for O'Brien, go here, and click on O'Brien's picture and "like" it. The winner will be announced Thursday.
