Oct. 6, 2012

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Postgame notes following Maryland's 19-14 win over Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon.

Kicking Off: Maryland (3-2, 1-0 ACC) won its conference opener for the fifth straight year by defeating Wake Forest (3-3, 1-3 ACC) 19-14 ... the last time the Terps didn't win their conference opener was 2007, a 31-24 overtime loss at Wake ... Maryland leads the all-time series with the Demon Deacons 43-17-1, including a 22-8 advantage at home ... the Terps have won three straight over Wake at home and 10 of the last 14 overall in the series ... Maryland's .717 winning percentage over Wake is its best mark against any ACC school.

Defense Steps Up: Maryland's defense held strong after surrendering a 73-yard touchdown pass on the third offensive play of the game. The Terps allowed just 241 total offensive yards, the fourth time in five games they've held the opponent under 300. The secondary, which had 11 pass breakups, helped hold Wake Forest quarterback Tanner Price to a .342 completion percentage. Maryland came into the game 18th nationally in passing defense (177.8 ypg) and surrendered 170 to Wake. The Terps also held the opponent under 100 yards rushing for the third time this year as Wake finished with 71 rushing yards.

100-yard Game for Diggs: Freshman receiver Stefon Diggs had his second straight 100-yard receiving game by hauling in a season-high five passes for 105 yards. Diggs' 63-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the longest by a Terp this year and set up the game-winning touchdown by Justus Pickett. Diggs also had 113 receiving yards against West Virginia two weeks ago.

Defensive Notes: Demetrius Hartsfield recorded double digit tackles (10) for the second time this season (also 13 vs. William & Mary) ... Hartsfield's sack on 4th-and-15 late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory ... Darin Drakeford and Kenneth Tate also recorded sacks ... Jeremiah Johnson had four pass breakups and now leads the team with six this year.

Big Leg: Brad Craddock connected on two long field goals for Maryland of 49 and 52 yards. He is the first Terp to hit a 50-yarder since Travis Baltz had a 52-yarder on 11/27/10 and the first Terp to hit two field goals of at least 45 yards since Baltz had a pair of 47-yarders on 9/11/10.

Dorsey in the Scoring Column: Wide receiver Kevin Dorsey recorded his first touchdown reception of the season when he caught a 33-yard pass from Perry Hills with 2:19 left in the second quarter.

Goal-Line Stop: Maryland came up with a big goal-line stop in the second quarter. Wake Forest had third-and-goal at the 1-yard line, but was unable to score. WF quarterback Tanner Price fumbled on third down and Bradley Johnson came up with a tackle at the line of scrimmage on fourth down.

Nixon Starts: With Matt Robinson out of the game due to a groin injury, true freshman Anthony Nixon drew the start at safety opposite of Eric Franklin. Nixon is the fifth true freshman to start on offense or defense for Maryland this year (Stefon Diggs, Albert Reid, Perry Hills, Sean Davis). Additionally, Brad Craddock has served as the starting place-kicker every game.

Hall of Fame: Eight new members were inducted into Maryland's Athletics Hall of Fame of this weekend, including football alum Paul Vellano. Vellano, a first team All-American in 1973, is the father of current Terp Joe Vellano, a second team All-American last year. The father-son combo represent one of four known father-son All-America combos to attend the same FBS school (also Lee and Travis McGriff at Florida; Kevin and Drew Butler at Georgia; Archie and Eli Manning at Ole Miss).

Tidbits: Maryland won the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 35:48 compared to 24:12 for Wake Forest ... Diggs finished with 132 all-purpose yards (105 receiving, 20 punt return, 7 rushing) ... there were seven fumbles in the game (four by Maryland, three by WF), with each team recovering two.