TAMPA, Fla. - Postgame notes following Maryland's 24-17 win over USF.
Kicking It Off: Maryland improved to 2-0 and USF fell to 1-1 after the Terps defeated the Bulls 24-17 at Raymond James Stadium Saturday. It marks Maryland's third straight road win dating back to 2013. It is the second consecutive season the Terps have started 2-0 and eighth time since 2000.
Rare Occurrence: Terrapin linebacker Avery Thompson became the first Maryland player since Leroy Ambush on Oct. 6, 2001 against Virginia to recover a block punt and return it for a touchdown. Thompson hopped on the loose ball in the end zone after it deflected off a USF player to put the Terps up 21-17.
Leak Shines: Wide receiver Marcus Leak made two catches in the first quarter both for touchdowns. Leak's first touchdown went for 10 yards and later in the quarter took a crossing route 44 yards for the score. Leak's two touchdowns are a single-game career high for the junior wide out.
Brown into the Top 10: Quarterback C.J. Brown tossed a pair of touchdowns to Marcus Leak in the opening quarter. The two touchdown strikes moved Brown in to the top 10 on the career list. Brown's 23 career touchdown passes is tied for ninth with Alan Pastrana (1965-68).\
Special Teams: Maryland finished with 161 return yards against the Bulls. Stefon Diggs totaled 65 yards on two kick returns, while William Likely had four punt returns for 61 yards. Maryland's blocked punt accounted for 37 yards.
Monroe Moves Up: Defensive lineman Andre Monroe finished with a team-high eight tackles including a sack. Monroe now has 15.5 sacks for his career, which is tied for 12th in school history with Adrian Moten (2007-10).
Offensive Notes: Running back Wes Brown led the team in rushing finishing with 61 yards on 13 carries … wide receiver Stefon Diggs finished with seven catches for 50 yards and has finished with at least 50 yards receiving in his last four games dating back to last season … Deon Long averaged 10.5 yards per reception and finished with four catches for 42 yards … Marcus Leak led all receivers with 72 yards.
Defensive Notes: The Terrapin defense held USF to 2.2 yards per carry … linebacker Yannick Ngakoue finished with a career-best three TFL … defensive back Alvin Hill tallied the first interception of his career.
– Maryland –
