COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland defense took down the offense, 51-35, in the annual Red-White Spring Game Saturday afternoon at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium.
The Terrapin defense, which was rewarded seven points for defensive touchdowns and forced turnovers, three points for a forced three-and-out and two points for any stop, was led by senior defensive lineman Roman Braglio, who recorded six tackles to go along with four sacks.
“We teach our guys to play with relentless energy and to be urgent in everything you do,” said first-year Terps Head Coach DJ Durkin. “I really believe our guys are beginning to grasp that. If you go back and measure from day one to now, we're leaps and bounds ahead of where we were. We have to keep going in that direction.”
The defense set the tone early by forcing a fumble as senior defensive back Alvin Hill jarred the ball loose early in the first quarter.
Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Walt Bell, the up-tempo offense showcased its big play ability with five touchdowns on the day.
Senior quarterback Caleb Rowe kicked off the scoring when he found senior wide receiver Levern Jacobs down the right sideline for a 48-yard touchdown. In the second half, Rowe hit senior wide receiver Jacquille Veii over the middle who then broke a tackle and scampered for a 63-yard score.
Rowe finished the day 7-of-16 for 161 yards and the pair of touchdown throws.
The offense pulled closer just before the halftime whistle when senior quarterback Perry Hills hit senior wide receiver Malcolm Culmer for a 40-yard touchdown. Hills would complete 14-of-25 passes for 102 yards and the lone score.
On the ground the offense racked up 310 total yards led by sophomore running back Ty Johnson who ran for 167 yards on 11 carries including a 64-yard touchdown run as he burst up the sideline to go untouched into the end zone.
The defense was able to come out on top as it recorded 12 total sacks and 20 tackles for loss.“The best thing I can say about our team is they're very coachable,” said Durkin. “We've been very demanding on these guys, and there hasn't been any pushback. They want to be good, they want to win and they want to do what we're asking them to do. You can't ask for anything more as a coach.
“The next phase now is our summer program,” Durkin continued. “To get better during this part of the year, you need to have good leadership amongst the players. It's a critical part. It's a time when you can make a jump on your opponents.”
Maryland opens the 2016 season at home against Howard on Saturday, September 3.
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