COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland offense took down the defense, 40-35, in the team's annual Red-White Spring Game Saturday afternoon.

Scoring was normal for the offense, but the defense received seven points for a touchdown and any forced turnover, three points for forcing a three-and-out and two points for any stop.

The first big play of the day came from the defense when Jesse Aniebonam intercepted a pass and returned it 41 yards to get the Red team on the board.

Sophomore Lorenzo Harrison III then responded for the White team with a 56-yard dash to the end zone. Harrison had five carries for 79 yards in the game.

“Today you saw Lorenzo do what he does,” head coach DJ Durkin said. “He's tough to tackle and he makes a bunch of guys miss. He made a lot of big plays for us.”

D.J. Moore then added to the scoring for the White team with an impressive one-handed grab on a pass from Tyrrell Pigrome.

“I feel really confident about our ability to throw the ball down the field,” Durkin said. “The quarterbacks have competed really well throughout the spring and we've gotten better at that position this spring.”

Before the end of the half, LaDerrien Wilson scampered into the end zone to cut the Red team's lead to 23-21. Wilson ended his day with eight carries for a total of 56 yards and a touchdown.

The White team then grabbed the first touchdown of the second half when Pigrome threw his second touchdown, connecting with Taivon Jacobs for a 29-yard score.  Max Bortenschlager then found DJ Turner in the end zone to give the White team a 34-29 lead. Turner tallied six catches for 126 yards on the day.

“DJ has been doing this for us the entire spring,” Durkin said. “He's been really consistent for us and he's a playmaker with the ball in his hands.”

The offense was able to hold on, and the scoring was capped off by a Mike Shinsky field goal that gave them the 40-35 victory.

Maryland opens the 2017 season on road against Texas on Saturday, September 2. 

-Maryland-