Sept. 1, 2012
Recap |
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COLLEGE PARK, MD. -
Postgame notes following Maryland's 7-6 season-opening win over William & Mary.
Kicking Off: Maryland won its season opener by defeating William & Mary 7-6 ... the Terrapin defense held the Tribe scoreless over the final three quarters after a pair of field goals in the first quarter ... Maryland's lone touchdown came on a 6-yard run by
Justus Pickett with 9:52 remaining in the fourth quarter.
No Slowing Down: A new defensive system didn't slow down senior defensive lineman Joe Vellano's productivity. Vellano, who led all FBS linemen with 7.8 tackles per game last season, recorded 11 tackles on Saturday in his first game playing in coordinator Brian Stewart's 3-4 scheme. Vellano also made his first career interception in the second quarter on a tipped pass and recorded two tackles for loss.
Hartsfield Doubles Up: Demetrius Hartsfield, who entered the game as the ACC's career active leader in tackles with 260, recorded a double-digit tackle game by finishing with 13. Hartsfield had seven double-digit efforts in nine games last season. Hartsfield also had a fumble recovery with 1:11 left that sealed the win.
Defense Comes Up Big: Despite having four players making their first career start, the defense played well. Maryland held William & Mary to 229 yards of total offense, including just 104 on the ground on 41 rushes (2.5 yards per rush).
True Freshman Starters: Perry Hills became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Maryland since Latrez Harrison in 1999, and the first freshman to start a season-opener since redshirt freshman Calvin McCall on Sept. 2, 1999. True freshmen Albert Reid (running back) and Sean Davis (safety) also drew starts.
Missing Starters: Maryland was missing several potential starters due to various injuries and ailments. Defensive linemen Keith Bowers, Isaiah Ross and Andre Monroe; defensive backs Isaac Goins, A.J. Hendy and Matt Robinson; linebacker Kenneth Tate; quarterback C.J. Brown, running back Brandon Ross and offensive lineman Josh Cary; and place-kicker/punter Nick Ferrara all did not play.
First Career Starts: Seven players made their first career starts on Saturday: quarterback Perry Hills, running back Albert Reid, safety Sean Davis, defensive back Jeremiah Johnson, linebacker Cole Farrand, nose tackle Darius Kilgo and offensive lineman Nick Klemm.
Special Teams: Punter Nathan Renfro and returner Stefon Diggs both came up big for Maryland. Renfro punted four times and averaged 53 yards per punt, including two over 50 yards and a long of 60. He had one punt downed at the William & Mary 1-yard line. Diggs, despite not getting a kickoff return, had three punt returns and averaged 16.7 yards.
Tidbits: Maryland won despite losing the turnover battle. The Terps were 0-7 when they had more or equal turnovers as their opponent last year ... Jeremiah Johnson had 1.5 sacks for 21 yards and a forced fumble ... Cole Farrand had two TFLs ... the Terps had 10 overall.
