Sept. 15, 2012
Recap |
Final Stats |
Quotes |
Photo Gallery 
COLLEGE PARK, MD. -
Postgame notes following Maryland's 24-21 loss to Connecticut.
Kicking Off: Maryland fell to Connecticut, 24-21, to fall to 2-1 on the season ... the Huskies improved to 2-1 on the season ... the all-time series is now tied 1-1. The only other meeting was a 34-0 Maryland win in 1942 ... Connecticut outgained Maryland 223 yards to 205 in what was a defensive battle for much of the game.
Defense Dominates: Both Maryland and Connecticut came into the game with highly ranked defenses, the Terps with the ninth-ranked total defense nationally and the Huskies with the third-ranked defense. Both teams performed well, as Maryland allowed just 223 yards of total offense and Connecticut surrendered just 205.
Turnover Early: For the second straight week, the defense forced a turnover on the opponents first possession of the game. Linebacker Darin Drakeford caught UConn QB Chandler Whitmer from behind and stripped the ball, and safety Eric Franklin recovered. Last week, Darius Kilgo forced a fumble that Demetrius Hartsfield recovered on Temple's first possession.
Brown Delivers: Wes Brown was Maryland's best runner on Saturday, totaling 74 yards on 14 carries for an average of 5.3 yards per rush. Brown, who had 50 yards on seven carries against Temple last week, is averaging 5.9 yards per rush this season. He also scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 19-yard run in the second quarter.
Diggs, Too: Stefon Diggs, who came into today's game averaging 109 all-purpose yards per game (9th in ACC), had 223 against the Huskies. The freshman totaled 57 receiving yards, 68 punt return yards and 98 kickoff return yards. He also had a 29-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter off a tipped pass in the end zone. It was the first collegiate touchdown for Diggs.
Leak Leads Again: Wide receiver Marcus Leak tied for the team lead with three receptions, the third straight game he's either led or tied for the lead. The sophomore had three catches for 35 yards. Last week against Temple, Leak had three catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.
Drakeford Disruptive: Outside linebacker Darin Drakeford forced one fumble, recorded a sack for a loss on nine yards, and finished the game with a season-high eight tackles including six solo stops. Drakeford had a team-high four forced fumbles in 2011 which tied for the most in the ACC.
Tidbits: Cole Farrand and Demetrius Hartsfield tied for a team high with nine tackles each ... the Maryland defense had five tackles for loss ... Connecticut came into today's game leading the nation in rushing defense. Opponents were averaging just 0.88 yards per carry and 28.5 total rushing yards per game. The Terps had 96 yards and averaged 2.4 yards per carry ... Nathan Renfro punted seven times and averaged 42.1 yards per punt ... Perry Hills had a rushing touchdown for the second straight game with a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter.
