Sept. 15, 2012
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Freshman Stefon Diggs had 223 all-purpose yards, including a 29-yard touchdown catch, but Maryland's comeback attempt fell short as Connecticut defeated the Terps 24-21 Saturday.
Lyle McCombs rushed for 94 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown to lead the Huskies. Scott McCummings, who also came in at quarterback occasionally, ran for a 3-yard score that gave the Huskies a 14-0 first-half lead.
That came after Nick Williams scored the game's first touchdown on a 58-yard punt return.
Connecticut (2-1) started quickly in going against their former coach, Randy Edsall, who left after 2010 to come to Maryland (2-1).
The Huskies outgained Maryland 148-80 in total yardage in the first half and controlled the ball for 18 minutes, 40 seconds. They also came up with timely plays, converting four of nine third-down situations to keep the Maryland offense off the field.
But Maryland's offense responded in the second quarter. A key play came on fourth-and-4 from the Connecticut 37, when quarterback Perry Hills completed an 18-yard pass to Diggs.
One play later, Wes Brown ran for a 19-yard touchdown, and Brad Craddock's extra point cut the lead to 14-7 with 10:24 remaining in the half.
Connecticut linebacker Yawin Smallwood sacked Hills and forced a third-quarter fumble that Angelo Pruitt recovered for the Huskies at the Maryland 23. They couldn't pick up a first down, but Chad Christen kicked a 34-yard field goal with 3:29 left in the quarter for a 17-7 lead.
After a 75-yard drive, Maryland made it 17-14 on the second play of the fourth quarter when Hills threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs on third-and-10. The Terrapins' Marcus Leak tipped the pass and Diggs grabbed it for a touchdown to make it 17-14.
The Huskies answered on their next possession, driving 76 yards to take a 24-14 lead on McCombs' 11-yard touchdown run, but Maryland again countered.
Diggs returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards to setup great field position, and Hills led the Terps on a seven-play, 53-yard drive capped by his 10-yard touchdown run to make it 24-21 with 4:39 left.
After the defense forced a three-and-out and Maryland got the ball back following a Huskies punt, the Terps reached the Connecticut 39 before their drive stalled with 17 seconds left.
The Associated Press contributed to this game recap
