MD vs. GT
2007 Game Recap
MD 28 GT 26
"Here we go"
Text from Jason as the lead began slipping away, again.
By Chris B.
Overall: This is one of those games that once again went from
potential blowout, to a hold on for dear life and hope something good happens.
This win will also open the
debate at
QB. In my mind there is no debate. This is a different team with
Chris Turner under center, but Steffy will be healed from the concussion after
the bye week and it still sounds like Fridge wants to give Steffy a chance to
start again.
The win moves the Terps to 4-2 and 1-1 in the conference with the next two games also at Byrd, things could be looking pretty good as we move through October. UVA looked beatable against MTSU, and Clemson seems to have started the late season dive a little early this year with two consecutive stinkers.
Enough about the future, lets talk about the win. Granted we barely had enough players left to finish the game, but the fact that they were able to hold on may carry this team further south during bowl season. Once again this game tugged at my many emotions. Excitement: 78 Yard TD pass from Turner to Jason Goode, Euphoria: 21-3 lead after Lance Ball's TD. Disgust: Turner's fumble and ensuing return of said fumble for 6 points as the half is nearing the end. Sickness; As player after player is carted off the field. Concern; 28-26 score after Tech's last TD. Excitement/Feeling this is not going to end well after the 2 point conversion failed. Depression: GT moving the ball across midfield. Nausea as they get inside the 30. Intrigue: After the holding call, thus allowing me the thought that maybe we can stop Choice and they will miss the kick. Ecstasy: as the ball sales wide right on the 52 yard FG attempt. That pretty much sums MD football this year. We have the full swing of emotions like a woman during that certain time of the month.
Once again the offense looked better against a very good defensive team. I think we lost a bit of momentum after both the Costa and Crummey injuries, and that slowed down any thing on the offensive side of the ball. I just can't imagine the reaction if Steffy comes out to start the UVA game. Turner was not perfect, but he made plays, involved one of the best WR's we have ever seen, and seems to have this team believing in him. That last statement alone has count for something.
I really have to give the defense a little credit this week. Sure it is easy to say they still can't stop the pass, but the way they slowed the direct snap to Tashard Choice may have saved the game. Once again they are showing the bend, but don't break offense. Somewhere along the line, it will break, just a question of when.
What does it all mean: Gone for the season is our top offensive lineman. Crummey has a broken fibula, gone an estimated 10 weeks. Good luck in the league Andrew. The already thin line is getting thinner. This is a major concern going forward. The bye week couldn't have come at a better time. Costa, and Ivy should be ok. Steffy should be back (at backup I hope). Erin Henderson should be back as well. They kept showing him and Steffy on the sidelines. Steffy looked bitter, Henderson looked like it was killing him that he wasn't out there.
It also means we are 4-2 and 1-1 in the conference. Like I stated earlier, things look at lot more promising in the coming weeks. I just noticed we are the second team listed in others receiving votes. Oh how that Wake game kills!
Game Highlights: Wow, where do I begin. Turner to Goode, Heyward-Bey taking that jump ball away from a sure interception turned big gain. Get this, those of you who were at the game may not have picked up on this: Dave Philistin had 21 TACKLES. We haven't seen a number like that in quite a while. He was in and around every play making up for the loss of Costa, and Henderson. Also playing well was Adrian Moten. I don't know if it's the system or what, but linebackers, no matter whose name is on the back, always seem to step up. It is not like the tackles were way downfield either. It is hard to believe considering he had 134 yards, but they did a decent job keeping Tashard Choice in check. They caused two fumbles, one MD recovered, and one recovered by Tech that turned into a first down and later a TD. I was celebrating so much that they stopped him, I had no idea he fumbled and they got the first. Talk about being bitter.
Game Lowlights: I am going to have to go with the inability of this team to put games out of reach. Once again a turnover returned to a TD fueled the fire for the start of a potential collapse. We were well on our way to a huge win, before it started getting closer and closer, until finally having to hold our breath while that 52 yard attempt sailed wide of the uprights.
MVP: Well where do I begin here. Many options. Lance Ball 86 yards and 3 TD's. In a game where Keon was ineffective dancing around on a quicker D, Lance ball ran over, through and around the Jackets. Philistin, 21 tackles. Here is a guy you hardly ever hear mentioned, step up in a time of need. Turner, again you have to have him in the mix. 255 yards, 1 TD (should have been two, he under threw Heyward-Bey, who had out ran the defender on that play action roll out). I am going to have to go with Ball. Not just because he had the 3td's but his attitude. You have not heard one complaint, that Lattimore has been getting the bulk of the action. Not once have you seen him sulking on the sideline. He is the first to congratulate Keon when he comes over to the sideline after a TD.
Random Thought: Fire Charlie Manuel. Yes, he got them to the playoffs, but I can't help but think anyone of us could coach a team like that to the playoffs.
Around the ACC:
Game of the week: UNC 33 Miami 27. UNC jumps out to a 27-0 lead. At half time they decide they want to do some Role-play. UNC players vote to be the MD Terrapins, and allow Miami to fight back, only to hang on. Butch Davis gets the win against his former team.
BC 55 Bowling Green 24. BC is finally getting some nonconference games. Matt Ryan throws 4 more TD's in the game. BC is steadily climbing the ranks.
Wake 41 Dook 36 Wake was once up 25 in this one, but were able to hold off the pesky Dukies.
FSU 27 NCST 10: Not a surprise here. Noles win at home over hapless Pack. If you saw the catch Carr made for a TD, you understand why the Pack is struggling this year.
VA Tech 41 Clemson 23: Clemson's late season slide is starting early this year. Tech plays Beamer ball, with a punt and kickoff return for a TD. This one was a laugher early. I thought this would be a little tougher for Tech since it was in Death Valley.
UVA 23, MTSU 21 UVA gets a FG with 8 seconds left, after missing an XP that would have tied the game earlier. MTSU gave the Cavs a good game at home in the 90+ degree heat.