It took until the fourth quarter for the Washington offense to arrive at Maryland. But when it did, the game completely flipped in College Park. It was set up by a series of defensive stands generated by Ryan Walters’ group, which was something it couldn’t do until late in the game. Jedd Fisch and the offense capitalized on all three opportunities en route to 24 unanswered points and a win in College Park.
Huskies Score 24 Unanswered
Three Stops, Three Scores
Washington didn’t force a three-and-out for the first 42 minutes of the game. Maryland’s offense scored on four of its first six drives to take a 20-0 lead late into the third quarter. But following a Washington field goal drive, the defense finally got a stop with 2:24 remaining in the third. Maryland was forced to punt for the first time, and Washington’s offense returned to the form that Husky fans are more used to seeing. In nine plays, it drove 74 yards in just three minutes. Demond Williams connected with Denzel Boston for a three-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to just 10 points.
On the very next Maryland possession, the defense stood its ground again. Anterio Thompson and Jacob Manu made key stops, and Maryland punted for the second-straight time. The ensuing Husky possession needed just four plays and 1:19 to go 75 yards. It included a 20-yard scramble from Williams and was punctuated by a 34-yard passing touchdown to Dezmen Roebuck on a deep post pattern. Washington’s offense had finally arrived in College Park, and a 20-point deficit was suddenly a tight game.
Maryland’s next possession didn’t go three-and-out, but the Husky defense forced a third-straight punt. With all the momentum, Williams and Boston connected for a couple of long passes on an 11-play 80-yard scoring drive. But the play of the drive was a seven-yard completion to Roebuck. On a long third and six from the 19-yard line, Roebuck caught a four-yard pass. Failing to reach the first down mark would have forced a decision from Fisch. Either tie the game with a field goal or attempt a game-defining fourth-down conversion. But Roebuck’s awareness to immediately turn upfield after the catch and fight his way through Maryland defenders alleviated any question. His first down reception ultimately set up a one-yard touchdown run from Jonah Coleman. Washington had scored three touchdowns in 11:02 of game time.
Terps Sustain Long Drives
Much like the offense, the Husky defense took its time to settle into the game. Entering Saturday’s game, Maryland’s offense had struggled in drive sustainability and third-down conversions. But the Terrapins flipped the script on that narrative early in this game. On its second drive, Maryland drove the football 71 yards for a touchdown. It was just the sixth 70-plus yard scoring drive for the Terrapins this season. The possession lasted 16 plays, making it the longest offensive scoring drive for Maryland all season. Maryland converted four third downs on this drive, nearly tying its season high for third down conversions in a single game (five).
Maryland’s ensuing offensive possession lasted 16 plays once again, driving 57 yards. During this second-quarter drive, the Terrapin offense converted its sixth third down of the game, setting a new season high. Maryland finished the game nine of 17 on third down (53%), which was by far its best performance in that category this year.
To open the second half, Maryland constructed another 70-plus yard scoring drive. It lasted nine plays and resulted in a touchdown. The Husky defense had seemingly zero answers. That all changed the next time the Terrapins touched the football.
First Half Passing Struggles
Early on, Williams was shaky. He had several misses that were uncharacteristic for the true sophomore. On Washington’s first possession, a pass sailed over the head of Boston and into the arms of Jalen Huskey for an interception. The pick happened less than three minutes into the game and set up the Terrapin offense inside the 15-yard line. It was a continuation of the trends we talked about during the week, as Maryland quickly showed how its defensive presence aids the offense in scoring. The Terrapins converted a field goal on the drive.
On the next Husky possession, Williams aired it out deep on third and long and missed an open Raiden Vines-Bright by several yards. The incompletion forced the Huskies to punt.
In the second quarter, Washington had first and 10 at the Maryland 36 when Williams badly missed Boston. The receiver was wide open over the middle for what would have been an 18-yard gain. But the pass was behind him. Three plays later on fourth and six, Williams attempted a 32-yard pass to the end zone where Boston was tightly double-covered. The pass wasn’t close, and Maryland took over on downs. That sequence ended Washington’s longest drive of the first half with 31 yards. Williams was 10 of 19 for 70 yards and an interception in the first half.
Return to Form
Williams returned to form in the second half. He would complete 18 of 22 for 205 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns in the final two quarters alone. Williams’ first explosive passing play happened with under three minutes to play in the third quarter on a 21-yard completion to Decker DeGraaf. Williams had three more explosive passing plays in the fourth quarter, including the 34-yard strike to Roebuck.
Looking Ahead
It was a long trip to the East Coast, and the first 42 minutes or so certainly reflected that. Both sides of the ball found their footing at the same time, and everything clicked. The offense tallied 185 of its 393 yards of offense in the fourth quarter alone (47%). And the defensive front seven was able to generate key stops in the late stages of the game to set up Washington’s offensive success.
Washington heads back to Seattle at 4-1 as it begins preparation for a short week. Rutgers is in town on Friday night for Homecoming.
Main Image: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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