In a thrilling finish, Maryland football secured a dramatic 29-28 victory over USC at SECU Stadium on Saturday night, marking their first win in the Big Ten this season. With just under two minutes left and USC set to kick a field goal to possibly seal the game, linebacker Donnell Brown made a crucial block on the attempt. Defensive back Glen Miller scooped up the ball and returned it deep into USC territory.
The Terps capitalized on this momentum, scoring five plays later after advancing 47 yards in just 48 seconds to take an improbable lead with less than a minute to go. This narrow advantage held until the final whistle, despite a series of mistakes and penalties throughout the game.
Head coach Michael Locksley expressed pride in his team’s performance and the coaching staff’s preparation, commending their ability to adapt during critical moments. The game began with both teams struggling offensively, as neither side could find a rhythm in the opening drives. Maryland’s offense, led by Locksley in his second game calling plays, initially focused exclusively on passing, failing to establish a run game until their third drive.
USC’s offense eventually settled in, managing to score the game’s first touchdown through a 22-yard pass from quarterback Moss to wide receiver Kyron Hudson. As the game progressed, Maryland faced mounting penalties, totaling seven for 60 yards, which challenged their offensive efforts.
After Maryland finally reached the end zone with a touchdown catch from Octavian Smith Jr., they struggled to maintain their momentum and missed a field goal, leaving points unclaimed. The Terps’ second half nearly turned disastrous as they turned the ball over, but a timely interception by Lavain Scruggs kept their hopes alive.
Following this interception, Maryland quickly capitalized with a touchdown, narrowing the score. Although they encountered issues in the red zone and threw an interception in a critical fourth-down situation, they managed to get another chance after forcing a USC punt.
In a tense finish, Maryland’s late score put them ahead, but USC inched close, reaching Maryland’s 40-yard line before a failed fourth-down attempt sealed the game in favor of the Terps. Following the victory, Donnell Brown expressed his relief and excitement, highlighting the significance of the win.
A standout moment of the game was a spectacular one-handed catch by USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane, which was a highlight of the day. Maryland’s Octavian Smith also had a productive outing, with career-best numbers in catches and receiving yards, contributing significantly to the Terps’ offense.
This victory marks a crucial turning point for Maryland as they continue to compete in the Big Ten conference.