Maryland football

Past Max Marcilla

Maryland football's struggle capitalizing on its opponents blunders was evident once again on Saturday during its 37-21 loss to the Northwestern Wildcats.

The Terps' defense, which struggled mightily for the majority of the game, did record two crucial takeaways. Midway through the first quarter, Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson'due south pass was intercepted past Darnell Fell Jr., whose neat brawl skills ready the Terps upward at Northwestern's 32-yard line — the edge of field goal range.

Later a 3-play, negative ii-yard drive, the Terps were forced to punt and unable to extend their seven-0 lead.

"To win games you've got to do those things," head motorbus DJ Durkin said after the game. "When at that place's a sudden change or a big play on special teams or a turnover, you'd like to get some momentum and keep it going, merely we haven't been able to practice that."

Later in the game, while trying to stage a comeback, Clayton was intercepted in the finish zone by JC Jackson as the Wildcats were unable to increase their six-signal lead.

In one case again, the ensuing possession featured a quick three-and-out and negative yardage past the Maryland offense and another punt. The drive stalled any potential 'juice' from Jackson's takeaway.

Both interceptions were timely for the Terps — especially Jackson'due south, which came just moments later Taivon Jacobs' 20-yard touchdown trimmed the deficit to six. Neither time, Maryland was able to build on the momentum.

Senior linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. said that the offense'due south struggles following crucial defensive plays does not touch the defense force's mindset.

"We've only get to focus on when we're on the field," Carter said. "When we're on the field, we're expected to brand a stop. Nosotros have to go out in that location and no thing what the law-breaking does, we have to go out there and get a cease."

Getting stops also didn't come like shooting fish in a barrel for the Terps' defence, which allowed 531 total offensive yards to the Wildcats, something it needs to drastically improve before taking on No. vii Wisconsin. The Badgers accept the all-time 3rd downwards conversion percentage in the Big Ten and the third-best scoring offense through Sat's afternoon games.