Maryland Terrapins top Virginia Tech Hokies in OT Thriller
By Matthew Laux
The Maryland Terrapins snapped a three-game losing skid, Saturday, to clinch their first season of bowl eligibility under head coach Randy Edsall. The Terps squeaked by their rival Virginia Tech Hokies in an overtime thriller 27-24. Maryland had been easily handled in their previous three contests, however, a dominant performance from quarterback C.J. Brown was a major factor in the teams success. Brown threw for 135 yards and a touchdown along with running for an additional 122 yards and two scores.
Nov 16, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (16) scores a touchdown in overtime as Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tariq Edwards (24) defends. The Terapins defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 27-24 at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Maryland found themselves in an early 7-0 hole, before Will Likely returned a punt right down the gut of the Hokie special teams returning the punt 63 yards for the touchdown. It was after the touchdown, Brown went beast mode scoring from just a yard out with 17 seconds remaining before halftime. Then early in the second half, it was Brown who found Nigel King for a controversial 17-yard touchdown reception. It was ruled that King completed the catch before the ball was stripped away by a Hokie defender out of bounds. The Hokies, however, weren’t done yet as Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas threw two touchdown passes to tie the score at 21, and send the game into overtime. Despite a field goal on the Hokies first possession, running back Brandon Ross, who ran for 73 yards in the game, broke a long run down to the Virginia Tech three-yard line. Finally, it was Brown who capped off his fantastic day with a three-yard game-winning touchdown.
It was a much-needed victory for a Terrapins team that had undergone much scrutiny after the three consecutive loses. The win Saturday, however, clinched bowl eligibility for Maryland, and was a major boost before the team plays host to the Boston College Eagles Saturday.