Maryland Terrapins Break Records En Route To Season-Ending Football Victory

The Maryland Terps’ 38-31 victory over visiting North Carolina State yesterday was bittersweet.

In a win that came just one week too late (we needed a win against FSU), the Terps ended their season on surprisingly high note and gave fans a glimpse of the team’s bright and exciting future.

Junior receiver Torrey Smith, who is contemplating entering next year’s NFL Draft, had a career day against the Wolfpack and redshirt freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien proceeded to break Maryland school records as the Terps finished their season with an 8-4 (5-3) record, good for second in the ACC’s Atlantic division.

Smith hauled in 14 catches for a career-high 224 receiving yards and set school records for most touchdown receptions in a game (4) and single-season touchdown receptions (12). He also now holds Maryland’s career all-purpose yards mark with 5,183.

In the meantime, O’Brien passed for 417 yards in the game, the most for a Maryland quarterback since Scott Milanovich in 1993. O’Brien also finished the season with 21 passing touchdowns, joining Milanovich as the only other quarterback in school history to surpass 20 in a season.

O’Brien completed 33 of his 47 pass attempts (70 percent) and tossed four touchdowns, all to Smith. O’Brien’s post game passer rating was 172.8.

“One of the better performances I have seen from a quarterback,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said.

The Terps trailed by 14 points in the first quarter but responded with 24 unanswered. At one point late in the game, the Terps led the Wolfpack 38-17. It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter that NC State surged and caused a little suspense.

At the beginning of this season, Maryland’s future as a football program wasn’t necessarily a hot topic. However, after impressive leadership from Friedgen and great play from the talent positions, the Terps are already forming a threat as an ACC contender next season.

Hopefully, Smith will return for his senior season and the connection amongst he and O’Brien will continue to prove its legitimacy. The Terps lose some guys on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Alex Wujciak, but the secondary should return with experience, as well as the young defensive line.

Though we don’t want to speak to soon, watch out for the Maryland Terrapins next season. For now, we’ll look forward to the Terps’ bowl game this season.