Maryland Terrapins Out Duke the James Madison Dukes
By Cory Forsyth
Maryland Terrapins defeat JMU, 52-7 in home opener.
There was never any doubt in this game as to who would leave the field victorious.
The Maryland Terrapins opened up their 2014 season with a 52-7 win over the James Madison Dukes in a game where the Terps ran into the end zone a lot.
Post-game Infographic! #GoTerps pic.twitter.com/D9XysyoWIb
— Maryland Terrapins (@umterps) August 30, 2014
Running the football is usually something that’s left to the running back. But Maryland’s quarterback, C.J. Brown doesn’t mind helping out in the run game.
The senior quarterback ran for three touchdowns in the first half and wasn’t letting anyone stop him from getting in the end zone. Not even his own teammates.
Watch C.J Brown run over offensive lineman, Andrew Zeller (#66) for his third rushing touchdown.
C.J Brown finished his day with 172 total yards, three rushing touchdowns and a 41-yard strike to Deon Long for his lone passing touchdown.
The show on the ground didn’t stop with the quarterback. The two headed monster of Brandon Ross and Wes Brown accumulated 86 and 81 yards respectively with Ross scoring on an eight yard run in the third quarter.
Back up running backs Kenneth Goins Jr. and Albert Reid capped off the Terps scoring with two 12-yard rushing touchdowns.
All 45,080 at Captial One Field at Byrd Stadium were most interested in seeing #1 for the Terps.
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Wide receiver Stefon Diggs is back from a broken leg that sidelined him after seven games last season.
Let’s just say he’s back, and everyone might want to take notice.
Diggs led all receivers with 53 yards on five catches and had the crowd on their feet during a 59-yard kickoff return where he showed off his speed and elusiveness. The Maryland native led all players with 112 all-purpose yards.
We knew the offense would put up big numbers, but the question going into the game was how the defense would perform.
Maryland held JMU to only one touchdown and 16 first downs compared to the Terps 30.
The lone touchdown for the Dukes came after backup Maryland quarterback Caleb Rowe threw an interception. The Dukes punched their way into the end zone in the drive that followed.
Overall, the Terps defense looked good. They did not allow big plays and recorded two sacks by Anthony Nixon and Jeremiah Johnson. Linebacker L.A. Goree led the Terps with 14 tackles.
Maryland’s special teams was highlighted by kicker Brad Craddock. The native Australian connected on his only field goal attempt, a 49 yarder in the first half. He also recorded seven touchbacks on his nine kickoffs which allowed the Terps to keep the Dukes at bay.
The Dukes were led by quarterback Vad Lee, who had 141 passing yards and 27 rushing yards. Khalid Abdullah finished the game with 67 yards on 20 carries for James Madison.
Maryland takes to the road on Saturday, September 6 when they travel down to face South Florida in hopes of starting the season 2-0. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.
What were your thoughts after seeing the Terps on the field for the first time this season?