NCAAF: Maryland Falls To Michigan State
Saturday evening the Maryland Terrapins fell to the twenty-first ranked Michigan State Spartans, 17-7 as snow fell from above.
This was an ugly game all-around except for Michigan State’s run game. The Spartans ran for a total of 271 yards and two touchdowns, meanwhile the passing game of both teams was hard to watch and the conditions they played in did not help.
After, not starting last week against Michigan, Maryland quarterback, Max Bortenschlager completed thirteen of his twenty-five pass attempts, for 121 yards, and no touchdowns. Max was taken out of the game in the third, but returned and finished strong at the end. The Terps’ only score came on a four yard touchdown run by running back Lorenzo Harrison in the fourth quarter, but it was to little, to late as the Spartans had already built up a seventeen point lead.
Michigan State quarterback, Brian Lewerke had an even worse day, going 2-14 for only twenty yards. Luckily the Spartan’s rushing attack was in full force as both of their touchdowns came via the run. A two yard touchdown run early in the first and a twenty-five yarder in the second would be more than enough to earn the victory.
In the third quarter the Terps could have kept the game at one possession as Michigan State kicker Matt Coghlin missed a field goal, but a running into the kicker penalty by Maryland gave the Freshman another chance and he did not choke this one away, as he converted the twenty-seven yard attempt. This proved to be a crucial mistake as Maryland drove right down the field after their scoring drive, but a missed field goal solidified a Spartans victory.
Maryland (4-7, 2-6) closes out it’s 2017 season Saturday as they play host to the twelfth ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2, 6-2). The Lions will be Maryland’s third straight ranked opponent.
