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Maryland's Defense Struggles to Find Consistency

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Despite a strong first half performance, the Maryland defense was ultimately unable to contain the Wake Forest offense, allowing 514 yards and 21 points in the second half of the 31-10 loss. The Terps' dismal season concludes on Saturday at N.C. State, with the team's defense struggling to find consistency throughout the year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maryland's defense ranks last in the ACC in scoring defense (32.3 points), total defense (458.9 yards), and rushing defense (227.6 yards).
  • The team's work against the run would rank as the fourth-worst season since the school began keeping records in 1950, behind the 1967, 1993, and 1994 teams.
  • The scoring defense would be tied with the 1997 team for the third-worst in school history, ahead of only 1993 (43.5) and 1992 (33.2).
  • The Terps have held only three teams to fewer than 400 yards this season, and none since an inexperienced bunch limited Georgia Tech to 386 yards on Oct. 8.
  • The team has summoned similar play for a half against Wake Forest, with Defensive tackle Andre Monroe credited with 2 1/2 sacks of Demon Deacons quarterback Tanner Price before the break.
  • Maryland's defense is on the field for a high number of snaps, with the team ranked seventh nationally in total defensive snaps.
  • The Terps are next-to-last nationally in time of possession at 25:17, ahead of only Oregon.
  • The team's injuries, including the season-ending losses of starters Kenny Tate, Matt Robinson, and Isaiah Ross, have had a significant impact on the defense's performance.

Statistics:

  • Maryland's defense ranks last in the ACC in:

+ Scoring defense (32.3 points)

+ Total defense (458.9 yards)

+ Rushing defense (227.6 yards)

  • The team's work against the run would rank as the fourth-worst season since the school began keeping records in 1950 (behind 1967, 1993, and 1994).
  • The scoring defense would be tied with the 1997 team for the third-worst in school history (ahead of only 1993 and 1992).
  • The Terps have allowed over 500 yards in four of six games this season.
  • The team's injury woes have resulted in a significant amount of missed playing time, including:

+ Kenny Tate (season-ending injury)

+ Matt Robinson (season-ending injury)

+ Isaiah Ross (season-ending injury)

+ Darin Drakeford (missed time with injury)

+ Demetrius Hartsfield (missed time with injury)

+ Alex Twine (missed game with undisclosed ailment)

Sources:

  • The Washington Times
  • Associated Press
  • Maryland Athletics
  • NCAA Statistics
  • Wake Forest Athletics

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