Muddled by five turnovers, 10 penalties and injuries to two starters, the Terrapin football team again flopped in nonconference play, this time against an offensively impaired Rutgers squad.
In the 34-13 loss, Maryland quarterback Chris Turner had perhaps his worst performance as a Terp, and the Scarlet Knights scored 17 points off turnovers. With the offense unable to control the ball, the Terp defense buckled at the end, allowing two long runs by Rutgers running back Joe Martinek in the final five minutes after not allowing an offensive touchdown for the first 55.
It was an unattractive game, with numerous play stoppages for injuries on the wet field and very little offense from either squad, with the exception of a few of big plays.
But the Scarlet Knights held onto the football – boasting a plus-five turnover advantage – and had success in the running game, which the Terps were unable to establish all game.
Punter Travis Baltz sprained his left ankle in the first quarter, and the Terps (1-3) struggled to replace him throughout the game. Kicker Nick Ferrara and reserve Ted Townsley took turns at the position, but each looked unprepared to fill in for the All-ACC punter.
Right tackle Paul Pinegar injured his back in the first half, as well.
Rutgers quarterback Domenic Natale, playing in place of injured true freshman Tom Savage, completed just 4-of-12 attempts. But Martinek's 147 yards on 19 carries, including those two late scores, buoyed the Scarlet Knights offense, providing just enough to compliment two defensive touchdowns.
Still, the Terp defense held its own for most of the game. The Scarlet Knights got off to a quick lead with an interception returned for a touchdown by Antonio Lowery on the game's first play from scrimmage. But for the rest of the first half, Rutgers was held to just three points. The Terps led at halftime, 13-10
The second half, though, proved to be another story. Terp running back Da'Rel Scott fumbled, Turner fumbled into the end zone and the Terps were decimated.
Fittingly, the game ended with Natale taking a kneel to run out the clock.
ajoseph@umdbk.com
Check Diamondbackonline.com Monday for more coverage.
is a member of the 
15 comments Log in to Comment
March 25, 2009...Sportingnews.com
Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin is set to collect $1 million if he does not succeed Ralph Friedgen as the Terrapins' head coach, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Copies of Franklin's and Friedgen's contracts, obtained by the newspaper Tuesday, guarantees Franklin a five-year package worth at least the average paid to other ACC head football coaches.
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now