Maryland's Thrilling Comeback Win Over USC: A Homecoming Classic for the Ages

Maryland football fans were treated to an all-time classic on homecoming night as the Terps pulled off a heart-stopping 29-28 comeback victory against USC in their first-ever matchup at SECU Stadium. With just under a minute to go, quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. capped a game for the ages by rushing into the endzone for a game-winning touchdown, sparking an eruption of cheers and a field-storming celebration.

The victory wasn’t just a triumph over USC—it was a defining moment in Maryland’s season, a testament to their resilience, and an example of what happens when a team refuses to quit. Down 28-22 with just over a minute left, it looked like the game was slipping away from the Terps. But as they’ve proven time and time again, this team thrives under pressure, and their performance in the clutch solidified them as one of the most dangerous late-game teams in the Big Ten.

The turning point came with just 1:41 remaining when USC, up by six, lined up for a field goal that could have iced the game. Maryland's Donnell Brown, who had been pressuring USC’s offensive line all game, made the play of the night, blocking the kick. The ensuing chaos saw Quashon Fuller pick up the loose ball and lateral it to Glendon Miller, who sprinted toward midfield. This brilliant sequence set the stage for Edwards’ heroics. In what can only be described as a 'take it' moment, Maryland stormed down the field, and Edwards' five-yard touchdown run with 53 seconds left gave the Terps their first lead since early in the game.

The Terps' defense, which had been bending but not breaking all game, delivered the final blow. USC tried to mount a last-ditch effort, driving into Maryland territory, but linebacker Caleb Wheatland broke up a crucial fourth-down pass, forcing a turnover on downs and sealing the win. The scene that followed was pure pandemonium as Maryland fans flooded the field, reveling in the euphoria of a historic homecoming victory.

Edwards’ Career Night Fuels Maryland’s Offense

Billy Edwards Jr. put on a masterclass performance, throwing for a career-high 373 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns. His accuracy and poise under pressure were remarkable, completing 39 of 50 passes. These 39 completions ranked third in Maryland’s history for a single game and are the kind of numbers that can put a quarterback on the radar for postseason awards. His 12 straight completions in the first half showed his rhythm early, and despite a tough interception in the red zone, Edwards bounced back and led Maryland's dramatic comeback with composure.

What stood out about Edwards was his ability to spread the ball effectively across his talented receiving corps. Kaden Prather, Tai Felton, and Octavian Smith Jr. all had career days. Prather’s nine receptions for 111 yards marked his best game yet as a Terp, and Smith’s eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown showed his continued development. Felton, who has been a consistent red-zone threat, added another touchdown to his tally, tying him for fifth in Maryland history in career touchdown receptions.

A Defense That Made Plays When It Mattered Most

While the offense garnered much of the spotlight, Maryland’s defense played a pivotal role in securing the win. Lavain Scruggs’ third-quarter interception shifted momentum back to the Terps, giving them the field position they needed to claw their way back into the game. It was a game of standout defensive plays, but none more significant than Donnell Brown’s blocked field goal. It was the ultimate “never-say-die” moment, where effort, grit, and practice paid off at a critical juncture.

The Terps’ defense held their own against USC quarterback Miller Moss, who had a solid outing but couldn’t overcome the late-game heroics from Maryland’s secondary. Glendon Miller’s two pass breakups were a season-best and matched his career-high, while linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II and Caleb Wheatland led the defense with seven tackles each.

USC’s high-powered offense had its moments, but Maryland’s defense stepped up in the final minutes, proving once again that they can come up with clutch stops when needed. Wheatland’s deflection on USC’s final fourth-down attempt was the defensive play of the game, slamming the door shut on any chance of a Trojan comeback.

Maryland’s History of Comebacks

Maryland’s come-from-behind win was its largest fourth-quarter comeback in five seasons, but it wasn’t unfamiliar territory for the Terps. They have made a habit of winning games in dramatic fashion in recent years. One of the most memorable examples came in 2020, when they erased a 17-point deficit to defeat Minnesota 45-44 in overtime. These comeback victories underscore a core characteristic of this Maryland team—resilience.

Coach Michael Locksley’s post-game comments reflected that fighting spirit: "This team just kept believing and stuck together. We came in saying we're going to be aggressive, pushing all of our chips to the middle of the table to get a win. Wins like this have become our expectation." The confidence and belief that Locksley has instilled in his team have clearly paid off in these high-stakes situations.

Looking Ahead

The homecoming win moves Maryland to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten, giving the Terps momentum as they prepare for their next challenge—a road game against Minnesota on October 26. This matchup will be crucial as Maryland looks to improve its standing in the conference and keep the bowl game hopes alive.

The victory also puts the rest of the Big Ten on notice: Maryland is not a team to be underestimated, especially in the late stages of a game. With Billy Edwards Jr. playing some of the best football of his career and a defense that knows how to make plays in crunch time, the Terps are poised to be a thorn in the side of every team they face going forward.

Up Next:The Terps head to Minnesota for an October 26th matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Maryland will look to continue its winning ways as they take on the Golden Gophers, who are 4-3 and 2-2 in Big Ten play. The game will be broadcast on FS1 and Maryland Sports Radio Network.