NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a commanding performance, the Maryland Terrapins showcased their resilience and determination by defeating Auburn 31-13 at the Music City Bowl on Saturday. This victory not only marked Maryland's third consecutive bowl win, setting a program record, but it also highlighted the team's ability to navigate the challenges presented by the transfer portal and the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Maryland head coach Michael Locksley emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating,
"Three straight bowl wins, back-to-back eight-win seasons. It's not easy to do here."
Indeed, the Terrapins hadn't experienced three consecutive bowl appearances since 2006-08, making this recent accomplishment even more notable.
The matchup against Auburn, representing the Southeastern Conference (SEC), was Maryland's first bowl encounter with an SEC team since their resounding 30-3 victory over Tennessee in the 2002 Peach Bowl. Despite missing Taulia Tagovailoa, the Big Ten's passing leader, who opted out for the NFL draft, Maryland dominated from the outset.
Billy Edwards Jr. played a pivotal role in Maryland's success, contributing both as a rusher and a passer. Edwards ran for a touchdown and threw for another, displaying versatility that kept Auburn's defense on its heels. The opening quarter witnessed the Terrapins amassing a 21-0 lead, with Roman Hemby's explosive 61-yard reception and Glendon Miller's 44-yard pick-6 showcasing Maryland's dynamic play.
Coach Locksley, true to his commitment, alternated quarterbacks during the game. Cameron Edge and Edwards orchestrated efficient drives, with Edge's 57-yard pass to Kaden Prather and Edwards' 5-yard touchdown pass to Preston Howard contributing to the commanding lead.
Despite a late first-half response from Auburn's Payton Thorne, who connected with Brandon Frazier for a 3-yard touchdown pass, Maryland's early dominance ultimately proved insurmountable for the Tigers. Freshman Hank Brown injected some excitement into Auburn's efforts with an impressive collegiate debut, setting up a touchdown with a 53-yard pass to Caleb Burton.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, citing the absence of key players and the need for improvement.
"I don't need anyone to tell me that we don't measure up, and that starts with me," Freeze remarked.
Looking ahead, Auburn faces the offseason with a focus on recruiting and preparing for the 2024 season. Freeze expressed confidence in the seventh-ranked recruiting class for 2024 and emphasized the wide-open competition for starting positions, especially in the quarterback position, where Hank Brown's promising debut has added a layer of competition.
Maryland, on the other hand, is positioned for a strong start to the 2024 season. Coach Locksley, having evaluated his options in the absence of Tagovailoa, looks forward to increased competition with the addition of MJ Morris, who recently transferred from North Carolina State to Maryland.
In summary, Maryland's historic third straight bowl win serves as a testament to the program's resilience and adaptability in the face of modern challenges. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the Terrapins have proven that success is earned on the field, and they are poised for continued success in the seasons to come.
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