In a thrilling Big Ten opener at SECU Stadium, Maryland fell to Michigan State, 27-24, in heartbreaking fashion as Jonathan Kim kicked a 37-yard field goal with one second remaining. The back-and-forth contest showcased big plays on both sides, but it was Michigan State who emerged victorious in the final moments.
Maryland entered the fourth quarter with a 24-17 lead, thanks to a 28-yard touchdown pass from Billy Edwards Jr. to Dylan Wade. The Terps looked poised to extend their advantage when Glendon Miller grabbed his second interception of the game on Michigan State's ensuing drive. However, the Spartans quickly bounced back, tying the game on a 77-yard touchdown reception by Nick Marsh with 4:22 remaining.
After Maryland's offense went three-and-out, Michigan State took possession, setting the stage for Kim's game-winning kick.
Billy Edwards Jr. had a strong performance for the Terps, throwing for 253 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns, including two through the air and one on the ground. Edwards continues to be a dual-threat presence, notching his ninth career rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Tai Felton was the offensive standout, hauling in 11 receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown. His remarkable start to the season continued as he became just the third Big Ten player in the last two decades to eclipse 300 receiving yards in the first two games of the season. Felton’s explosive playmaking ability has been pivotal for Maryland, marking him as a key target for Edwards in the Terps’ passing game.
On the defensive side, Glendon Miller extended his interception streak to four games, becoming the first Terp since 1999 to achieve such a feat. Miller’s ball-hawking skills, paired with Jalen Huskey’s first career interception as a Terp, highlight Maryland's ability to generate turnovers. The Terps’ defense forced multiple interceptions in each of their first two games, a feat last accomplished by Maryland in 2001.
The game was a battle from start to finish. Maryland struck first with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Felton, capping a 14-play, 75-yard drive. Michigan State quickly responded with a nine-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. Edwards kept Maryland’s momentum going with a seven-yard rushing touchdown following Miller's first interception, giving the Terps a 14-7 advantage heading into the second quarter.
The Spartans continued to fight back, tying the game again before halftime with a 34-yard touchdown. A missed 55-yard field goal attempt by Michigan State was nullified by a penalty, allowing them to connect on a shorter 50-yard attempt, taking a 17-14 lead into the break.
Maryland’s defense continued to shine in the second half, with Huskey intercepting a pass in the end zone. Felton’s back-to-back catches of 35 and 17 yards set up a 45-yard field goal by Jack Howes to tie the game at 17. Maryland regained the lead on a 28-yard strike from Edwards to Wade, but it wasn’t enough to stave off Michigan State's final surge.
Despite the tough loss, Maryland head coach Michael Locksley remains optimistic. "Tai [Felton] has been one of those guys who consistently comes through, and we’re going to need him. We’ve got to correct some things, but this season is far from over," he said.
Edwards echoed his coach’s sentiments: "We’ve got the right guys in the locker room, and we’ll get this corrected. It’s a tough loss, but we’ll bounce back."
The Terps will look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Charlottesville to face Virginia in what promises to be another hard-fought battle.
Maryland's resilience will be put to the test as they aim to bounce back on the road against Virginia next week. The Terps have proven they can compete, but they’ll need to finish strong to turn narrow losses into victories.
