COLLEGE PARK, MD — It’s not uncommon to see former UM players walk the sidelines during big games, and Monday night’s season opener against Maryland was no different. Former UM standout — and current Baltimore Ravens star — Ed Reed watched anxiously as the defensively depleted Hurricanes (0-1, 0-1) couldn’t overcome a late rally by the Terrapins (1-0, 1-0).
And so the Al Golden era begins.
Most fans were expecting big things for “The U” heading into this season until the Nevin Shapiro scandal cast a dark cloud over the program and Al Golden’s new regime. Several key players — mostly on defense — for the Hurricanes were suspended for the season opener against the Maryland, and in the first 10 minutes their absences were painfully noticed.
Maryland QB Danny O'Brien piled up 348 yards in the air against Miami
The Terps — who were donning some questionable uniforms — quickly went up 7-0 in the first quarter behind Danny O’Brien’s 10-yard strike to Ronnie Tyler less than four minutes into the contest. Maryland’s offense was efficient in carving up Miami’s defense on the first drive, which was without Marcus Forston, Sean Spence and Ray Ray Armstrong.
Forston’s absence was felt all night long as the Canes defensive line was manhandled up front. The Terps were able to dink-and-dunk underneath and in the flats for most of the evening, an area normally patrolled by Spence. Miami also lacked the over-the-top help usually provided by Armstrong, but he too was noticeably absent. Despite tightening up in the second half, Miami’s defense still allowed a whopping 499 yards of offense to the Terps, 311 in the first half.
Telemaque's INT kept Miami in the game
The Canes looked as if they were about to fall into a 14-0 hole until Vaughn Telemaque made a diving catch in the endzone to pick off a would-be touchdown pass by Danny O’Brien. Telemaque’s interception slowed the Terrapins’ momentum enough for the offense to get things going, albeit after falling behind 10-0.
Then, it was Miller time.
That’s Lamar Miller time, to be exact. Miami’s strength coming into this season was its beefy and experienced offensive line, coupled with one of the best backfields in the country. They didn’t disappoint.
Miami established the ground game early, feeding the ball to Miller and backfield mate Mike James to lead the offense. James was the first to score for the Canes, but it was Miller who was able to consistently carve through Maryland’s over-matched defensive line until he finally broke the big one.
Lamar Miller runs for 41 of his 119 yards Monday night
Miller busted through the heart of the defense and romped for 41 yards as the Hurricanes took the lead late in the second quarter. After Maryland’s ensuing drive stalled, the Canes got the ball back with under three minutes left in the half and momentum on their side.
My, how things change.
Miami was able to quickly get a first down, but then a pair of penalties — of which Miami had 10 altogether — had the Canes backed up in Terrapin territory. It was then that Mike James bounced to the outside and fumbled the ball right into the hands of Maryland defensive lineman Joe Vellano, who rumbled 30 yards for the score.
Miami entered the second half with an intensified defensive effort, something coach Golden said he was going to emphasize at halftime. Miami was able to limit the Terps to 188 yards in the second half as the back-and-forth battle continued until the final minute.
After going ahead 24-23 behind Jake Wieclaw’s first career field goal attempt, Maryland came right back, adding a field goal and taking a 26-24 lead with less than two minutes left.
Miami’s comeback was riding on the arm of Stephen Morris.
Morris had been effective for most of the night despite getting trashed on Twitter and in Canes-only message boards for his poor play. Morris was an efficient 18 of 23 until he gave Maryland defensive back Cameron Chism a late-game reprieve.
Chism was flagged late in the game for defensive holding on one of Miami’s previous scoring drives, a drive that resulted in Stephen Morris taking it in himself for the touchdown. In the blink of an eye, Morris’ first mistake gave Chism a shot at redemption.
Chism's 54-yard TD put Maryland up for good
Chism intercepted Morris with 39 seconds left and took the return 54 yards down the Hurricane sideline to put the game out of reach for Miami.
Kind of.
Maryland botched the extra point attempt, leaving Morris and the Canes down by only eight and with one more shot at a tie, but it was not to be.
Morris was picked off for the second time with no time left on the clock as Maryland escaped with the win.
Indeed this was a tough loss, but in the end this game has to be looked at as a positive for the Hurricanes. Despite the distractions of the previous weeks, and not to mention Maryland’s NFL Europe-like jerseys, Miami still fought until the final whistle. The team — and coach Golden — didn’t make any excuses afterwards about the loss, choosing instead to look forward to the much anticipated match-up with Ohio State at Sun Life Stadium on September 17th.
All photos courtesy of the Associated Press.
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Written by Jon Melton
Born in the Northeast and now residing in South Florida, I've traveled the country in search of truth, justice and the best hot dog. A regular contributor for the Miami Herald, I cover all the sports that SOFLA has to offer. Have questions, comments or cleverly constructed insults? Feel free to email me at: freehotdogsandbeer@hotmail.com
