CFB: Michigan moves past Maryland, improves to 5-1

Maryland (3-2, 1-1) isn’t a bad team by any stretch of the imagination, as they sit with more wins than losses, and have a big win to their name, defeating Texas in Week 1. With that said, though, the Wolverines came in with the expectation of winning this game going away. Unfortunately for Michigan, they didn’t exactly get off to a flying start. The Wolverines grabbed a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter, but on the ensuing kickoff, KR Ty Johnson took it to the house down the sideline, giving Maryland the edge. And matters didn’t get any better as the Terps picked off QB Shea Patterson on the very next drive. The crowd at the Big House started to worry as they trailed heading into the second period.

Michigan looked to be in a smidge of trouble, until the second quarter actually played out. The Wolverines’ defense pushed Maryland back, and gave the offense enough time to wake up. Patterson rebounded for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and a 85.7 QBR. RB Karan Higdon continued his scorching season, amassing 103 yards on 25 carries and a long of 18 yards. TE Zach Gentry had one of the best games of his career, finishing with 112 yards and seven receptions. LB Devin Bush had a solid outing too, notching five tackles. Michigan went into halftime with a 17-7 lead and built on that in the third.

The Wolverines kept the momentum on their side, outscoring Maryland 10-0 in the third quarter. The Terps had less than 100 yards heading into the fourth quarter, and the offense was still without a score as the only points came from a kickoff return. Michigan's defense would let up a bit (besides a pick six), as they gave up a pair of scores in the fourth. Michigan would finish off Maryland, 42-21, to move to 5-1, while the Terrapins fell to 3-2 on the year. The schedule eases up for Maryland as they head to New Jersey to face Rutgers before hosting Iowa at home. After that, they get Illinois. Meanwhile, Michigan's schedule goes the other direction as they'll face #15 Wisconsin, Michigan State, and #8 Penn State in the next month.

Photo Credit: MGoBlue.