Don’t look now, but Maryland (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) is currently in first place in the Big Ten’s East Division. Maryland took to the road for the first Big Ten conference game in program history and quickly took out all of the momentum Indiana (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) attempted to carry over from last week’s win at Missouri. Maryland won the school’s Big Ten debut with a 37-15 decision.
Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown had completed 10 of 15 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Brown had to be replaced in the game by Caleb Rowe in the third quarterback due to an injured wrist. The offense did not lose a beat, with Rowe also completing 10 of 15 pass attempts for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Maryland’s play-making receivers Stefon Diggs (112 yards, 1 TD) and Deon Long (105 yards) helped keep Indiana’s defense on its toes.
Indiana running back Tevin Coleman rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown, but the Hoosiers were unable to get much of anything going from start to finish. Nate Sudfeld struggled by completing just 14 of 35 pass attempts for 126 yards and the offense had to resort to four field goal attempts, converting on three.
Yes, it is early, but Maryland fans have to take some pride in looking at the updated Big Ten standings and seeing the Terps sitting on top of the east. With Penn State losing at home to Northwestern, Maryland took over the top spot in the standings for at least one week. Michigan State and Ohio State will open Big Ten play next week. Michigan opened Big Ten play this afternoon against Minnesota. Rutgers had already lost to Penn State.
Maryland will look for another Big Ten win next week when they host the Buckeyes for a noon kickoff. Indiana will look to rebound with a non-conference match-up with North Texas. Indiana’s next Big Ten game will be in two weeks at Iowa.
