Maryland scored 79 points in Week 1 against Howard, including 56 during the first half, but after the game, one could have still walked away more impressed with the Maryland defense than the offense.

That’s because the Terrapins defense accomplished several things that they haven’t in a long time.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

Likely coming in the following months, Maryland sportsbooks are almost here. You heard it right. Maryland is joining many of the other Big Ten states with live and legal online sports betting.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

In the 79-0 victory against Howard, Maryland held the opposition to just 68 yards and four first downs. On the ground, Howard only had 1 yard, and the Terrapins recorded 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. The shutout was also Maryland’s first since the 2013 season.

Maybe the most incredible stat from Maryland’s dominating defense is it only recorded one turnover. The Terrapins didn’t benefit from multiple takeaways and return touchdowns like a team such as Nebraska did in Week 1. Forcing takeaways is obviously important, but at least against Howard, Maryland was just a flat out immovable force.

The Maryland defense will have a much tougher test next week, though, when the Terrapins host the high-powered Syracuse Orange offense next Saturday.