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Maryland survives: Joseph Petrino drills game-winning FG to push Terps over Illinois

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

There were several scary moments in Champaign on Friday night, but Maryland escaped with a victory.

With the game tied at 17-17 with 3 seconds remaining, Terrapins kicker Joseph Petrino trotted onto the field to attempt a game-winning 32-yard field goal to help push his team to a 3-0 start.

There was never any doubt.

Despite Illinois’ attempt to freeze the kicker, Petrino delivered a perfect boot through the uprights and lifting Maryland to a 20-17 victory in their B1G opener. With the win, the Terps are now halfway to bowl eligibility.

Here’s the game-winner:

Maryland’s game-winning field goal try was set up by an 8-play, 86-yard drive on the previous possession. Trailing Illinois 17-10 late in the fourth quarter, the Terrapins were able to put together a string of big plays and reach the end zone to tie the score.

That drive was capped by a 10-yard touchdown toss from Taulia Tagovailoa to Tayon Fleet-Davis:

Tagavailoa had a huge game, completing 32-of-43 pass attempts for 350 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 25 yards on 6 carries. The Terps were led in rushing by Fleet-Davis, who had 66 yards and a score on 11 carries.

Dontay Demus Jr. was the leading receiver with 77 yards on 8 receptions.

Maryland will have a chance to improve to 4-0 next week with a home game against Kent State to round out nonconference play.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB