Ad Disclosure
Rapid reaction: Rutgers outlasts Maryland in overtime thriller
Published:
Final score: Rutgers 27, Maryland 24
Brief recap: You’ve heard the expression “tale of two halves,” but this is the extreme example. Maryland and Rutgers combined for three points before the break. Neither team cleared four yards per play. But after halftime? A shootout, in relative terms. The Terps and Scarlet Knights exploded for a combined 45 points in the second half, seemingly alternating touchdown drives along the way. Rutgers ended up getting a field goal on its first possession of overtime, which Maryland could not match.
Key player: Bo Melton was the key player for Rutgers. He scored two touchdowns, including the first score of the day for either team in the third quarter. It came on an end-around and it turned out to be the moment that changed the offensive momentum of the game.
Key moment: Rutgers kicker Valentino Ambrosio won the game for the Scarlet Knights with a 39-yard field goal in overtime. Rutgers fans will remember Ambrosio missing a field goal in OT a few weeks ago that would have sealed a win vs. Michigan. This a nice redemption moment for him.
What it means for Rutgers: This is a great capper to the season for Greg Schiano’s squad. The Scarlet Knights have been competitive this season, but wins have been hard to come by. Getting a victory to end the regular season — with a full eight games played — gives Schiano a lot to be proud of.
What it means for Maryland: This was a tough campaign for the Terps in Mike Locksley’s first year. A win over Rutgers would have meant a shot at their first winning season since 2014. Instead, Maryland will hope it can play a winnable game in Week 9 and try to take some momentum into the offseason.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.