Game Wrap and Reaction: Maryland 38 Indiana 33

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Opponent: Maryland Terrapins

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Why They Played: The Hoosiers and Terrapins meet annually as Big Ten East foes.

What The Game Meant: Even though IU was an 11-point underdog, this was a winnable game and one IU needed to start changing momentum of the season. It was the Hoosiers third ‘swing game’ of the year and they are now 1-2 in those games.

Top Offensive Performers

Emory Simmons, WR, Indiana- Simmons had his best game as a Hoosier. He made six catches for 99 yards and was IU’s most consistent receiver.

Josh Henderson, RB, Indiana- Henderson has become a touchdown machine for IU. He now has six on the season after a two touchdown game against Maryland. He scored one through the air and one on the ground.

Roman Hemby, RB, Maryland- Hemby kept the Terrapins ground attack moving, especially after Tangovailoa went down. He finished 132 total yards (107 on the ground) and a touchdown.

Top Defensive Performers

Aaron Casey., LB, Indiana- Casey forced two fumbles, which IU didn’t recover. He also paced the Hoosiers in tackles with 10.

Durell, Nchami, LB  Maryland – Two tackles for loss and four total tackles for the Terrapin linebacker made life difficult for IU.

Special Team Performance

The Indiana special teams had some bright moments. Charles Campbell hit both of his field goals and Jaylin Lucas nearly ignited a comeback with a 43-yard kick return. Punter James Evan had another huge day averaging nearly 50 yards per punt.

However, IU let up a huge Octavian Smith return to set up a touchdown to start the second half and Connor Delp failed to catch a punt at the nine-yard line that resulted in the ball being down at the one. The staff needs to find a different option at that position.

Key Stat(s)

3 for 17

Maryland converted three Indiana turnovers into 17 points.

Turning Point

The turning point came when Devon Matthews was called for taunting after an incomplete pass that would have resulted in a fourth-and-five for Maryland in their own territory. Instead Maryland was gifted a first down and scored the go-ahead touchdown.

I Knew it Was Over When…

Chris Freeman’s onside kick attempt was recovered by Maryland

Players of the Game

Emory Simmons, IU- Simmons gave IU a consistent performance at wide receiver and is becoming a reliable second option to Cam Camper.

Roman Hemby, Maryland- The Maryland run game was the difference and Roman Hemby spearheaded that effort.

What I took away from the game

The loss stings, especially the way it happened. IU had a fourth quarter lead against a back-up quarterback and saw the game slip away. While the season is seemingly slipping away, there are some bright spots for IU to build upon as they enter ‘swing game’ number four against Rutgers. The offensive line looked improved. They allowed two sacks, both of which were intentional groundings, early in the game, but when Kahlil Benson and Josh Sales stepped in the line was much improved. The emergence of Emery Simmons is a big development as well as the Hoosiers start to get healthier. It’s important for the Hoosiers to have two or three options in the pass game, so opponents cannot just key on Cam Camper.

While there were bright spots, it’s still a loss. Indiana quarterback Connor Bazelak was better, but threw two killer interceptions to start each half. Those led to 10 points for the Terrapins. In the second half, he looked more comfortable and moving him under center was a nice adjustment by Walt Bell and the offensive staff.

The Hoosiers run game was lacking, even with getting Jaylin Lucas the ball more. IU averaged a paltry 2.1 yards per carry on non-sack rushes. Josh Henderson is underutilized as he gives IU the best chance at being successful in the run game.

On the defensive side of the ball Tom Allen called a very good game. Players were in position to make the plays, but didn’t. They forced two fumbles, but could not recover them. The biggest negative was the lack of awareness when back-up Billy Edwards came in for the Terps and ran wild.

The Hoosiers beat themselves on Saturday more than Maryland beat them. IU’s three turnovers led to 17 points and an absolutely killer taunting penalty by Devon Matthews gave Maryland another seven.

While this loss is damaging to IU’s bowl hopes, it does not extinguish them. The Hoosiers head to Piscataway to play Rutgers on Saturday. A win would have them 4-4 (2-3) heading into a bye week with some momentum and a chance to get healthy and catch their breath for a tough stretch run.