Turnovers Cost IU in 38-33 Loss to Maryland

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers entered Saturday’s home game against the Maryland Terrapins with three straight losses and fresh off of firing their offensive line coach. The coaching staff change was meant to reinvigorate a team that was limping into the back-half of the schedule and hopefully save a once-promising season. While the offensive line looked better at times, IU still struggled to run the ball and three turnovers plus a costly defensive penalty ensured another disappointing loss for the Hoosiers as they fell late to Maryland with a poor fourth quarter. Connor Bazelak threw for 292 yards and Josh Henderson had two touchdowns to lead the Hoosiers in the 38-33 defeat.

The game began just about as poorly as possible for an IU team already reeling from three straight losses. On the very first play from scrimmage, Connor Bazelak overthrew his tight end on a screen pass, the pass tipped off his target’s fingers and into the lap of a diving Maryland defender. The Terrapins took over at the IU 29-yard line and a few plays later, Taulia Tagovailoa scampered in for a short touchdown run to open the scoring. The Hoosiers offense regained its footing on the second drive as Emory Simmons gained 40 yards on a passing play and Shaun Shivers converted a fourth down run but an intentional grounding penalty on Connor Bazelak halted the drive and Charles Campbell got IU on the board with a 38-yard field goal to make it 7-3. The teams traded punts and Maryland then took over on the 29-yard line. The Terps marched 71 yards on eight plays and Tagovailoa connected with CJ Dippre for a touchdown to cap the drive and put Maryland ahead 14-3 near the start of the second quarter. IU’s offense went three and out for the second straight drive and boos could be heard from the Memorial Stadium crowd. Maryland had great field position but the IU defense kept the Hoosiers in the game, forcing a 51-yard field goal attempt by Chris Ryland that was missed wide. Indiana’s offense found a bit of rhythm and converted a gutsy fourth down in their own territory. Connor Bazelak was able to escape pressure and loft a pass to a wide open Josh Henderson for a 44-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to four points. Maryland had to punt and the next IU drive was greatly aided by Terrapin penalties. The Hoosiers kept possession on a punt with a holding on Maryland and then a third down was converted with a pass interference penalty. Offensive coordinator went into the trick bag for a double reverse that former quarterback Donaven McCulley threw to Connor Bazelak for a long gain and then Bazelak threw to Cam Camper for a three-yard touchdown to give IU its first lead of the game at 17-14. Maryland took possession at the 28-yard line with 1:42 left in the first half and was driving nicely but Brylan Lanier sacked Tagovailoa on a blitz to end the drive and force a punt that effectively ended the first half.

Much like the first half, the second half began very inauspiciously for Indiana. Maryland returned the opening kickoff to the IU 45-yard line and the Terps only needed a few plays to score. This time, it was a 17-yard touchdown for Dontay Demus to put Maryland back in front with a score of 21-17. On IU’s first play of the second half, Bazelak threw his second interception as he forced a pass deep that had no chance of being completed. The IU defense stiffened inside the red zone and forced a 35-yard field goal from Ryland to make the score 24-17. Indiana converted another fourth and short to keep the drive going and IU eventually got inside the ten-yard line. The Hoosiers failed to convert though and could not get inside the end zone. Charles Campbell connected on a field goal to get Indiana back within four points again. The Hoosiers forced a three and out with a nice defensive stop and got the ball at the 42-yard line as the third quarter ended. The Hoosiers completed a 24-yard pass to Cam Camper and then Josh Henderson plunged into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown to take the lead back at 27-24. On Maryland’s ensuing drive, Taulia Tagovailoa was forced to leave the game with backup Billy Edwards entering. A holding call halted their drive but they punted to the one-yard line. IU got one first down with a pass interference penalty but had to punt it away thereafter. The Terps took over at the 39-yard line and were given a boost with a deadball taunting penalty on Devon Matthews. Billy Edwards broke free for a long run on third and short and they scored two plays later with Roman Hemby getting into the end zone to give Maryland a 31-27 lead with 5:29 remaining. Jaylin Lucas’ return got IU near midfield to give the offense some help but Andison Coby fumbled a would-be first down and Maryland took the ball back. A false start set up a third and nine with 3:31 remaining in the contest and Roman Hemby burst through the IU defense yet again for a long first down. Edwards dove into the end zone for a short touchdown to put Indiana behind 38-27. The Hoosiers got a few fortunate deflections that resulted in receptions and took advantage for a touchdown to Aaron Steinfeldt. The two-point conversion was open but Connor Bazelak was hit as he threw it and sailed the pass over his receiver so the score stayed at 38-33. IU’s onside kick attempt by Chris Freeman was easily recovered by Maryland to end the game.

Indiana will hit the road to play the Rutgers Scarlet Knights but it’s nearly impossible to find a pathway to six victories and a bowl game after the defeat this evening.