Roles Reversed as IU’s Defense Falters in 38-35 Loss at Maryland

Written by Evan Orris

Indiana’s struggling, and inefficient, offense was not its worst enemy in the Hoosiers’ 38-35 loss to the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday. Behind a true freshman at quarterback, the offense rushed for over 200 yards and compiled 242 yards through the air. They also managed to score 13 more points than they have in the previous three weeks combined. Instead, the normally stout defense was the problem.

The Terrapins offense was almost able to reach the 500-yard mark but fell just shy. They came very close with 498 total yards. The Terrapins got off to a quick start against the defense by scoring on their first two possessions. They were able to score on touchdowns five of their 13 drives. They also added a field goal.

What plagued the defense was the inability to create stops and gain momentum for the offense. After coming back from a 14-0 deficit, the defense, yet again, allowed back-to-back touchdowns on long drives. This came after running back Stephen Carr ran for a 66-yard touchdown, the longest run of the Hoosiers’ season.

“I mean just frustrating Hard to be able to go on the road and just give up those kinds of plays,” Head coach Tom Allen said referencing the two scoring drives. “Just really disappointing from our defense. They Didn’t play well enough. Too many explosive plays in the throw game.” 

On the ground, the Hoosiers’ defense was solid. They only allowed 79 yards on 46 attempts for an average of 1.7 yards per attempt. The Terrapins did score three out of their five touchdowns on the ground, but most of those we in the red zone after long drives from the offense.

In the air, the defense was torn to shreds. Taulia Tagovailoa, the younger brother of Miami Dolphins QB Tua, tossed two touchdowns and threw for 419 yards. The quarterback would have had an interception if the ball didn’t slip through a defender’s hand. Tom Allen has been preaching about getting turnovers all season, but that did not happen today. 

“We gave up yards last year, and we gave up drives last year, and if you forget that you just get a lot of takeaways and those erase a lot of stuff,” Allen said comparing today’s game against Maryland to last year. “Very frustrating for our defense and just to be able to not get those.”

The defense allowed many explosive plays. The reason was because of the absence of two starting cornerbacks. Both Reese Taylor and Tiawan Mullen attempted to battle back from injury but were eventually held out of the game.

“Gotta get some guys back. Obviously, tried to play Tiawantoday and he couldn’t go very long, and that’s a big disappointment.” Allen said of the injured secondary. “Obviously, Reese couldn’t make the trip. So, we need those guys back in a huge way.” 

Moving forward the Hoosiers defense will meet with the Michigan Wolverines. The No. 6 team in the country will be fired up after losing to rivals Michigan State 37-33.