In our game preview, we noted that the ‘Hoos needed to limit the Maryland production on first and second down, keep the Terrapins from converting third downs, defend the underneath zones and limit yards after contact. The ‘Hoos did none of these things.
Maryland averaged 6.4 yards per play (eight passes and 14 rushes) on first down in the first half and that includes a two-yard loss on an end-of-half kneeldown. Things didn’t get better in the second half as the Terps averaged 8.4 yards on 20 first-down plays, including eight gains of 10 yards or more.
On third downs, Virginia allowed a Terp team that averaged a 23% conversion rate to continue moving the chains 63% (7 of 11) of the time.
And what about the coverage issues? Virginia allowed Danny Melendez, Jo Jo Walker and Vernon Davis to roam free all afternoon.
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