Brandon Walker for Urban Media Today
COLLEGE PARK, MD–Maryland rushed for a total of 365 yards and touchdowns as they scored a 62-0 shutout win over Hampton in front of 43,221 in attendance at SECU Stadium on Saturday night in its season opener.
Hampton got off to a solid start by forcing a three-and-out and converting two first downs on its opening drive to flip the field. That was until DaJuan Williams scampered 94 yards for a touchdown on Maryland’s second possession of the game.
D.D. Holmes recorded a sack on Hampton quarterback Jalen Woods on back-to-back plays in the first quarter. Maryland followed that up with an 8-yard touchdown run by Williams for his second of the quarter.
Jayden Shipps intercepted a Woods pass on Hampton’s ensuing possession that led to a 26-yard Sean O’Haire field goal. Maryland tacked on another O’Haire field goal on its first possession of the second quarter.
Maryland scored another rushing touchdown on an 11-yard touchdown run to cap off an 11-play, 75-yard drive.
Maryland has made some big plays in the running game. Still, procedural penalties, dropped passes, and an overall lack of sync in the passing game defined the first half, which is not ideal for a team that will play all its remaining games against Power Four opponents.
Malik Washington connected with Naheem Abdul Rahim-Gladdin on a 10-yard touchdown connection with six seconds remaining in the first half to make the score 34-0 in favor of Maryland.
Maryland got back on the board with a 8 yard touchdown run by Howard after a Messiah Delhomme interception. Maryland poured it on with his backups with a rushing touchdown from Harry Dalton III, a touchdown reception by Jordan Scott from Cardell Williams, and another rushing touchdown from Jianni Davis, who is the son of former Vernon Davis, a former All-Pro Tight End who also attended Maryland.
Game Notables:
- Messiah Delhomme recorded two interceptions, off both Woods and backup Tre’von Taylor.
- Eyan Thomas recorded two sacks.
- Williams’ first touchdown run is the second-longest touchdown run in school history behind Steve Atkins’ 98-yard run against Clemson in 1979.
- Maryland’s six rushing touchdowns were the most rushing touchdowns that it had in a game since 2001, when they scored seven against Duke.
Thoughts:
Maryland played an almost complete game with a dominant defensive performance, albeit against a smaller school, and they covered the 45.5-point spread. They showed improvement in the running game by running at 9.1 yards per carry for the game. However, dropped passes, a lack of rhythm at times, and an inability to stretch the field are things Maryland needs to work on as it faces stiffer competition throughout the season.
Maryland will travel to UConn looking to build on its season-opening performance, while Hampton will go back home to take on Bryant, with both games taking place next Saturday.
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