Making the Grade: Maryland Terrapins

Exam No. 7: The Maryland Terrapins Offense: B Pass:I t was more of the same from the Blue Devil rushing attack that failed to average even a yard per carry on the ground. Interestingly enough, the coaching staff never made an attempt to establish a traditional run game as quarterback Thaddeus Lewis carried on 14 of Duke’s 28 rushing attempts. While it is tough to be too critical of the backs when their chances are so limited, it is clear that pounding the football won’t be a focal point for the offense the rest of the way. Rush: Lewis continued his stellar play as he posted another game with more than 350 yards through the air. He was also efficient as he completed 30-of-43 passes and got six different receivers involved in the action. These statistics are even more impressive when one considers the torrential downpour that was making it even tougher on the aerial attack. Receivers Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon deserve credit for their ability to turn short catches into big plays. X's and O's: In getting its second consecutive ACC victory, Duke’s offense really had a field day in terms of moving the football against a pretty stingy Maryland defense. However, repetitive penalties and turnovers in Terrapin territory prevented long drives from resulting in points on more than one occasion. To beat better teams, this efficiency must improve. Defense: A Pass: The Duke front seven was terrific Saturday as the unit was swarming in the backfield all day and held the Maryland rushing attack to just 67 yards. Given the wet conditions and the expected difficulty in the passing game, the coaches allowed safety Matt Daniels to be aggressive up in the box, and he rewarded this confidence with a team-high nine tackles. Linebackers Vincent Rey and Damian Thornton were also active in recording eight stops apiece, several of which were for losses. Rush: With the exception of the blown coverage that resulted in a 67-yard touchdown reception for Terrapin tailback Davin Meggett, the Duke secondary turned in arguably its best performance of the year, with the exception of the Army game. The weather conditions certainly favored the defense, but the Blue Devils allowed just 182 passing yards. Rey’s key interception late in the game sealed the deal and was a good sign for an increasingly ballhawking bunch. X's and O's: The defense was flocking to the football throughout the game and prevented Maryland from sustaining any consistent drives. Perhaps most impressive was the number of plays that Duke ended in the Terrapin backfield. Also significant was the defense stepping up in key spots: a stop on fourth-and-1, holding Maryland to a field goal after a turnover in Duke territory and allowing no fourth-quarter points.

Highest Marks: WR Donovan Varner The young receiving corps continued to impress Saturday, and Varner, a sophomore, turned in a team-high 120 receiving yards. Much improved from last year, Varner showcased his ability to not only make a defensive back miss and score but also to absorb a big hit over the middle and hang on. Hit the Books: Duke's Rush Offense Granted, this unit has taken its fair share of criticism this year, and David Cutcliffe has found ways to keep offensive output high without success on the ground. But to win more games in the ACC, the running game needs to become, at the least, a solid change of pace.