| by Gary Saage | 9/03/08 | 59 views |
Delaware was not able to repeat the success it had last year against Division 1 opponent, Navy, as the Blue Hens fell to the University of Maryland, 14-7.
The game was slated as the debut for Robby Schoenhoft, the heir apparent to the quarterback position vacated by Joe Flacco.
However, the day was stolen by Maryland running back Da’Rel Scott. Scott, making his first start as a sophomore, was able to rack up 197 yards against the Delaware defense.
Scott, who had only rushed for 137 yards in nine appearances last season, carried the ball 26 times and had runs of 40, 37 and 26 yards.
Although Maryland was able to move the ball on the ground, it was in the air that many of their drives stalled. The Terrapins were forced to use three quarterbacks on the day, totaling only 126 yards through the air.
Starting Maryland quarterback Jordan Steffy went 10-for-18 with two interceptions. He was then replaced by backup Chris Turner in the fourth quarter. Josh Portis came in as well, rushing four times for ten yards.
Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said Steffy was removed due to a thumb injury.
While Maryland was able to score twice on a 12-yard reverse by Darius Heyward-Bey and on a 14-yard run by David Meggett, it was their kicking game that truly struggled.
Maryland kicker Obi Egekeze missed three field goals during the course of the game. Egekeze missed from distances of 48, 45 and 41 yards.
Delaware struggled both on the ground through the air, accumulating only 249 total yards.
Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler came into the game looking to establish a sound running game against the Terrapin defense, calling 19 of the first 28 plays, as running plays.
When Keeler went to the air through Robby Schoenhoft later in the second half, the results were not much better.
Schoenhoft, a transfer from Ohio State, went 14-for-22 for 128 yards and interception.
“This is not like a moral victory,” Keeler told ESPN.com. “I don’t believe in moral victories. We had opportunities and we let them get away.
     
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