The Maryland Terrapins could have wilted. They could have said to themselves that this just wasn’t going to be their night. A team looking to build a stronger identity under a new coaching staff could have buckled under pressure, beaten down by several psychological blows over the course of a sprawling yet sloppy slugfest.
 
However, the Terps – when given chances to fade away gently into a rainy night at Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland – displayed the kind of resourcefulness that will propel them forward for the next three months. This is not a team that will win the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Atlantic Division, but it has already taken a very big step toward another bowl game.
 
In a season opener that doubled as a conference opener, Maryland made the final and most fulfilling statements in its clash with the University of Miami Hurricanes. Playing a Miami team that had been ravaged by suspensions in the wake of the Nevin Shapiro scandal, Maryland didn’t function smoothly, and it teetered on the brink of defeat. However, after falling behind 24-23 with 4:01 left in regulation, the Terps redoubled their efforts and scored nine points down the stretch to cut down the Canes.  
 
Kicker Nick Ferrara’s 32-yard field goal with 1:39 left in regulation gave Maryland a 26-24 edge, and when Maryland defender Cameron Chism then picked off Miami quarterback Stephen Morris on the ensuing possession, the final nail was driven into the coffin of “The U.” Chism scored a touchdown to push Maryland’s lead to eight; yes, the extra point was missed, technically giving Miami a small amount of life, but the Terps gained a measure of scoreboard safety (a touchdown and a 2-point conversion could not beat them at that point) and thereby cemented their position of leverage.  

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