NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Maryland football loves to start fast, and it did so in Nashville.
Running back Roman Hemby helped quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. by shaking off two tackles for a 61-yard catch-and-run, setting the Terps up for a first-and-goal. Edwards then used his legs to punch the ball in to give Maryland a 7-0 lead.
Maryland’s next two drives ended in touchdowns, as the Terps put up 226 yards of offense in the first quarter and outscored Auburn 21-0. The explosive first quarter proved to be enough to put the TransPerfect Music City Bowl away, as Maryland (8-5) outperformed Auburn (6-7) in all three phases of the game to defeat the Tigers, 31-13. It marks the first time in program history the Terps have won a bowl game in three consecutive years.
Many players shined in Nashville, highlighting the job head coach Michael Locksley and his assistants have done in recruiting and developing the players they have, changing the narrative around Maryland football in five seasons.
“The best for this program is still ahead for us,” Locksley said.
Here’s a look at players who will contribute to the Terps in 2024 and the players who are leaving the program following the Music City Bowl.
In: Quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Cameron Edge
With Taulia Tagovailoa opting out of the bowl game, the quarterback position was handled by Billy Edwards Jr. and Cameron Edge. The two were instrumental in Maryland’s fast start. Edwards, the Music City Bowl MVP, completed 6 of his 20 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. The redshirt sophomore was also a threat in the ground game, running 13 times for 50 yards and a touchdown.
“I think we left a lot of meat on the bone and there’s lots to improve from,” Edwards said. “I’m not going to take away from that, I’m going to enjoy this one.”
During limited action, Edge completed 4 of 6 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown to tight end Dylan Wade, which came on the Terps’ third drive of the game. Edge also impressed with his deep-ball connection to wide receiver Kaden Prather.
In: Defensive Back Glendon Miller
Safety Beau Brade referred to Glendon Miller as “under-appreciated” at Maryland’s bowl game media availability. Miller flashed his value once again in Nashville. Early in the third quarter, he plucked Auburn starting quarterback Payton Thorne’s pass out of the air and had an open path to the end zone, scoring on a 44-yard pick-six.
“I just told myself before the day, just don’t try to do anything extra, just do my job and plays will make [themselves],” Miller said. “Just ran for my life.”
With Maryland losing a few defensive backs to the NFL Draft, Miller has positioned himself to be one of the team’s starting cornerbacks next season.
In: Defensive Back Perry Fisher
Redshirt freshman defensive back Perry Fisher was phenomenal against Auburn, contributing on defense and special teams. Fisher recorded three solo tackles, one sack, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery on special teams following Miller’s pick-six.
Fisher’s two pass breakups came in the first half. One was particularly impressive, as he swatted the ball away while covering wide receiver Camden Brown on a deep shot singlehandedly.
Fisher’s sack came early in the third quarter as a running back failed to block him. The defensive back brought down Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne immediately.
In: Experimenting With Technology
During the bowl game, Maryland used sideline tablets and in-helmet communication, much like how NFL teams do it. For the in-helmet communication, offensive coordinator Josh Gattis could talk to his quarterbacks all the way up to the end of the play clock. In the NFL, the audio cuts off with 15 seconds left on the play clock.
The bowl game was just a test run for this technology in college football, as it has yet to be approved for full-time use. But Maryland found the technology to be beneficial.
“The game’s evolving, so we’ve got to evolve with it,” Edwards said. “It was cool to us. I think it helped out.”
In: Young Tight Ends
With tight end Corey Dyches entering the transfer portal, young Maryland tight ends Dylan Wade and Preston Howard each saw more snaps in the bowl game. Both tight ends caught touchdown passes and collectively had three catches for 23 yards.
Out: Defensive Backs Entering NFL Draft
In the past few years, Maryland has produced three cornerbacks who have been taken in the NFL Draft: 2023 Giants first-rounder Deonte Banks, 2023 fourth-rounder Jakorian Bennett and Colts 2022 third-rounder Nick Cross.
Three more defensive backs from Maryland have entered the 2024 NFL Draft: Tarheeb Still, Ja’Quan Sheppard and Beau Brade, with the latter two announcing their decisions after Maryland’s victory in the Music City Bowl.
Brade finished the bowl game with three tackles after excelling as a safety throughout the 2023 season. Sheppard finished his last appearance in a Maryland uniform with two solo tackles and a pass breakup, while Still was in Nashville supporting his teammates after opting out.
Out: Entire Offensive Line
Maryland’s offensive line was a big question entering the 2023 season, as Michael Locksley and the coaching staff needed to remake the offensive line after Jaelyn Duncan and Spencer Anderson got drafted. DJ Glaze was the only returning offensive lineman and turned in a quality season.
Once again, the Terps are going to remake the offensive line for the 2024 season, with Glaze likely entering the NFL Draft. Locksley signed offensive linemen Aliou Bah, Alan Herron and Josh Kaltenberger out of the transfer portal last month.
Out: Wide Receiver Jeshaun Jones
Jeshaun Jones has been a mainstay in College Park for the past six seasons but exhausted his eligibility following the Music City Bowl win. Jones experienced the turmoil following Jordan McNair’s death but finished his collegiate career with three straight bowl victories.
Jones was Maryland’s leading receiver in Nashville, with three catches for 43 yards (including a juggling catch) in his final game with the Terps.
“It was great to go out on top,” Jones said. “I didn’t play the best, but it was amazing to set history here and actually leave my mark.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maryland Athletics