Turnovers torment Terrapins yet again

Interception, fumbled punt in final five minutes clinch 17-13 loss to Duke

DURHAM, N.C. -- After turning over the ball more than almost any team in the nation through seven games, all Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen wanted to see was how his Terrapins would fare in one game -- just one -- without committing a turnover. "God, give us a damn chance," Friedgen lamented recently.

For more than 55 minutes Saturday, the Terrapins realized their coach's vision, protecting the ball despite a torrential downpour at soggy Wallace Wade Stadium. But then came the mistakes that have defined this disappointing season -- an interception, a fumbled punt -- and the two turnovers helped Duke hold on for a 17-13 victory.

"I thought we were going to get through that without a turnover," a soft-spoken Friedgen said. "No matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to break through."

Maryland (2-6, 1-3 ACC) now faces the improbable scenario of having to win its final four games to reach a bowl game.

After the game, Maryland's players talked about not quitting, about playing for pride and about the need to get away from football during the bye week. But two months of frustration was also evident after the Terrapins squandered a chance to win a road game for the first time in 13 months.

Maryland's defense forced three turnovers and played well enough to win Saturday. But the offense struggled in the red zone throughout and the turnovers derailed any hope Maryland had for a late-game rally.

With just less than five minutes remaining, Turner took a snap at Maryland's 30-yard line, hoping to lead his team on a game-winning drive. Turner saw wide receiver Ronnie Tyler open for an instant, but by the time Turner pump-faked and released the ball, Duke linebacker Vincent Rey had made his move and intercepted the ball.

Rey said the defense had been preparing for that route by Tyler all week, adding, "I've been doing it so much all week that my body kind of took me into that window and I was fortunate to have him throw it right to me."

Maryland's defense forced Duke to punt, giving the Terrapins another opportunity to potentially win the game. But returner Tony Logan fumbled the punt at the Terrapins 22-yard line, Duke recovered and another chance at a victory was lost.

"Of course it is frustrating," running back Davin Meggett said. "Driving to win the game, luck was not on our side. It is called luck and chance."

The rain forced Maryland to run the ball more than it had planned. Freshman Caleb Porzel, who carried the ball a team-high 15 times for 28 yards, was not as effective as Friedgen had hoped.

But Maryland still found a way to seize momentum and briefly change the game's tenor with a little less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Trailing 17-6 and facing third and 18 from his 33, Turner threw a screen pass to Meggett, who weaved through the defense and down the sideline for a 67-yard touchdown reception.