The matchup started exactly how everyone thought it would, a 97-yard kick return for a touchdown by star freshman special teams specialist Giles Jackson followed by a three and out for negative yards by Maryland. 11 plays later, the Wolverines scored again. Michigan football was in control, or so we all thought.
The offense sputtered while the Terps flourished. If not for a great defensive play, Maryland might have scored instead of throwing a pick. And if they completed the field goal attempt, the game is within four points going into halftime.
Instead, Don Brown’s defense came through when they needed to and UM got lucky on a fake punt.