COLLEGE PARK, MD –– With a prime opportunity in red zone territory, USC’s Miller Moss lofted a high pass into the sky, targeting sophomore receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. In a gravity-defying sequence, Lane sealed off Maryland defensive back Perry Fisher before leaping into the air – twisting, turning and securing an improbable one-handed catch.

The acrobatic second quarter score sparked a 14-0 USC scoring run through the remainder of the first half – but the road momentum didn’t last throughout. Late fourth quarter heroics put the Terps in control, signaling a thrilling 29-28 home victory, Maryland’s first Big Ten win of 2024. 

For USC, a wasted cross-country defeat after more than 2,600 miles of travel time. For Maryland, a much-needed bounce back win.

Last week’s 37-10 loss to Northwestern marked Terps’ head coach Michael Locksley’s first game with the play sheet in hand. 

“One of my strengths is being able to help on the offense. It’s a system that I know really well philosophically,” Locksley said of the added responsibility.

Even with Locksley stepping up as the primary offensive play caller – leaving offensive coordinator Josh Gattis up in the booth assisting – Maryland suffered its third consecutive Big Ten loss of 2024. 

But it was a flip of the coin offensively Saturday. The Terps broke the loss streak and moved to 1-3 against conference opponents on the year. 

High-flying plays and bold decision-making kept Maryland in the contest late, providing the home squad with a multitude of opportunities that were cashed in when it mattered most.

“We just continued to chip away … and we made plays when it counted there at the end,” quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. said.

Maryland started off strong in game two of the Locksley play calling era, matching an early USC touchdown with a score of its own. 

Four minutes into the second quarter, Octavian Smith Jr. backpedaled near the far left pylon. The junior receiver climbed the ladder to complete his first touchdown of 2024, before a Jack Howes extra point evened the score at seven apiece.

Then, just seconds before halftime, Billy Edwards Jr. fired a deep pass up the middle, completed to Kaden Prather for a 27 yard gain. 

With prime field position and time to formulate a score before the buzzer, disaster struck. A mistimed snap to Edwards Jr. led to a wild scramble for possession – with USC’s Solomon Tuliaupupu recovering the fumble, effectively halting Maryland’s momentum in its tracks. 

“You got to rinse it,” Locksley said of the missed scoring opportunity. “I’ve realized … that’s just one play. We’ll get another opportunity.”

Another chance came for the Terps late in the third quarter. But once more, they failed to capitalize.

With just under three minutes left in the period, Edwards stepped back in the pocket. With a fourth-and-three look, the veteran quarterback lofted a high pass intended for Prather. 

This time, however, it resulted in a Trojan’s interception courtesy of Jaylin Smith – marking another blown Maryland scoring chance in red zone territory.

“When we get to this point, we’ve got nothing to lose,” Edwards said.

Just minutes later, the Terps finally broke through.

In a pressure-filled sequence through the final stages of the fourth quarter, Locksley’s play calling excelled.

A blocked USC field goal attempt by Donnell Brown – recovered by Caleb Wheatland – set up a two-minute drive for the Maryland offense, down 28-22 and looking to provide the go-ahead score. 

“We got into our mayday mode,” Locksley said. “We still knew, with the time on the clock, we’d have the ability to run it.”

Locksley and the Terps methodically moved the ball down field – utilizing crafty plays to overpower the Trojans’ backpedaling defense.

Two short passes from Edwards to running back Roman Hemby, along with a 14-yard completion to receiver Tai Felton, advanced Maryland to a second-and-three on the USC 3.

Then, a flawless play call in the grandest moment.

“The biggest thing in that final drive … I just tried to remain calm,” Edwards said. “… I put my foot in the ground and got vertical.”

Edwards rushed up the middle for the touchdown keeper, providing the equalizer as the SECU Stadium crowd roared in approval.

Another successful Howes extra point gave the Terps a narrow lead. A defensive stop to follow capped the stunning victory – marking Maryland’s largest fourth quarter comeback in four years.

Locksley smiled on the sideline, playbook in hand. Fans poured out of the stands – storming the field to celebrate a signature program win.

“Personnel, staff, play calling, everything. We’re always evaluating what we’re doing and how to make it better,” Locksley said. “… We’re always trying to figure out how we can get better – faster.”