In front of a national prime-time audience, Maryland football opened the game about as poorly as any team could.
The Terps fell to a quick 14-0 deficit and had work to do if they wanted to avoid a season-crushing loss.
However, the defense stepped up, and the offense eventually found its rhythm in the second half, as Maryland overcame Charlotte, 38-20, Saturday night.
Despite the final scoreline, Maryland took a while to find its footing. Charlotte’s Jalon Jones dropped back for his first passing attempt on the game’s opening drive and found wide receiver Jairus Mack wide-open down the sideline for a 48-yard touchdown.