The Maryland football team hadn't faced any adversity in the 10 months since first-year coach DJ Durkin took over the floundering program in College Park.
Off the field, the Terps were making major strides in recruiting. On the field, Maryland took advantage of two easy opponents to start Durkin's inaugural season and give fans some hope.
Durkin knew that Saturday's game against Central Florida at Bright House Networks Stadium was going to be its toughest to date this season.
It was.
After forcing a fumble by freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton to open the second overtime, then losing senior quarterback Perry Hills on the team's first play from scrimmage, Maryland freshman Tyrrell Pigrome ran 24 yards for the winning score.