Maryland narrowly escaped a worthy opponent in SMU Saturday night, 34-27, en route to a 3-0 nonconference record — the second straight season it finished the nonconference slate undefeated.
It was a mistake-riddled game for Maryland, but ultimately it persevered and outlasted the Mustangs in a crucial home matchup.
The offense did just enough to outlast SMU. Maryland’s defense came up huge in key situations and forced two turnovers that gave Maryland’s offense more opportunities, which it desperately needed.
“We needed a game like that,” head coach Mike Locksley said. “I got a lot of respect for the way our guys fought, for the resiliency they showed being down, these guys never flinched.