Baltimore, MD—-In a thrilling finish, Michigan State rallied to secure a 27-24 victory over Maryland on Saturday, showcasing the promise of both teams’ young quarterbacks.
The Spartans (2-0, 1-0 Big Ten) triumphed with a 37-yard field goal by Jonathan Kim, made with just one second remaining in regulation. This clutch play lifted them to a hard-fought road win against the Terrapins (1-1, 0-1) in their Big Ten opener.
Despite a series of mistakes, Michigan State displayed resilience, making crucial plays in all phases of the game to pull off the upset. Quarterback Aidan Chiles, in just his second start for the Spartans, finished 24-for-39 with 363 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The 18-year-old sophomore showed both flashes of brilliance and moments of inexperience, mixing key throws with costly turnovers. Chiles’ performance gave a glimpse of his potential, as he stepped up during key moments in the fourth quarter. His season is likely to be a rollercoaster as he navigates growing pains, but his talent hints at a bright future.
Wide receiver Nick Marsh had a standout performance, catching eight passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. Marsh’s 77-yard touchdown catch with just over four minutes remaining tied the game at 24 and helped shift momentum in favor of Michigan State. Marsh also drew a critical pass interference penalty on third-and-10, extending the drive that led to the game-winning field goal.
While Michigan State’s ground game struggled at times, Nathan Carter and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams combined for 105 rushing yards on 21 carries, providing some balance to the offense.
On the other side, Maryland entered the season with a highly touted defense, but it faltered when it mattered most. The Terrapins surrendered 493 yards of total offense, including the final drive that led to Michigan State’s winning score. Defensive breakdowns, particularly on the game-tying touchdown, proved costly.
Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. had a solid performance in his second start, completing 26 of 34 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns, along with one interception. Despite Edwards’ efforts, Maryland’s offense struggled to establish a ground game, managing only 86 rushing yards.
The Terrapins took a 24-17 lead early in the fourth quarter after scoring 10 unanswered points, highlighted by Edwards’ 28-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dylan Wade. However, defensive miscues allowed Michigan State to stage their late comeback.
Michigan State led 17-14 at halftime, benefiting from several Maryland mistakes. Jonathan Kim nailed a 50-yard field goal as the first half ended, capitalizing on an offside penalty that gave him a second chance after missing from 55 yards.
Maryland safety Glen Miller had a strong game defensively, recording two interceptions, including one that set up a 14-7 lead after Edwards’ four-yard rushing touchdown. Miller’s interceptions extended his streak to four consecutive games with a pick.
Despite Maryland’s strong start, which included a 75-yard scoring drive on their opening possession, the Terrapins couldn’t hold on, and Michigan State’s late-game heroics sealed the victory.
