Dillon Gabriel’s record-breaking night leads Oregon to 39-18 win over Maryland

Photo courtesy of Ian Cox/Maryland Terrapins

Midway through the third quarter Dillon Gabriel faked a handoff and turned to his right to find a wide-open Gernorris Wilson, an offensive lineman that reported eligible. The touchdown marked Gabriel’s 179th career touchdown, setting the FBS record and putting Oregon (10-0, 6-0) up 29-10 after a two-point conversion.

Gabriel, a Heisman candidate, threw for 183 yards and three touchdowns with a 68% completion rate against Maryland’s depleted secondary.

Maryland football (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) lost the first all-time matchup against No. 1 Oregon 39-18 on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

The Terps struggled once again to establish their run game early and rushed for a total of 80 yards with 2.7 yards per carry. The rushing struggles combined with playing from behind forced Billy Edwards Jr. to throw over 40 times for the fifth time this season.

The senior finished 22-for-44 with 206 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. An interception off the hands of Octavian Smith and into Tysheem Johnson’s set up Oregon at the Maryland four with five minutes remaining, sealing the game.

Following Edwards’ second interception, MJ Morris came in for the Terps’ final drive.

Despite their lackluster finish, the Terps gained early momentum after a field goal on their opening drive. They looked to hold Oregon scoreless in the first quarter, a feat that hasn’t been achieved all season.

However, Jordan James gave the Ducks life after converting a fourth and one where it took three Maryland defenders to finally tackle him. The junior caught a 26-yard pass over the middle the next play and set up Oregon at the three, where he took a handoff into the endzone.

The Ducks began to pull away in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Edwards dropped back to pass and was hit from behind by Jordan Burch as his arm went in the air. Brandon Johnson picked up the ball and ran 62 yards for a touchdown, making it 14-3.

Maryland regained some momentum on a nine-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a Roman Hemby touchdown run. Oregon committed three penalties on the drive — two pass interferences and a face mask — to keep Maryland alive.

The penalties were a problem for Oregon all night, as it ended the night with 12 penalties for 95 yards.

Despite this, Oregon put the game out of reach following Gabriel’s record-breaking touchdown and the two Edwards interceptions, earning its tenth victory of the season.

Maryland returns home next Saturday to face Rutgers, still needing two more wins to secure a bowl game. After Rutgers, the Terps face Iowa at home and No. 6 Penn State on the road.