Maryland

TE RJ Maryland proves to be X-factor in SMU’s improbable comeback vs. Nevada

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2024

TE RJ Maryland proves to be X-factor in SMU’s improbable comeback vs. Nevada

RENO — SMU quarterback Preston Stone and tight end RJ Maryland knew it was game over well before the clock hit zero.

Even trailing by two scores with eight minutes remaining after an uninspired three quarters of play, they pinpointed what would soon become Nevada’s fatal flaw.

“Unfortunately for Nevada, they played man against RJ, which you just can’t do,” Stone said. “No. 82 showed why you can’t do that.”

Maryland ended up becoming the X-factor for SMU in its improbable 16-point comeback win, as the junior from Southlake caught eight balls for 162 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the 29-24 victory.

Maryland recorded 116 of his yards in the final 10 minutes of the game.

The tight end was by far the most impactful skill player in the game. No other SMU receiver had more than three catches and 28 yards. Nevada’s game high — Cortez Braham — had 66 yards.

His performance also tied Kylen Granson’s record for most career receiving touchdowns by a tight end in SMU history at 14. It’s a record Maryland is sure to shatter this season.

“It’s great to be up there with all the great SMU tight ends that have gone through this program,” Maryland said. “This just shows the greatness of the players that have come before me.”

While Maryland took over in the fourth quarter, the first three were a different story.

“He played as bad a first half as I’ve ever seen him play, just like we did,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said. “And he played about as good a second half as I’ve ever seen him play.”

SMU intentionally gave Maryland touches early in the second half, even if it meant the drive would stall and result in a field goal. The Mustangs knew they’d have to have Maryland involved in any potential comeback.

Their strategy worked, and he heated up at the right time, beating his man to catch a perfectly thrown ball by Stone with 1:18 remaining.

Maryland’s first outing of the season is a step in the right direction toward the tight end reaching the NFL next offseason. After a standout first two seasons on the Hilltop, he’s seeking to follow in his father Russell Maryland’s footsteps, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 draft by the Cowboys.

If Saturday’s performance is any indication, the SMU offense is going to rely on Maryland to make some big plays this year that may continue to put him on the radar of NFL scouts over the next few months.

On X/Twitter: @Lassimak

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Maryland

Maryland State Fair has an array of state-produced food

Published

13 hours ago

August 24, 2024

Press Room

Maryland State Fair has an array of state-produced food – CBS Baltimore

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Maryland State Fair has an array of state-produced food

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Maryland

Maryland women’s soccer vs James Madison preview

Published

20 hours ago

August 24, 2024

Press Room

Maryland women’s soccer vs James Madison preview

After falling in its last match to American, Maryland women’s soccer looks to bounce back on Sunday.

Maryland (1-1-1) will face James Madison (1-1-1) in the first half of a men’s and women’s soccer doubleheader at Ludwig Field.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the match will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.

James Madison Dukes (1-1-1, 0-0-0 Sun Belt Conference)

2023 record: 9-5-8, 4-1-5 Sun Belt Conference

The Dukes head into the match off a 3-3 draw with La Salle at home on Thursday. Despite having the same record as the Terps, James Madison had a relatively stronger start to the season, scoring three goals in both its season opener and its most recent match. However, it lost 2-0 to Virginia Tech in its second match. The Dukes also fared much better in 2023, winning nine matches compared to Maryland’s three.

Players to watch

Ariana Reyes, redshirt junior forward/midfielder, No. 22 — Reyes leads James Madison this season with two goals and two assists. Reyes has a perfect shooting percentage and has already scored a game-winner. She’s taken a huge step this season after recroding one goal and no assists in 2023.

Shea Collins, senior forward/defender, No. 2 — Collins has been a strong force for James Madison early on, notching goal and two assists thus far. Last season, Collins had three goals and five assists in 22 games and 19 starts.

Sofia DeCerb, redshirt freshman goalkeeper, No. 21 — DeCerb is getting her first taste of collegiate soccer as James Madison’s goalkeeper in 2024. Through three games, she has allowed five goals for a 1.67 goals against average. DeCerb has made 14 saves this season on a 73.7% save percentage.

Strength

Goals. James Madison is averaging two goals per game this season. The Dukes have also outscored their opponents six to five. In 2023, the Dukes scored 29 goals, which was 10 more than the 19 scored by their opponents.

Weakness

Shots. The Dukes have been outshot 39 to 26 by opponents thus far in 2024. Opponents have also had 19 shots on goal compared to James Madison’s 10. James Madison’s shots on goal percentage is 38.5% compared to its opponent’s 48.7%.

Three things to watch

1. Can the Terps bounce back? On Thursday night, a sign of last year’s squad creeped back into fruition as the Terps went scoreless against American. After scoring two goals in each of their first two games, the Terps were not sound offensively.

After Thursday’s game, Maryland head coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said, “I know that we have goal scorers. Today just wasn’t our night.”

2. Men’s and women’s doubleheader. Maryland men’s and women’s soccer will both play home games at Ludwig Field on Sunday. The women’s soccer game against James Madison will start at 5 p.m. and the men’s game against Georgetown will follow at 7:45 p.m.

3. Who will step up offensively? Maryland is looking for someone to take the lead and step up offensively in 2024. There are a few players on the brink of having productive seasons, including Ava Morales, Kennedy Bell and Kelsey Smith. The Terps will hope for one of those players to take the lead and be a primary scorer this season.

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Maryland

Maryland Weather: Beautiful weekend with returning heat

Published

1 day ago

August 24, 2024

Press Room

Maryland Weather: Beautiful weekend with returning heat

Summer temperatures return this weekend with plenty of sunshine

02:32

BALTIMORE — More typical August-like heat returns today and tomorrow with plenty of sun and increasing temperatures and humidity. Hot and muggy weather return for back to school.

Look for a mixture of sunshine and clouds today. Highs will top out in the middle 80s. Southerly winds and abundant sunshine on Sunday will help boost temperatures into the upper 80s along with higher humidity levels. Both days of the weekend look dry, so make your outdoor plans. It looks like a great weekend to head to the pool.

It’s back to school for many on Monday! Make sure to send the kids in comfortable clothing as temperatures register in the upper 80s to low 90s during the afternoon. We can expect mostly sunny skies during the day and the slight chance for an isolated evening or overnight shower.

A midweek cold front could bring in the chance for a shower or thunderstorm, so be sure to stay tuned to the First Alert weather team for updates.The big weather story is the increasing heat and humidity. Factor in higher humidity, and the feels like temperature will soar into the upper 90s to lower 100s.

We stay mainly dry next week. A stray storm is possible Wednesday and Friday with a better chance for scattered showers and storms returning next Saturday.

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