Noles Have Dominating Game Against Terps

As I said in a previous post, what a difference a week makes. The Noles had a complete game on both sides of the ball as they dominated the Terps. Here are my grades:

Offensive Line: The line did a great job against the Terrapins. The line didn’t allow a sack and allowed the running game to produce 172 yards. Kudos to Rick Trickett and his offensive linemen.
Grade: A

Running Game: The running game was adequate without having big numbers. A key stat was that there were no fumbles. Antone Smith had 45 yards and 1 TD.
Grade: B

QB: Ponder managed the game well as he threw for 143 yards, 1 TD, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 81 yards and a TD. He still seems to not be getting the proper reads from time to time but all in all a good game.
Grade: A

Offensive Coaching: Jimbo Fisher's offense and game plan dominated the Terrapins on a cold night.
Grade: A

Receivers: Preston Parker was the leading receiver with 8 catches for 67 yards and 1 TD. Six other players had at least one catch or more. Corey Surrency continues to not be able to hold onto the ball when in his hands.
Grade:B

Defense and Defensive Coaching:Mickey Andrews had his players ready to play and they did an excellent job. The defense was dominating against the Terp offense as they allowed Maryland's Turner only 149 passing yards. The defense recorded six sacks on the night as well as two interceptions and 2 fumbles.

On the defensive front, the defensive ends led by Everette Brown were in Turner's face all night. Brown had 1 forced fumble, 5 tackles including 4 1/2 for a loss, and 3 1/2 sacks, What more can you say?

The linebackers were also a key in the win. Derek Nicholson had 7 tackles, one sack and returned a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown. Dekoda Watson also had four tackles, one for a loss and a pass breakup. In addition, Toddrick Verdell had a sack and an interception.

The secondary was decent also as Maryland's leading receiver Heyward-Bey had only 22 yards on the night. Kenny Ingram who was filling in on the night also had one interception.
Grade: A

Penalties: To my surprise the Noles had under 50 yards in penalties as they committed 5 for 40 yards. However as usual some were key.
Grade: C

Special Teams: Graham Gano again was super as he made all three field goal attempts with a long for 48 yards.

The one area that continues to be a concern is kickoff returns. Maryland's Torrey Smith had 5 returns for 106 yards and a long of 31 yards.
Grade: B