But his next play, in the second quarter, was nearly a disaster. Portis fired a pass over the head of Isaiah Williams along the line of scrimmage. It was ruled a fumble and went out of bounds - Franklin said it should have been ruled an incomplete pass - costing Maryland 6 yards and almost the ball.
Portis' teammates all but promise he will do better.
"People have got to understand he hasn't played in years," Heyward-Bey said. "It's going to take a little while. But once he gets going, you guys are going to see something amazing."
E. MICHIGAN
@MARYLAND
Today, 1 p.m.
Radio: 105.7 FM, 1300 AM
Line: Maryland by 21 1/2
terps today
Matchup: Eastern Michigan (1-2, 0-1 Mid-American Conference) at Maryland (2-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference)
Time, site: 1 p.m., Byrd Stadium,
College Park
Radio: 105.7 FM, 1300 AM
Line: Maryland by 21 1/2
Series: Maryland leads 3-0
Last meeting: Maryland won, 37-13, on Sept. 27, 2003, at Eastern Michigan.
Maryland offense vs. Eastern Michigan defense: The Eagles have given up 83 points in losing their past two games to Michigan State and Toledo. They surrender an average of 182 rushing yards. With leading rusher Da'Rel Scott (shoulder) questionable, freshman Davin Meggett is next in line as Maryland's go-to running back.
Maryland defense vs. Eastern Michigan offense: Maryland has practiced hard and often against this sort of hurry-up, spread offense since losing to Middle Tennessee State. Eastern Michigan likes to run senior Terrence Blevins, who has 251 yards. Two quarterbacks have played in each game - junior Andy Schmitt and sophomore Kyle McMahon.
Jeff Barker
using josh portis
The numbers show Maryland quarterback Josh Portis is usually being used on safe, early downs and primarily as a runner. He has been used two plays in a row just twice - both times against Middle Tennessee State.
Games: 3
Plays: 13
Took snaps on: First down (four times), second down (five times), third downs (three times), fourth down (once)
Runs: 12
Passes: 1 (a throw behind the line ruled a fumble not included)
Completed: 1 for 4 yards
Longest run: 16 yards
