The defense held potent Clemson running back C.J. Spiller - the ACC's career leader in all-purpose yards - to 72 rushing yards and held the Tigers to 4-for-16 on third downs. The defense made the game's signature play when linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield forced a fumble on a blitz with Clemson threatening to tie the score in the final minute. Maryland won, 24-21.
The Terps surrendered an average of 261.5 yards against Rutgers and Clemson - its fewest in a two-game stretch since September 2007. It's a noteworthy accomplishment since the defense has often been placed in tough positions by the offense turning the ball over. Maryland has 15 giveaways this season.
"We were a young defense coming in," Moten said. "We hadn't played with each other yet. We're getting a feel for each other now."
The Terps have improved despite playing a number of untested defensive lineman, including redshirt freshmen A.J. Francis and Carl Russell, and true freshmen Zachariah Kerr and Isaiah Ross. "Francis, Kerr, Ross and Russell were on the field together against Clemson in a meaningful game. You put the tape on and it's like" wow, Brown said.
Last week, Clemson started a freshman quarterback, Kyle Parker. Even when Maryland's blitzes didn't result in sacks, they usually forced Parker to hurry or throw the ball away.
Against Wake Forest, the Terps face a fifth-year senior, Riley Skinner, who excels when the pocket is pressured. "When he gets out of the pocket and begins to ad-lib, that's when bad things happen to you on defense," Brown said.
Skinner passed for a career-high 361 yards last week in Wake Forest's 30-24 win over North Carolina State. He is first in the ACC in passing efficiency and second in touchdown passes (11) and passing yards per game (266.8).
Asked whether his defense has completely arrived, Brown said he won't know the answer after it faces Skinner tonight.
MARYLAND @WAKE FOREST
Tonight, 6:30
TV: ESPN360
Radio: 105.7 FM
Line: Wake Forest by 12 1/2
