Virginia Survives Test from Terps
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September 12, 1998
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) – Aaron Brooks threw for 225 yards and twotouchdowns and Thomas Jones had a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarteras No. 12 Virginia defeated surprisingly tough Maryland 31-19 on Saturday.
Virginia (2-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) opened with a shutout atAuburn, earned its highest ranking ever going into the second game, and wassupposed to stroll to its seventh straight victory over Maryland.
But the outcome was in doubt until Brooks directed an 80-yard touchdowndrive capped by Jones’ run with 7:37 remaining and the Cavaliers stopped theTerrapins on their final two possessions.
Maryland (1-1, 0-1) scored first and stayed close despite setting up aVirginia touchdown and a field goal with fumbles and throwing an interceptionnear the Virginia goal line.
After a Maryland field goal, Brooks directed a 73-yard touchdown drive with12:07 left in the second quarter. Duane Fisher then stripped the ball fromCliff Crosby on the kickoff return and Brooks hit Kevin Coffey between twodefenders for a 29-yard TD that quickly put Virginia ahead 14-3. The Cavaliersadded a field goal to lead 17-3 at halftime.
The Terrapins opened the second half with a 65-yard scoring drive capped bytheir first rushing touchdown against Virginia since 1995. Harold Westleyscored on a 30-yard run up the middle, slanting outside and going virtuallyuntouched into the end zone.
Terrence Wilkins returned the kickoff close to midfield, and a few playslater Brooks found fullback Tyree Foreman wide open for a 28-yard touchdown andVirginia was back ahead by two touchdowns.
The Terrapins gained 42 yards rushing on 42 carries in their opener againstJames Madison, a Division I-AA school, while Virginia held then-No. 25 Auburnto 18 yards rushing.
But late in the third quarter, Matt Kapalinski burst through the Virginiadefense for a 53-yard run, and Kenny Rogers plowed into the end zone from fouryards. On Maryland’s next possession, a 37-yard pass reception by JermaineArrington set up Brian Kopka’s 25-yard field goal to get Maryland to 24-19.
Maryland finished with 188 yards rushing.