No. 22 Michigan Smothers Maryland, 28-0, In Big Ten Opener

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Desmond Morgan had nine tackles and an interception, part of a dominating defensive performance by No. 22 Michigan in a 28-0 rout of Maryland on Saturday.

In winning its first Big Ten opener under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan (4-1, 1-0) picked off three passes and limited Maryland to 105 yards. It was the second straight shutout for the Wolverines, who have allowed a total of 14 points in their last four games.

Morgan, a senior inside linebacker, picked off a pass in the first quarter and was a major reason why the Terrapins (2-3, 0-1) finished with 29 yards rushing after averaging 196 over their first four games.

Michigan led by only 6-0 at halftime before pulling away with two third-quarter touchdowns. After Jake Rudock connected with Drake Johnson for a 31-yard score, wide receiver Jehu Chesson took an inside handoff and sprinted down the left sideline for a 66-yard TD.

That made it 21-0, a deficit way too formidable for Maryland to overcome.

Caleb Rowe went 8 for 27 for 47 yards and three interceptions before being replaced by Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Garman, who also struggled. Since entering late in the Terrapins' second game of the season, Rowe has thrown 12 interceptions.

Entering in relief of Rowe for the second straight week, Darman completed two of nine passes for 29 yards — including 22 on his first pass of the day.

After losing 45-6 to West Virginia last week and coming up empty against Michigan, the Terrapins travel to No. 1 Ohio State next weekend.

The Wolverines played without leading rusher De'Veon Smith, who hurt his right foot last week in a win over Brigham Young. Michigan managed only 43 yards rushing in the first half, 20 on a fourth-down scamper by Rudock, but padded the total significantly in the fourth quarter when passing no longer was a necessity.

A 1-yard run by Johnson with 6:53 left capped a 24-yard scoring drive consisting of four straight carries.

Johnson finished with 72 yards on 14 attempts. Rudock went 16 for 32 for 180 yards before taking a seat.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at 8 p.m. but was moved up to noon for fear of bad weather created by Hurricane Joaquin. Although a stiff wind and an intermittent drizzle made it uncomfortable for the fans, it did not appear to affect the play on the field.

Michigan got only one first down and totaled just 41 yards during a scoreless first quarter that featured four turnovers. The Wolverines lost two fumbles and Rowe was picked off twice while completing half his 14 passes.

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