COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Da'Rel Scott ran for 197 yards in his first college start, and Maryland used three quarterbacks in an attempt to generate some offense in a lackluster 14-7 win over Delaware on Saturday.
Scott carried 26 times and had runs of 40, 37 and 26 yards. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound sophomore totaled 137 yards rushing last season in nine games as a backup.
The last Maryland running back to gain that much yardage on the ground was Bruce Perry, who had 237 against Wake Forest on Nov. 29, 2003.
But the Terrapins missed three field goals and had trouble pulling away from Delaware, which has 14 starters back from the team that last year advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision title game.
Jordan Steffy started at quarterback for the Terrapins, but after going 10-for-18 with two interceptions, the fifth-year senior was replaced in the fourth quarter by Chris Turner (1-for-3, 11 yards). Josh Portis also played the position, running four times for 10 yards
The Maryland touchdowns came on a 12-yard reverse by wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in the second quarter and on a 14-yard run by Davin Meggett in the third quarter.
Delaware closed to 14-7 on a 1-yard run by Johnathon Smith with 5:20 left. The Blue Hens got the ball back with 3:32 left, but after Robby Schoenhoft was intercepted by Terrell Skinner, Maryland ran out the clock.
A year ago, the Blue Hens used the talented arm of Joe Flacco to average 36 points and 337 yards passing. Flacco is now in the NFL, and Schoenhoft was not nearly as effective.
Schoenhoft, a transfer from Ohio State, went 14-for-22 for 128 yards and an interception.
Delaware's Aaron Love had four catches for 49 yards, becoming the fifth player in school history to top 2,000 yards receiving.
Maryland limited the Blue Hens to 108 yards in the first half but led by only 7-0 at halftime.
Steffy's first two passes of the season were both completed for a total of 32 yards, but Maryland's initial drive ended when a 48-yard field goal try by Obi Egekeze hit the crossbar.
The Terrapins forced a punt and got a 40-yard run from Scott before Egekeze missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.
Maryland finally broke through with a two-play drive in the second quarter. Heyward-Bey made a leaping catch for a 36-yard gain, then ran around right end for a touchdown.
After Delaware missed a field goal try, Egekeze was wide right from 41 yards as the first half ended.
