Tai Felton shines again as Maryland beats Villanova 38-20

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Tai Felton caught 14 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown to continue its stellar season and Maryland scored on its first four drives en route to a 38-20 victory over Villanova on Saturday.

Billy Edwards Jr. completed 28 of 32 passes for a career-high 328 yards and two TDs, Roman Hemby and Nolan Ray each ran for scores and Kaden Prather caught a 19-yard TD pass to open a ruthlessly efficient first half.

In its final non-conference game and only matchup against FCS opposition, Maryland (3-1) outscored Villanova 326-51 in the first two quarters to enter halftime with a 24-0 advantage.

The only problem before the break was Colby McDonald’s fumble in the red zone that stopped a fifth consecutive scoring streak with 27 seconds left.

Villanova (3-1) entered the game ranked fifth in the FCS coaches and media polls, but in their only meeting with an FBS opponent, they fell behind 17-0 before recording a first down.

Connor Watkins threw a touchdown to Devin Smith in the third quarter, but completed just 12 of 29 passes for 106 yards.

Felton sets the tone with eight catches in the first quarter and continued to establish himself as one of the best receivers in the country.

His 41 receptions are the most through the first four games of a season in Terps history, and his four consecutive 100-yard games also tie a Maryland record.

His 14 receptions Saturday are the most in a game by a Maryland receiver since Torrey Smith had 14 in 2010.

TAKE AWAY

Villanova: The Wildcats’ defense played pretty well in the loss, forcing two turnovers and not allowing the Terps to gain more than 23 yards before halftime. But the passing attack will need to improve to compete with the FCS’s elite.

Maryland: A lackluster third quarter, in which Edwards threw an interception and Villanova recovered a kickoff, will give coach Mike Locksley enough material to keep his team focused on returning to Big Ten play despite an otherwise dominant victory.

FOLLOWING

Villanova: Hosts LIU next Saturday at 6 p.m.

Maryland: Visits Indiana next Saturday at noon.

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