College Football Rankings 2019: Projected Top 25, Week 3 – LSU rising?
By Zach Bigalke
Syracuse arrived in College Park to play a former ACC rival, hoping to consolidate their position in the AP Top 25. Instead, Maryland made short work of the Orange and bought themselves a ticket into the polls in the process. Scoring on seven of their first eight offensive series, the Terrapins ran away with a 63-20 victory that will open eyes around the country.
Josh Jackson put in a strong performance in the first half and finished the day with 296 passing yards and three touchdowns. The former Virginia Tech quarterback offered the sort of quarterback play that has been missing at Maryland over the past few years.
The Terrapins also got a strong performance from multiple backfield stars, as the team finished with 354 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 45 carries. Javon Leake led the way, gaining 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just seven carries. Jake Funk punched in a touchdown and racked up 94 yards on only five touches. Anthony McFarland Jr. added 75 yards and two more scores on 14 carries.
Maryland heads to Temple to face the Owls next week, and they will hope to consolidate their place in the AP Top 25 before taking a bye in Week 4. Following the off week, the Terrapins welcome Penn State to College Park for a key opener to the Big Ten season.