COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Tai Felton caught 14 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown to continue his 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) outgained Villanova 326-51 in the first two quarters to enter halftime with a 24-0 advantage.
The only blemish before the break was Colby McDonald’s fumble inside the red zone that halted a potential fifth consecutive scoring drive with 27 seconds remaining.
Villanova (3-1) entered ranked fifth in the FCS coaches and media polls, but in their lone meeting with an FBS foe fell behind 17-0 before recording a first down.
Connor Watkins threw for a third-quarter score to Devin Smith but completed only 12 of 29 passes for 106 yards.
Felton set the tone with eight first-quarter catches and continued to establish himself as one of the nation’s elite wideouts.
His 41 receptions is the most in the first four games of a season in Terps history, and his four consecutive 100-yard games also ties a Maryland record.
His 14 catches Saturday is the most in a game for a Maryland receiver since Torrey Smith made 14 in 2010.
THE TAKEAWAY
Villanova: The Wildcat defense played reasonably well in defeat, forcing two turnovers and not allowing the Terps a gain of more than 23 yards before halftime. But the passing offense will have to improve to contend against elite FCS opposition.
Maryland: A lackluster third quarter, in which Edwards threw an interception and Villanova recovered an onside kick, will give coach Mike Locksley enough fodder to keep his team focused re-entering Big Ten play despite an otherwise dominant win.
UP NEXT
Villanova: Hosts LIU next Saturday at 6 p.m.
Maryland: Visits Indiana next Saturday at noon.
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Ian Nicholas Quillen, The Associated Press
