Michigan isn't playing its non-conference schedule, and Maryland made that clear in the first half.

The Terrapins had the lead for nearly 13 minutes in the second quarter before a 33-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum on 4th-and-short gave the Wolverines a 17-13 lead with under 30 seconds remaining in the half.

Maryland ran a couple of plays before the half concluded.

As we do every week, here are three halftime reactions to Michigan vs. Maryland.

We noted play-action success as a contingency for Maryland to have a chance against Michigan.

So far, so good for the Terps.

QB Taulia Tagovailoa has a 67% completion percentage with 121 passing yards and 16 rushing yards on two attempts.

RB Antwain Littleton has a touchdown, averaging over six yards per carry on six attempts.

Maryland is running a ton of play-action, leading to vertical shots while mixing in underneath stuff, like screens, giving Michigan's defense fits throughout the first half.

The Terps are the first team to score points on the U-M starters, and it did it with relative ease until senior CB DJ Turner made an interception that many believe should've been overturned.

Too bad for Maryland, which, after all that, still trails at halftime. To win, the Terps will need to repeat their success and amp it up some more to have a chance at winning the game.

We've heard all about why McCarthy was held back as a true freshman, forced to back up Cade McNamara in 2021.

His issue in practice was forcing plays, moving too fast, and resulting in unnecessary turnovers or negative plays.

Through one half, McCarthy is 11-of-16 (69%) for 100 yards and a touchdown. Not bad. Missing Roman Wilson deep three times is bad, though.

Running the ball, he's down to 7 yards because of two fumbles and several mistakes in over-scrambling and refusing to throw the ball away and let the next play make the difference.

His biggest mistake came in the second half of the second quarter. After McCarthy already fumbled a few plays prior, he ran around in circles trying to find a target before a Maryland defender took him down and forced a fumble.

McCarthy would've given the ball away nearing the red zone if not for a Michigan recovery. Still, he turned a 3rd & 10 into a 3rd & 25.

Jake Moody missed the field goal two plays later and left Michigan with an empty possession while trailing.

Michigan's defense has zero sacks and two tackles for loss.

Tagovailoa had had all the time in the world to throw the ball, most notably when he made three consecutive first-down throws with his back facing Maryland's end zone to start the drive.

Lucky for Michigan, DJ Turner made the interception on that drive, but the success and how easy the success has looked is a massive concern heading into the second half.

The RPO and play-action designs from Maryland have been beautiful, and it's forcing Michigan to account for the QB run, RB run, and the pass, making the pass rush more difficult than it already is.

Michigan's pressure rates were already a concern, but it looks like more of one based on Maryland's designs.

---

Discuss this article with our community on our premium message boards

Not a subscriber to Maize & Blue Review? Sign up today to gain access to all the latest Michigan intel M&BR has to offer

Follow our staff on Twitter: @JoshHenschke, @BrandonJustice_, @RivalsLibby, @TrevorMcCue, @DennisFithian, @BrockHeilig, @JimScarcelli, @DavisMoseley, @lucasreimink

Subscribe to our podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify

Check out Maize & Blue Review's video content on YouTube

Follow Maize & Blue Review on social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram