The discussion leading up to Maryland football’s 2024 campaign was fraught with expectations and unanswered questions, particularly at quarterback. It was clear that the play on the field would have to answer many of the uncertainties.

In Saturday’s matinee game against UConn, uncertainty wasn’t the right word to describe the Terps’ play. From start to finish, Maryland’s play resonated in a 50-7 victory over UConn. It is now 14-1 in season-opening games since 2010.

The Terps opened the game with possession and Billy Edwards Jr. at quarterback. In a drive that lasted just 3 minutes, 28 seconds, Maryland’s offense raced down the field and finished it with an 18-yard strike to wide receiver Tai Felton.

Felton played fantastically throughout the game, catching seven times for 178 yards and two touchdowns, breaking his previous personal best of 140 yards against Rutgers last year.

Edwards looked confident at the helm of the offense, despite nearly botching a quarterback keeper early on. On his first drive, he relied on a quick, scripted passing attack that featured mostly Felton and a 13-yard Roman Hemby rush.

The defense was just as assertive on the first few drives. Neither of UConn’s first two drives lasted longer than three minutes, with the first lasting just 1:21. The Terps were aggressive, often using man coverage and sending extra rushers to inexperienced Husky quarterback Nick Evers. On UConn’s second drive, linebacker Caleb Wheatland’s blitz on third down forced an errant pass.

The best play of the first quarter — and possibly the game — was undoubtedly redshirt freshman Nolan Ray’s 48-yard touchdown dash for the Terps. He eluded multiple Husky defenders before driving the final 20 yards to the end zone. Maryland’s 131 rushing yards in the first quarter were its most since 2018, when it mustered 148 against Ohio State.

The action in the second quarter caused the pace of the game to slow considerably. Maryland not only failed to score a touchdown, but also gave up four straight punts beginning in the latter part of the first quarter.

One of the four drives that ended in a punt saw redshirt sophomore quarterback MJ Morris lead the offense, but he was on the field for just 1:32, going three-and-out after just missing the first down marker.

A diving interception by redshirt senior Glendon Miller with just under a minute left in the first half gave Edwards and company a chance to extend the lead. But after a seam-beater and subsequent sideline toss to tight end Dylan Wade, the Terps couldn’t clear the ball from five yards out.

Ultimately, Maryland’s failure to finish drives led to three field goals in the second quarter, all courtesy of Jack Howes. The Terps led 23-0 at halftime.

A quick change in intensity saw Maryland strike gold early in the third quarter, as Edwards orchestrated a drive that culminated in a touchdown by Hemby. The redshirt junior flashed his 2022 self, finishing the day with 14 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.

With a 30-0 lead, the rest of the game felt like a formality for the Terps, who brought in a plethora of backups. That wasn’t until senior linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II managed to grab a tip-drill interception, the first of his career.

Even when UConn cut Maryland’s lead with a third-quarter score — now with Joe Fagnano at center — the home Terps didn’t hesitate to respond. Edwards and the starters were immediately reinserted, and Felton broke multiple tackles en route to a 75-yard touchdown.

There are still questions about how Maryland will fare against stronger conference opponents this season, but a dominant win early in the campaign is more than enough for now.

Three things to know

1. Three quarterbacks saw action. The quarterback competition that drew a lot of attention in the preseason continued Saturday afternoon. While it was clear that Edwards was the No. 1, the fact that Morris saw some runs early in the game underscored Locksley’s interest in seeing both in action.

Edwards went 20-for-27 through the air for 311 yards and two touchdowns, while also recording 39 rushing yards. Morris recorded 13 passing yards — on a 75 percent completion percentage — and 13 yards rushing. Cameron Edge replaced Morris in the fourth quarter after a head injury. He completed four of six passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

2. A combination of tight ends who played. Preston Howard, who was listed as a starter and came on the field early, saw no action in the game after the first drive. He spent the rest of the game on the sideline with his pads on and his helmet off.

Instead, a combination of Dylan Wade, Leon Haughton Jr. and Leron Husbands impressed, with the former taking the majority of the snaps. Wade finished with two catches for 38 yards and the trio had a solid blocking outing.

3. The second half made his presence felt. One of the questions coming into the season was the viability of the Terps’ defensive line. But the secondary impressed Saturday, allowing just 14 completions. Transfer Jalen Huskey and redshirt sophomore Perry Fisher both excelled at outside cornerback, but it was Miller who showed the most, stepping onto the field as a safety and nickelback. He led the team with six tackles and grabbed an interception.