With just under two minutes left and USC poised to take a six-point lead with a game-winning field goal, the unthinkable happened.

Maryland football linebacker Donnell Brown got his hands on the attempt and the block was returned into USC territory by defensive lineman Glen Miller.

The Terps scored five plays, 47 yards and 48 seconds later to take the lead with less than a minute left. The lead held for the rest of the contest – despite Maryland's various mistakes, errors and gaffes, it pulled off a season-saving 29-28 victory on Saturday night at SECU Stadium.

The early game was not characterized by outstanding offensive performances, as both secondaries stepped up early. The Terps did a good job of keeping USC in check on their first drive, but the Trojans also hampered Maryland's offense on their first two drives.

In his second game calling for offensive plays, head coach Michael Locksley rejected the run, opting exclusively to pass the ball on the team's first two drives. It wasn't until the second play of the Terps' third drive that they handed the ball off to Nolan Ray for a 3-yard gain.

Instead, the Terps' offense was littered with quick bubble screens and short play-action throws. These did not produce explosive results as Maryland only scored seven points in the first half.

Meanwhile, USC settled in well after its second drive. It drove into Maryland territory before being forced into a 52-yard field goal, which it missed. But an illegal Terps substitution gave the Trojans a more manageable fourth down, which they converted.

In the following sequence, Moss found wide receiver Kyron Hudson for a 22-yard touchdown, the first score of the game.

Similar errors slowly accumulated over the course of the half – and the game – as the Terps piled up seven infractions of 60 yards on the night.

After its first touchdown — a corner fade to Octavian Smith Jr. — Maryland struggled to extend its momentum. A missed 52-yard field goal by Jack Howes and a fourth-and-2 stuff to running back Roman Hemby left points on the board.

The start of the second half almost sealed the Terps' downfall when they turned the ball over on downs more than three minutes into the game. But on the very next drive, Moss intercepted a pass to Zachariah Branch, which led to an interception and a return by Lavain Scruggs that brought Maryland to the USC 18-yard line.

The next play resulted in Tai Felton receiving a touchdown, bringing the Terps within one score.

Nevertheless, Maryland managed to take the lead very late. USC had to punt on its next drive, and the Terps had no problems driving the length of the field. But red zone woes plagued Maryland again when Edwards threw an interception in the end zone on fourth down.

The Terps still fought back and forced USC to punt with 6:37 left to give themselves another chance. After another botched fourth down play on the ensuing drive, things looked hopeless for Maryland.

But then the magic happened — and Maryland's first Big Ten win led to an emphatic storming of SECU Stadium Saturday night.

Three things you should know

1. There was late chaos. After the Terps' late score with just 53 seconds left, USC had its best opportunity to score a game-winning field goal attempt. It reached the Maryland 40-yard line before a 4th-and-2 incomplete pass with 11 seconds left sealed the victory for the home team.

2. A highlight reel grab. USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane had the best catch of the day, bar none, as his 15-yard one-handed reception for the team's second score may be up for catch of the year. He twisted his body wildly around Maryland defender Perry Fisher before catching up to him.

3. Smith sees increased utilization. Aside from his first touchdown reception of the 2024 season, it was encouraging for Maryland fans to see the shifty junior perform well. He finished the day with career highs in both catches (8) and yards (84).