Maryland’s run-heavy offense is no secret. With three talented running backs, the Terrapins (5-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) have averaged 36.7 rushes per game to 24.4 pass plays in the first seven games. The ratio was 41-9 in favor of the running game in last weekend’s win over North Carolina State.
But the last name most experts would associate with Maryland rushers is senior quarterback Sam Hollenbach.
“I think he heard me down the sidelines scream, ‘Run,’ because he was kind of hesitant,” said Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen of Hollenbach’s 20-yard run in the third quarter against the Wolfpack. It wasn’t even his longest run of the game, as a called play led to 28-yard gain in the fourth quarter.
Hollenbach totaled 68 yards on seven carries, moving him back into the plus column for the season — he’s been sacked 13 times for minus-89 yards.
“It was fun to get a little running involved. It’s something that maybe other defenses aren’t really looking for me to do,” said Hollenbach, better known as a pocket passer. But his carries showed yet another step in his growth as the Terrapins confident offensive leader.
“Early in his career, he had a couple times when he fumbled the ball in the open field or just running, and he worked on protecting the ball as he runs,” said running back Josh Allen. “Every time he carries it, he gets more and more confident in his ability to do so.”
Hollenbach also had a mistake-free passing outing against the Wolfpack, completing 7 of 9 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions.
“What I try to do is to get guys to play to their strengths,” said Friedgen, who complimented Hollenbach on his game management. “Sam made some decisions on when to run the ball. If he would get that into his game, it would add a whole new dimension.
“I think he’s getting more comfortable with me also. I see him progressing and continuing to make good decisions about where to put the ball and when to run the ball. There’s no reason why he can’t be a very good quarterback.”
While Friedgen may look to use the 6-foot-4, 214-pounder to carry the ball more often, the downfield punishment Hollenbach endured against the Wolfpack led to some groaning from the Terrapins faithful at Byrd Stadium.
On the 20-yard run, he was flattened on the sideline by N.C. State defensive end Martel Brown. On a seven-yard scramble down the middle later in the quarter he was stopped cold by safety DeJuan Morgan.
“[That hit] was pretty serious,” said Hollenbach. “I talked to [Morgan] after the game. We were cool about it. If we win the game, I’ll take the hits all day.”
