It was literally a sickening afternoon for Best. The lasting image — caught by an ESPN camera — was Best on the sidelines, vomiting after taking a vicious hit from Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes.

“Kevin Barnes is the hardest hitting corner in the nation,” said Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin. “That changed the momentum right there.”

Coming off a demoralizing loss at Middle Tennessee State, Maryland again showed its ability to rebound. Led on offense by Da’Rel Scott (19 carries, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Chris Turner (15 of 19, 156 yards, 2 TD) and on defense by Philistin (13 tackles) and linebacker Moise Fokou (two sacks), the Terps upset a ranked opponent for the third time in its last 12 games. Each of the wins came after a deflating defeat.

“I asked them, ‘How many times have you been told you’re not good enough?’” said Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen. “You got a chance tomorrow on national TV to show them who you are. We have to get these guys the moment they walk off the bus.”

Maryland (2-1) dominated from the start, scoring on its first two possessions and holding California (2-1) without a first down on its first two. Scott scored on a 24-yard run to put the Terps up. After Barnes intercepted Cal quarterback Kevin Riley, Scott scored again on a 1-yard plunge to give Maryland a 13-0 lead, just 6 minutes, 19 seconds into the game.

Playing against his home state school that ignored him as a high school player, Turner led a 60-yard drive that put Maryland up, 20-3. The 6-4 junior completed five passes for first downs on the drive, including three on third down, and polished off the march with a 1-yard pass to tight end Dan Gronkowski on the first play of the second period.

“This is a confidence builder. We can beat anyone,” said cornerback Nolan Carroll. “All the hype about [Cal] scoring 55 points a game, we basically shut them down. That really propels us.”

Terps notes


» Da’Rel Scott (shoulder) left in the third quarter, but is expected back next week. Freshman Davin Meggett (13 carries, 82 yards, TD) thrived in relief.  

» Cal QB Kevin Riley (33 of 58, 423 yards) led a late rally, throwing three touchdown passes in the final 6:55.

» Cal WR Jahvid Best had 5 receptions for 65 yards and returned a kickoff 54 yards.

Local college roundup

Va. Tech 20, Ga. Tech 17

Blacksburg, Va. – Virginia Tech’s youth movement is looking better, and Tyrod Taylor, Darren Evans and an opportunistic defense gave Hokies fans reason for optimism Saturday.

Taylor and Evans each ran for a touchdown as Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech 20-17 in a critical early-season matchup.

Duke 41, Navy 31

DURHAM, N.C. – Thad Lewis threw three touchdown passes to Eron Riley to help Duke beat Navy 41-31 on Saturday.

Lewis threw for 317 yards and ran for 41 more, while Riley finished with eight catches for 137 yards for the Blue Devils (2-1).

Shun White and Tyree Barnes had long touchdowns for the Midshipmen (1-2), who led 24-20 at halftime. — AP & staff reports