Play of the Game: Maryland pick-6

DOWN AND DISTANCE:

Iowa faced third down and 6 at its 38

SCORE AT THE SNAP:

Maryland led 24-21, 12:38, fourth quarter

FORMATION AND PERSONNEL:

Iowa - Three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back. Maryland - Three linebackers and one defensive tackle along the line of scrimmage

WHAT HAPPENED:

Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock passed in the left flat toward running back Damon Bullock. Maryland cornerback William Likely jumped the route, picked off the pass and raced 45 yards untouched for a touchdown.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT:

Maryland extended its lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter.

THE QUOTE 1:

'They were running that play a lot. We knew every time they were in trips, three-by-two, with the ball on that side that they were going to run a stick route on that side.” - Maryland CB William Likely

THE QUOTE 2:

'He made a good play and jumped it. It was really unfortunate.” - Iowa QB Jake Rudock

THE QUOTE 3:

'To me that was the biggest play in the ballgame. We did not have a lot of momentum at that point in time, and I was on the sideline hoping we would get a defensive score or a turnover.” - Maryland Coach Randy Edsall

THE QUOTE 4:

'I don't think it was so much throwing into the wind. The guy jumped the route and made a good play.” - Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz

THE ANALYSIS:

With a stiff wind in its face, Iowa had the ball on the right hash mark with an empty backfield and Rudock in the shotgun. Iowa running back Damon Bullock lined up along the left sideline, wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley was in the slot and tight end Ray Hamilton next to the tackle. Maryland had tight coverage on all three route runners on the left side and all ran short routes. Within one second of the snap, Rudock fired the ball toward Bullock, who ran a quick hitch. Likely, the Big Ten's interception leader, sagged off Bullock initially but quickly broke on the ball. He secured it within one second of the ball leaving Rudock's hand and strolled to the end zone.

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