The Maryland Terrapins took a 21-13 lead into halftime against Michigan State but probably felt they should have been holding a larger lead.
Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. hauled in an interception off Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne before returning it for a touchdown that would have extended Maryland’s lead to 27-13 with 42 seconds remaining in the half.
However, the pick-six was nullified by an unnecessary roughness penalty on Maryland’s Corey Coley Jr.
Coley made contact with Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed but after Reed tipped the overthrown pass.
Fox’s NFL & college football rules expert Mike Pereira didn’t believe a penalty should have been called on the play.
Instead of six more points for Maryland, the Spartans maintained possession of the football and received 15 yards and an automatic first down with the penalty.
The Spartans’ possession came to end when a 45-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Maryland at the end of the half.
Maryland may have a bone to pick with the Big Ten officiating as of late. Last week, an interception thrown by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa appeared to hit the ground as Michigan cornerback DJ Turner corralled the football.
That interception stalled a promising Terrapins’ drive and Maryland ultimately lost 35-27. Maryland hopes the loss points off Trader’s pick-six doesn’t haunt them in the outcome against Michigan State.
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