Texas Football: Ranking every game for the Longhorns so far in 2018

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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 1: Jahrvis Davenport #9 of the Maryland Terrapins is tackled by Kris Boyd #2 of the Texas Longhorns in the second half at FedExField on September 1, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

7. Maryland Terrapins

Date: Sep. 1

Location: Landover, MD

Result: Loss, 34-29

The most forgettable game for hopefully the entire regular season is the one that came in the opening weekend against Maryland. Labor Day Weekend was supposed to be different for the Horns this year, but a second straight loss to Maryland this year was beyond disappointing. A 34-29 defeat sparked some debate as to the actual effectiveness of head Texas football coach Tom Herman.

Maryland is having a decent season under interim head coach Matt Canada this year. Coming off a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights for the fourth win of the season, the Terps could actually be vying for bowl eligibility and seven or eight wins this year. You have to give Canada some credit for what he’s done with this program amid all the preseason turbulence.

Among all the deciding factors for the Texas loss to the Terps, turnovers from starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger and senior running back Tre Watson, defensive instability, and a loss of all rhythm on both sides of the ball in the first and last quarters of the game doomed Herman. Ehlinger tossed two picks and Watson fumbled all in the final 10 minutes of the game to cost the Horns big time.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Kasim Hill helped Maryland to the win with an efficient outing that featured a passing touchdown and no interceptions. This loss seemed to have served its purpose, though with the turnaround of this program. Texas followed the loss with six straight victories, which is the most for this team in nearly a decade.

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