Originally Published: November 18, 2008

Maryland RB Scott, Oklahoma State QB Robinson impressive

Steve Muench's weekly film study looks at Florida WR Percy Harvin against Vanderbilt's defense, as well as other draft-related college football matchups.

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Muench By Steve Muench
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Maryland RB Da'Rel Scott vs. North Carolina's run defense
Scott rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries in the Terrapins' 17-15 win over North Carolina. His touchdown came on a second-and-goal play with the ball at the Tar Heels' 3-yard line and Maryland lined up in an I-formation. At the snap of the ball, Maryland FB Taylor Watson knocks North Carolina LB Mark Paschal into the end zone and LG Jaimie Thomas pulls and kicks out SLB Bruce Carter. Scott reads the blocks perfectly, stays on Watson's hip and lowers his shoulder into the end zone.

Scott broke consecutive 13-yard runs in the third quarter, and the first came on a first-and-10 play with the ball at Maryland's 25-yard line. Thomas again pulls and this time he seals Carter to the inside. Meanwhile, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey cracks down and knocks FS Deunta Williams into another North Carolina defender to allow Scott to turn upfield. Scott shows good burst though the hole and the juke move he throws at CB Jordan Hemby in space allows him to pick up a few extra yards before Hemby is able to get him to the ground. The second run is a draw and QB Chris Turner does a great job of selling the pass before handing the ball to Scott. The Tar Heels' linebackers hesitate as a result, making it easier for the Terrapins to get bodies on them at the second level. Scott accelerates as soon as he sees the hole and lowers his shoulder into SS Trimane Goddard at the end of the play.

In addition, Scott made a smart play on the fourth-quarter drive that set up Maryland's game-wining field goal. On a fourth-and-5 play with the ball at North Carolina's 32-yard line, Scott releases out of the backfield and turns back toward Turner. Goddard reacts by jumping up in an effort to take away the short pass, and it's the right play considering the down and distance. Instead of staying in one place, however, Scott drifts to the outside and takes Goddard with him, opening up the middle of the field for Turner to scramble and extend the drive with a first down.

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