LIVE BLOG: Duke 16, Maryland 21 (FINAL)

FINAL -- Maryland 21, Duke 16: Duke is now 1-4, but the Blue Devils should walk out of Byrd Stadium with their heads held high after nearly completing an impressive comeback in a very hostile environment. While you can point at a number of things in attributing the loss (touchdown drives that were relegated to field goal drives, careless interceptions or missed tackles), Duke did come out and dictate play for nearly the entire first half, and just came up short in the end. Nevertheless, Blue Devil fans have to be disappointed, as the loss tonight means that preseason hopes of qualifying for a bowl game are all but completely dashed. From College Park, Md., it's Maryland 21, Duke 16.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 1:00 left in the fourth quarter: A Maryland first down causes Duke to burn its third and final timeout, meaning the Blue Devils cannot stop Maryland from ending the game.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 1:55 left in the fourth quarter: Renfree had the time to throw, and delivered a strike to Austin Kelly over the middle, but the receiver was instantly hit by Perez and could not complete the catch. The defense has got to come up big now.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 2:00 left in the fourth quarter: On third and 15, Duke goes for it all to Conner Vernon in the right corner of the endzone, but he's perfectly covered. Timeout Duke facing 4th and 15.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 2:02 left in the fourth quarter: Second and 15 at the 38, Varner breaks free over the middle and Renfree places it right in his hands... and Varner drops it. Story of the year for the Blue Devils so far.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 2:13 left in the fourth quarter: The Blue Devils can smell the endzone now. On a quick slant to the sidelines, Renfree finds Braxton again, who makes a tough juggling catch as he's escorted out of bounds.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 2:48 left in the fourth quarter: Renfree rolls out to his right and fires another ace to Conner Vernon for 8 yards, Duke's at the 44.

Duke 16, Maryland 21, 6:50 left in the fourth quarter: After an endless, nerve racking and bone chilling three minutes of review, it was ruled King did break the plane with his first effort for a Duke touchdown. Snyderwine bops in the extra point, and Duke's within five.

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 7:00 left in the fourth quarter: Jay Hollingsworth couldn't run it up the middle on first and goal at the 1, and ended up losing a yard. On second and goal, Renfree rolled out to his right and tossed the ball to Brandon King who was at the 1, and stretched to get across the plane, but the spot is under review. (A very, very thorough review).

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 8:04 left in the fourth quarter: A gutsy call by the coaching staff pays off in spades. On fourth and 19, a picture perfect Renfree hurl to the middle of the endzone is brought down by Donovan Varner, but after review, Varner was ruled down at the one yard line.

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 9:37 left in the fourth quarter: The Blue Devils certainly aren't giving up. After two short completions to Austin Kelly and Conner Vernon, Renfree finally finds the ACC's leading receiver for a big gain, throwing it over the middle for 39 yards.

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 11:01 left in the fourth quarter: Maryland curiously takes its foot off the gas, and after a few half-hearted runs by Da'Rel Scott, the ball is back in Blue Devil hands. Despite the fact that the Terps have had nearly all the momentum since the dying seconds of the first half, Duke's only down 12 points. There's still a lot of game left.

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 12:53 left in the fourth quarter: So this is the time the Duke offense needs to kick it into high gear, right? Last four plays: Incomplete pass, false start, dropped ball, sack.

Duke 9, Maryland 21, 14:00 left in the fourth quarter: Two inexplicable defensive mistakes may have just cost Duke the game, and moreover, any hopes of streaking into a bowl game. On third and seven, the Maryland offensive line gave quarterback Danny O'Brien all day, and he eventually checked the ball down to Da'Rel Scott for what looked like a minimal gain. With Ross Cockrell and Walt Canty in pursuit, Scott broke through both tackles, and scampered down the left side of the field 73 yards for an easy touchdown. It's going to take a Herculean effort from Renfree now.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 14:00 left in the fourth quarter: Hindered by field position, the Blue Devils were able to get a solitary first down, but a screen pass to Jay Hollingsworth was only good for 4 yards and a nervy Duke punt. King's punt was left to hit the turf by the return man, however, and took a fortuitous Duke bounce all the way to the Maryland 26 yard-line.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 1:53 left in the third quarter: Ronnie Tyler dropped what would have been a big completion on third and 11, giving Duke the ball back. Punter Travis Baltz delivered a beauty, however, that was downed at the 1-yard line. First and ten Duke, with only 99 yards separating it from the lead.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 3:18 left in the third quarter: Again the Terrapins found themselves in four down territory, and on a long fourth and one, Davin Meggett busted up the middle for what seemed to be just enough for the first down. The booth reviewed the spot, and confirmed the first down call.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 5:35 left in the third quarter: The Terps decided to go for on fourth and one on Duke's 47-yard line, and D.J. Adams got just enough for the first.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 6:56 left in the third quarter: Facing third and ten, Sean Renfree had Austin Kelly streaking alone down the right side... but the sophomore underthrew the ball, which was tipped and intercepted by Adrian Moten at the 46. Another poor throw by Renfree results in a costly Duke turnover. It seems whenever Renfree misses his mark, the ball is quickly coming at him the other way.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 7:13 left in the third quarter: Once Maryland got to around midfield, the Duke linebackers dug in, and stopped Da'Rel Scott when it counted, forcing a crucial punt when it looked like the Terrapins might be running away. Lee Butler helped the Duke cause, returning the punt along the right sideline back to the 46. Net yards on the punt: 3.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 10:35 left in the third quarter: The Maryland linemen are finally getting their feet under them, and are giving Da'Rel Scott some lanes to run. Four runs, 20 yards.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 11:34 left in the third quarter: This is danger time for the Blue Devils. After an underthrown ball to Cooper Helfet that nearly resulted in a pick, a negligible run by Desmond Scott, and a quick throw to Donovan Varner that the receiver had his back to the entire time, Duke is forced to punt to a surging Maryland team. The crowd is really becoming a factor.

Duke 9, Maryland 14, 12:22 left in the third quarter: Tony Logan's 84-yard punt return burns the Blue Devils, and puts the Terrapins in the driver's seat. Alex King's punt was a good one, but Logan broke past the first line of Duke defense, and was off to the races. Logan then preceded to throw the ball against a wall that backs the endzone with some venom, drawing a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty to be assessed on the kickoff. Another costly error for the Blue Devils.

Duke 9, Maryland 7, 12:45 left in the third quarter: Perez drops a sure pick after Vernon bobbles a good throw from Renfree, then Varner catches the ball out of bounds on the ensuing third down play.

Duke 9, Maryland 7, 13:00 left in the third quarter: A second-effort charge by Josh Snead and a quick throw to Austin Kelly gives Duke a first down to begin the first drive of the half. Renfree's batted ball on first and ten is fortunate to find the ground, however, without being picked off.

Duke 9, Maryland 7, end of the first half: Duke is content to let the clock run out on the first half, seeing as they will receive to start the second half. There's little point giving Maryland a chance for an interception, especially now that the crowd is back into the game. Coach Cutcliffe has to be impressed with his group, however, even after giving up the late touchdown. The Blue Devils have controlled the game for 25 of the opening 30 minutes, and have all but negated a Maryland offense that came into the game averaging over 30 points a game. If Renfree can continue his current form (12-of-19 for 171 yards) and the Duke defense holds, the Blue Devils have more than a fighting chance to pull an upset in College Park.

Player of the first half: WR Donovan Varner. Six receptions for 91 yards (a 15.2-yard average). More importantly, Varner has been unstoppable after the catch, breaking Terrapin tackles and finding open space to run.

Halftime highlights: Say what you will about the fans, but the Maryland pep band is a very impressive group. Also, during a long-throw contest, an unidentified Maryland student proved he's about as accurate as starter Danny O'Brien, delivering a first-class throw for a 45-yard completion and contest victory.

Duke 9, Maryland 7, 1:12 left in the second quarter: A tailback draw up the middle gives Maryland its first points of the day. The Terrapin offensive line did a solid job creating space for Meggett, who waltzed into the endzone to pull Maryland within two.

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 1:34 left in the second quarter: Danny O'Brien's 6-yard scramble gives Maryland a first and goal at the 3.

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 2:20 left in the second quarter: Perhaps inspired by the defensive stop, Da'Rel Scott busted his first real gain of the day, finding the seam to gain nine up the left. Danny O'Brien then threw deep to Torrey Smith, who found a pocket of space between Duke defenders, and pulled in the ball for a 44-yard gain. That's Smith's first real contribution of the day. A Patrick Egboh roughing the passer penalty puts Maryland at the Duke 13.

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 5:47 left in the second quarter: Yet again, Duke sputters around the red-zone. Renfree lets fly his first inaccurate pass of the day, and simply overthrew Conner Vernon.  Strong safety Antwine Perez was playing zone coverage in the endzone, and caught the ball just before it touched the goal line. The spot is under review.

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 5:47 left in the second quarter: The Blue Devils go marching on towards a sea of red in the shoe section of the U-shaped Byrd Stadium.

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 7:18 left in the second quarter: An Abraham Kromah tackle of Davin Meggett near the line of scrimmage drew the first boos of the day from an agitated Maryland crown, which has to be wondering when the Terrapin offense is going to show up. Give the credit to Duke though, the defense is dominating the offense in all phases of the game

Duke 9, Maryland 0, 8:14 left in the second quarter: The curse of the commentator; I praise the offensive line, then they let junior Kenny Tate loose around the right edge, and the 6' 4" 220-pound free safety put all of his leverage into a blindsided Renfree, who understandably coughed up the ball. Luckily for Duke, Scott was there to recover, and Snyderwine drilled a 34-yarder to extend the Blue Devil lead to nine.

Duke 6, Maryland 0, 11:18 left in the second quarter: Aside from a single sack surrendered, the Duke offensive line is giving Renfree valuable time in the pocket to pick out his targets. He found Varner in acres of space for a 26-yard gain, then picked out Vernon across midfield to bring Duke to the 12.

Duke 6, Maryland 0, 11:51 left in the second quarter: The Duke defense looks transformed today, and is doing a superb job of bottling up the dual-threat of Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett, who have 16 yards on five carries thus far. Yet another Maryland three-and-out, and Duke will have the ball in prime position on its own 45 yard line.

Duke 6, Maryland 0, 13:35 left in the second quarter: Again a threatening Duke drive dies out as they approach the endzone, but to Renfree's credit, Donovan Varner should have made a catch across the middle that would have extended the drive. Snyderwine remains perfect on the day after a successful 40-yarder, and Duke increases the lead to six.

Duke 3, Maryland 0, 14:00 left in the second quarter: Snead busts a big run to the right edge for 24 yards. He's a real change of pace back for Duke, and is giving the Terrapin defense fits.

Duke 3, Maryland 0, end of the first quarter: Duke's driving easily against a Maryland defense that's perhaps giving the Duke receivers a bit too much respect. Renfree looks laser sharp in comparison to last weeks outing. Two completions to Varner and one to Kelly brought Duke to midfield, and a darting run by Josh Snead has Duke on the 43.

Duke 3, Maryland 0, 2:16 left in the first quarter: First review of the day. Renfree lobbed it up to Conner Vernon for the first time today, and the sophomore came down with the ball with his feet perilously close to the chalk for what would be a 14-yard gain. Verdict: it's a catch.

Duke 3, Maryland 0, 3:00 left in the first quarter: Danny O'Brien's bomb down the right side to junior Ronnie Tyler drew pass interference from safety Lee Butler, gifting the Terps a first down on a drive when Duke was doing a good job of stopping the Maryland threat. Remember what Cutcliffe said midweek; Duke is going to have to play its best football to win tonight, and such mistakes aren't going to help.

Duke 3, Maryland 0, 7:00 left in the first quarter: After two consecutive rushes with little to show for them, Renfree slinged it to Austin Kelly in the endzone, but the pass was deflected by a Trenton Hughes in the endzone. A Will Snyderwine chip-shot gives Duke the first points of the day.

Duke 0, Maryland 0, 8:32 left in the first quarter: Renfree continues to shine in this opening drive, this time finding Josh Trezvant, who made a leaping grab over his defender to put Duke at the 6 yard line, first and goal.

Duke 0, Maryland 0, 10:32 left in the first quarter: Sean Renfree's first two passes of the day have been on the money, both to wideout Donovan Varner. On third and seven, Renfree found Varner across the middle with room to run, and Varner took it for 28 yards, putting Duke at midfield, and waking up the Maryland crowd. On an ensuing third and three, Brandon Connette's option run to the left edge earned 18 yards, and more importantly, a Duke first down.

Duke 0, Maryland 0, 12:03 left in the first quarter: Solid pass coverage and penetration into the backfield helped earn Duke a fourth down, and a Maryland false start pushed the Terps back another five yards. Punter Travis Baltz pinned Duke on its own 12-yard line.

Duke 0, Maryland 0, 12:11 left in the first quarter: A Da'Rel Scott run and a quick Danny O'Brien pass to wideout Adrian Cannon earned Maryland a quick first down. O'Brien looked to Cannon on the next two plays, the second ending in a weaving cross-field Cannon run after the catch in which Cannon evaded at least five Blue Devils. If Maryland continues its march downfield, it could be a long day for Duke.

Pregame: Live from Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, the Chronicle Sports Blog brings you coverage of a do-or-die game for the 1-3 Blue Devils, as they try to spoil 3-1 Maryland's ACC opener. Duke is coming off of a demoralizing loss at home to Army, and will need to be at the top of its game to keep up with a talented Terrapin squad fresh off a 42-28 thumping of Florida International. Byrd Stadium still has plenty of empty seats, though the student section is packed, meaning the Blue Devils can expect a fair share of harassment in a hostile College Park environment.

Maryland targetman Torrey Smith, who has five touchdowns on the year already, is expected to start after missing practice midweek with a naggling injury. Smith could prove to be a nightmare for a Duke defense missing several key players, including corner Johnny Williams, who is still sidelined with a concussion.

This is undoubtedly the biggest game in young quarterback Sean Renfree's career, and after a subpar performance against the Black Knights last week, all eyes will be on the Blue Devil QB.