Smith off to a big day, but ankle still an issue

For nearly two months, Maryland’s Torrey Smith has nursed a nagging ankle injury that has prevented him from being the Torrey Smith of old. After initially suffering the injury in the Sept. 25 victory against Florida International, Smith has struggled to cut and accelerate in the open field.

It was clear Saturday that Smith remains limited by the injury. He amassed 101 receiving yards on his first three catches, but he could not accelerate to the end zone on the third catch.

In the second quarter, quarterback Danny O’Brien found Torrey Smith on a deep pass. The receiver gathered himself after the catch, but he appeared to labor as he cut across the field. Cornerback Devin Wallace, whom Smith had initially beat, caught Smith at the Virginia 7. After a penalty, O’Brien then ran through the middle for a 12-yard touchdown run, giving the lead back to Maryland.

Smith has also not been able to make an impact as a kickoff returner this season. Because of the injury as well as blocking issues, Maryland ranks 120th – last in division I-A --- in kickoff returns.