Ohio State is set to play one of its newest Big Ten East rivals for the second week in a row.
Like Rutgers, who Ohio State beat 56-0 last week, Maryland has been overmatched in its first few games against the Buckeyes. The Terrapins have lost each of their first three games against Ohio State by at least 21 points, including a 62-3 loss in College Park, Md., last November.
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3-1 (1-0 B1G) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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4 P.M. – SATURDAY, OCT. 7 OHIO STADIUM COLUMBUS, OHIO |
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FOX FOX SPORTS GO |
That’s why Ohio State opened as a 31-point favorite for Saturday’s game against Maryland at Ohio Stadium. That said, Maryland has already earned two noteworthy road wins this season: the Terrapins defeated Texas, 51-41, in their season opener, and won at Minnesota, 31-24, in their Big Ten opener last week.
Are the Terrapins, in their second year being coached by former Urban Meyer assistant D.J. Durkin, a team on the rise? Can they give Ohio State a serious challenge for the first time this year?
We get answers to those questions and more from Roman Stubbs, Maryland beat writer for The Washington Post, in this week’s edition of Across The Field.
Q: Roman, what are the biggest differences between Maryland now and the team Ohio State beat 62-3 last year?
Stubbs: The overall team speed and the offensive and defensive lines are much improved. A year ago, Maryland was ill-equipped to compete in November after sustaining so many injuries. Now it has the depth to at least compete, especially up front on both sides of the ball, which is a testament to the staff's recruiting and player development.
Q: Maryland is already on its third quarterback of the season, with Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill both out for the season. What are the biggest differences between those two quarterbacks and Max Bortenschlager? Is there a significant drop-off between them?
Stubbs: Hill and Pigrome are both dual-threat players that thrived in the zone read and by making plays with their feet when the pocket broke down. On that end, there is a drop-off. Bortenschlager is much less mobile, but he can make throws and has looked more comfortable within the offense in general over the past two weeks.
Max Bortenschlager threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota. Jesse Johnson – USA TODAY Sports
Q: Who is a potentially overlooked player that Ohio State and its fans should be aware of coming into this game?
Stubbs: Not sure if he's overlooked, but wide receiver DJ Moore is dangerous. He leads the Big Ten in receiving and is eighth nationally in all-purpose yards. He will be key in helping Bortenschlager settle in.
Q: How would you assess the impact that D.J. Durkin has made so far in his tenure as head coach? Do you think he has the Maryland football program moving in the right direction?
Stubbs: He definitely has the program moving in the right direction. Maryland had one of its highest-rated recruiting classes in school history last year and are on pace to have another this year. He has a new indoor facility to leverage with recruits and with his young team as well, a resource that should help him continue to build his program.
Q: With road wins against Texas and Minnesota already this season, have the expectations for this year's Terrapins increased?
Stubbs: Not really. Those were celebrated wins, but the injuries at quarterback have kind of tempered expectations. I'd say most people are realistic about the schedule and how many games Maryland will win. But no doubt, bowl eligibility is on the table, and it's going to be really interesting to see if Maryland can close the gap and compete against some of the behemoths on the schedule.
Q: What must the Terrapins do to keep this game competitive, and do you think they will?
Stubbs: They have to find a way to create a turnover or two and to hit some explosive plays on offense. Easier said than done, but this roster has a lot of talent and has playmakers. I think it will competitive for a half before Ohio State's depth and talent wins out.
