Maryland football will look to end its losing streak on Saturday, Nov. 15, when it faces Illinois at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Maryland (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) hopes to regroup amid a five-game losing streak and play for its veterans as its chances of making a bowl appearance continue to dwindle. The Terrapins need two more wins to qualify for a bowl game.
“It’s about taking advantage of the next opportunity,” head coach Michael Locksley said of the team’s top priority. “The things we can control are the ability to extend our season, which is something you would want. Priority No. 1 is to get back on the right side of the ledger this week. Then priority No. 2 is figuring out how we build on that.”
Illinois (6-3, 3-3) defeated Maryland, 27-24, in the last matchup between the two on Oct. 14, 2023, but the Terrapins currently lead the all-time series 2-1. Locksley is 1-1 against the Fighting Illini.
Illinois is returning from its bye week after a 35-13 win over Rutgers on Nov. 1. Maryland, meanwhile, lost to Rutgers 35-20 on Nov. 8.
Here are three things to look for in the upcoming conference showdown:
Can Maryland slow Illinois’ passing attack?
The Terrapins’ secondary will have its hands full against Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer and wide receiver Hank Beatty.
Altmyer ranks fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards (2,255) and third in touchdown passes (19). He’s efficient, having completed 70 percent of his passes and throwing only four interceptions this season. His favorite target, Beatty, has 730 receiving yards, tied for fourth in conference.
“Altmyer is a veteran guy, he’s played a lot of football,” Locksley said. “You look at his toolbox he’s got a lot of mileage. He’s faced a lot of fronts, a lot of coverages and a lot of things that he can lean on the experiences that comes with being a veteran quarterback in the Big Ten.”
Can Maryland produce in the run game again …
The Terrapins finally found some success in the run game against Rutgers thanks to the legs of freshman quarterback Malik Washington.
Washington led the team with 164 rushing yards, averaging 20.5 yards per carry. Seventy-three of those yards came on the second play when Washington broke free for a touchdown on the second play of the game. He later added another explosive run of 54 yards. Washington had 141 rushing yards in the first half alone.
Freshman Dejaun Williams and sophomore Nolan Ray both produced season-highs totals on the ground, racking up 64 and 77 yards, respectively.
… while stopping the run defensively?
Maryland struggled to stop Rutgers’ rushing attack. Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond had 108 yards before halftime and finished with 240 yards and one touchdown.
Maryland has allowed at least 80 rushing yards to an opposing player in four of the five games during its losing streak.
“You go back and look at how we played the run earlier in the year,” Locksley said. “I have given a tremendous amount of credit. Our defense stood tall when our offense was sputtering and that is the attrition. … Prior to us being banged up, look at the stats of how we played the run compared to where we are now. My job is to fix it. That’s what we’re working on doing and we’re going to have to do it this week against Illinois.”
Photo Credit: Patrick Pierson/Illinois Football