The Maryland football team will kick off the season against Buffalo at noon on Saturday, Sept. 3. The Terps will look to begin this season with how they ended the previous one — with a win. Maryland will be looking for its 11th consecutive nonconference opener win dating back to 2010.
The Terps bring high hopes into the season, with numerous players returning to a productive offense, but they have been known for holding themselves back in recent years due to untimely penalties and turnovers. However, Maryland has won 12 consecutive games dating back to 2017 when it hasn’t turned the ball over.
Against Buffalo, the Terps will look to prove they are an improved team from past years. Here are three things to watch for in the Saturday afternoon matchup:
1. Can Maryland limit its own mistakes?
Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa returns after throwing for the most passing yards (3,860) and passing touchdowns (26) in a single season in program history. The 2021 New Era Pinstripe Bowl MVP will have his full starting offensive line back from a year ago and a potentially dangerous wide receiver corps featuring Dontay Demus Jr., who is returning from a season-ending knee injury.
“There is no doubt we had the talent, but now we have to go out and execute,” head coach Michael Locksley said during a press conference on Aug. 30.
Maryland was second in the Big Ten in penalties in 2021 with 88. Between the penalties, turnovers and mental errors, the Terps will have to clean up their play this season.
“When I talk about us taking care of the things we can control it’s on both sides of the ball,” Locksley said. “On defense, we have to limit the big plays and then create turnovers. On the offensive side of the ball we have to manufacture or create big plays and take great care of the football.”
2. Star receiver Dontay Demus Jr. returns.
Dontay Demus Jr. returns after suffering a season-ending knee injury against Iowa last October. Demus had 507 receiving yards and three touchdowns in five games before suffering his injury.
“It’s great to have him back,” quarterback Tagovaiola said of Demus. “He has had a great offseason and fall camp. The timing has been clicking and he’s working hard.”
Demus rounds out a wideout group that features fellow returners Rakim Jarrett, Jeshaun Jones and Tai Felton and Florida transfer Jacob Copeland.
“One thing that motivates [the receivers] is everyone being together and everyone working hard,” Tagovaiola added.
3. Roman Hemby will be the lead running back.
Redshirt freshman Roman Hemby (John Carroll) is listed as the starter at running back for the Terps. Hemby appeared in four games last season, rushing for 17 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Michael Locksley believes that the 6-foot, 200-pound Hemby not only runs the ball well is effective without the ball as well.
“The thing that jumps out most about Roman is his ability to play without the football — the passing game, the protection of our quarterback and just the consistency in which he’s executed,” Locksley said.
“I think he helps us a lot with protection and that’s very important for a young running back,” Tagovaiola said. “When you come in, everyone knows you can run the ball and run routes. Roman does the little things.”
Although Hemby will be the lead back, running backs such sophomore Colby McDonald and redshirt freshman Antwain Littleton II will get their share as well. Locksley mentioned he will feed the hot hand.
“I expect all [of them] to play and be productive, but Roman is the guy that we had the most confidence in from consistency and playing without the football,” Locksley said.
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