The Maryland football team (3-0, 0-1 Big Ten) returns home to play Michigan State (2-2, 0-1) on Oct. 1 as the Terps try to get back in the win column.
Both teams dropped their Big Ten opener and are looking to get back on track at SECU Stadium. Since the Terps joined the Big Ten in 2014 the Spartans are 6-1 against them. The Terps’ last win against Michigan State came in 2016, when they topped the Spartans, 28-17.
Although the Terps do not believe in moral victories, they believe the loss against Michigan showed signs of improvement. They now will look to continue improving and try to avoid dropping two conference games.
Here are three things to look for in the Big Ten matchup at 3:30 p.m. EST on FS1:
1. Can Maryland protect the football?
Maryland turned the ball over on the opening kickoff against Michigan, which led to a quick score for the Wolverines. The Terps responded afterward but began the game by digging themselves into a hole, and there ended up being a seven-point differential between the two teams.
Maryland finished the game with three turnovers. Redshirt junior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa threw two interceptions, with one being a heave into double coverage.
“That last interception, I should have never thrown it,” Tagovailoa said.
Michigan State has forced nine fumbles in four games, most in the FBS. Five are from senior defensive lineman Jacoby Windmon. The Spartans have recovered seven of those fumbles, tied for first in the FBS.
“We have not done a great job of not turning the ball over the last couple of games,” Locksley said. “Our defense has helped by creating turnovers. We still feel the winning formula for us is creating turnovers and limiting them on offense.”
2. Can Maryland establish the run game?
Maryland struggled to get its run game going against Michigan. The Terps’ lead backs (redshirt freshmen Roman Hemby and Antwain Littleton II) combined for just 87 yards on the ground.
“It wasn’t good enough,” Locksley said of the run game against Michigan. “We didn’t run the ball efficiently enough to win the game, so it wasn’t good enough. That was something we worked on really hard during the offseason — being able to have a complimentary run attack to go with the passing attack. I’ve been pleased with the direction we’re headed but when it came to last week and having to run the ball efficiently, we didn’t do that.”
Littleton did continue his touchdown streak (five games dating back to last year) and brought his season total to five touchdowns in four games.
“Since he got here, he’s been working hard,” Tagovaiola said of Littleton. “It’s funny because we have always seen [Littleton] as this power back and the things he’s been doing now, he’s always been doing it in practice. It was just a matter of him getting his opportunity.”
3. Can Maryland protect the quarterback?
Tagovailoa was banged up during the Michigan matchup, causing him to sit during the team’s final drive. Locksley mentioned after the game that Tagovailoa was dealing with rib and knee issues.
“As a player in a situation like that you always want to play but if you can’t be at your best you have to do what’s best for the team,” Tagovailoa said.
The Spartans are tied for first in the Big Ten in sacks (12). Windmon is first in the conference in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (8).
“[Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker] and his staff have done a real good job on the defensive side of the ball of getting after the quarterback,” Locksley said. “But the talent there of [Windmon] really creates some issues and so for us we have to do a great job of not letting that guy disrupt our game plan, and we have to continue to protect our quarterback.”
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