Maryland football will open Big Ten play on Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. against Michigan State as the Terps look to defeat the Spartans for a third consecutive season.
After a 50-7 win against Connecticut in the season opener, Maryland will look to continue the momentum in front of the home crowd. But first, here are three things to look for:
Will Billy Edwards Jr. remain consistent?
Edwards had a career day in the season opener, throwing for 311 yards and two touchdowns.
But as the season continues and teams get more film on him, will Edwards be the consistent quarterback the Terps need to go bowling for a fourth straight year?
Head coach Michael Locksley has mentioned previously that his quarterback “doesn’t have to win the game for us.” That was evident in receivers such as seniors Tai Felton and Kaden Prather picking up yards after the catch.
Felton finished with a career-high 178 yards and two touchdowns against UConn, while Prather finished with 60 yards.
“Tai and Kaden are both guys that last year caught 40 or more balls,” Locksley said. “Both are very talented at running after the catch. We just have to continue to find ways to get them their touches. I think when you get those types of players their touch opportunities in the game, that’s how you score points.”
Can the offensive line continue to gel?
The offensive line kept the pocket clean for Edwards and opened up holes for running backs junior Roman Hemby and freshman Nolan Ray. Hemby and Ray both finished with 60 yards and a touchdown.
Maryland started Andre Roye Jr., Isaac Bunyon, Josh Kaltenberger, Aliou Bah and Alan Herron from left to right on the line. None of those players started any games for the Terps a year ago.
“The communication and the way those guys were able to kind of fight through it because there were some 50-50 runs where they hit us for minus-yard runs, but then we hit them for 50-yard runs,” Locksley said. “I was pleased to see how they handled all of the stuff they faced in the game against UConn.”
The Spartans will pose a new challenge for the offensive line after finishing with seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in a 16-10 win against Florida Atlantic.
“They play good team defense,” Locksley said. “[Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi] is a guy that understands the Big Ten, and I think they’ve got a pretty good understanding of what they want to get accomplished but it starts with their front seven, and the physicality will create a different kind of challenge for us this week.”
Can the defense force turnovers?
Maryland’s defense shut down the UConn offense completely in the season opener, allowing only 11 first downs.
Additionally, the defense also forced two turnovers. Seniors Glen Miller and Ruben Hyppolite II both came away with crucial interceptions to halt a Huskies drive.
Michigan State threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in its season-opening victory. Maryland will look to take advantage of if the Spartans are not smart with the football.
However, sophomore defensive tackle Jordan Phillips believes the Terps first must win the battle up front to be successful.
“From an offensive standpoint, they do a lot of good things with the stretch and outside zone. They also run an inside zone and gap scheme,” he said. “… I think they do a lot of good things on tape. Up front, they are very competitive, play with low pad level and are fundamentally sound.”
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