Maryland football faces Michigan on Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. EST in what is a must-win for a Terrapins team looking to go to a bowl game.
“This first game is an important game because it gives us a chance to extend our season into December, which is needed for a team like ours,” head coach Michael Locksley said. “We need everyone on our roster to play for the guys next to them. We have a senior group I have a lot of respect for. … These guys have poured their hearts out for the Maryland football program through good and bad.”
Maryland (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) must win its final two regular-season games to go bowling. The Terrapins missed out on a first bowl game last year for the first time in four years. Maryland won the Pinstripe Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Bowl and Music City Bowl from 2021-2023.
Maryland, which has not won a game since September, will look to defeat Michigan (8-2, 6-1) for the first time since a 23-16 victory on Nov. 11, 2014.
Here are three things to look for in the upcoming conference matchup:
Can Maryland’s defense stop the run?
Michigan running backs Jordan Marshall (871) and Justice Haynes (857) both rank in the top five in rushing yards in the Big Ten.
But Haynes is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season after undergoing foot surgery. Haynes suffered the foot injury against Michigan State on Oct. 25.
Marshall, on the other hand, exited the game in Michigan’s 24-22 win against Northwestern on Nov. 15 in the fourth quarter after landing hard on his shoulder. His X-rays came back negative, according to Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore.
If Marshall is unable to compete or is limited, junior Bryson Kuzdzal is next on the depth chart and would lead the backfield. Kuzdzal had 15 carries for 53 yards against Northwestern.
“It’s up front,” Locksley said of Michigan’s success in the running game. “Their head coach is a former O-line guy. They’ve added a huge RPO element with [offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey] to the run game when they have already been one of those teams that likes to establish the run. There’s no doubt they have talented backs, but the guys up front are the guys that really make them go.”
Can Maryland protect Malik Washington?
Both teams have 25 total sacks this season and will look to increase those totals on Saturday. However, Maryland freshman quarterback Malik Washington has been sacked only four times, compared to Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has been sacked 15 times.
Michigan defensive lineman Derrick Moore is second in the Big Ten in sacks (8.5). Maryland freshman duo Sidney Stewart (6.0) and Zahir Mathis (5.5) have 11.5 sacks combined.
Another player to watch is former Terrapin Jaishawn Barham, who transferred to Michigan after the 2023 season.
“You have a former Terp Jaishawn Barham, who’s a linebacker but also they walk him down to the boundary as a defensive end,” Locksley said. “They will be a tremendous challenge for our tackles. [Alan Herron and Rahtrel Perry] have done a tremendous job from a fundamental standpoint of protecting our quarterback. So, they will have that challenge this week against two talented pass rushers that we know a lot about.”
Can Maryland make Michigan one-dimensional?
Michigan, as mentioned earlier, thrives on its running game. Underwood is also capable of using his legs to extend plays and drives.
“The thing that makes Bryce go is not only the live arm but the ability to extend plays with his feet,” Locksley said. “As a football player, as a quarterback, he’s a guy that can hurt you both arms and legs. He’s learning as he goes as well, and for them to be two games out of possibly the college football playoffs, they have a lot to play for. They’ve put a lot on him, like we’ve asked a lot of our freshman quarterback.”
Underwood has thrown at least one interception in his last two games. Maryland has recorded 18 interceptions, second in the FBS.
Locksley also added Michigan’s running game has helped limit the weight on Underwood’s shoulders, and he’s hoping to do the same for Washington.
“The run game for them has really helped him, and so we have to figure out how to get our run game going this week,” Locksley said. “This will be a battle of two young, talented quarterbacks that I think you will see for years to come in this league.”
Photo Credit: U-M Photography