Maryland’s Five Keys to Victory vs. Purdue

Pass or Run Game Takeover?: There’s a strong case for Maryland to have explosive gameplay or control the clock type of game called. Anyone that saw the talent in Maryland’s receiving core figured that they would be one of the stronger teams throwing the football. That has proven to be the case as Taulia Tagovailoa is second in the Big Ten for completion percentage and passing yards, and tied for fourth in touchdowns. The surprise has been from the running game, as no one was sure what to expect from it. Maryland has averaged five yards a carry on the year and has 12 rushing touchdowns. Since Aidan O’Connell and the Boilermaker offense could run down the field on almost anyone, the Terps could look to waste time off the clock and keep them off the field with the run game. However, because of the big play ability of Maryland’s offense, especially in the passing game, there’s also a chance of the Terps looking to outplay in the air. Or maybe they focus on the passing game in the first half and try to close it out with the running game in the second half. Anything possible at this point.

Disrupting QB Aidan O’Connell: Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell was named second-team All-Big Ten last year after throwing for 3712 yards, 28 touchdowns, and completing over 70% of their passes. This year has been a little bit of a mixed bag. O’Connell missed the FAU game with an injury and in his return to the field, threw two interceptions and zero touchdowns against Minnesota. Luckily, it didn’t come back to haunt the team as Purdue still won 20-10. Maryland has to find ways to make O’Connell feel uncomfortable and that could cause him to make a mistake. This is a game where the pass rush needs to come alive at some point. Durell Nchami is still looking for his first sack of the year, and this could be the game to get it. If Maryland’s defense can cause a turnover or two it could be the difference in a game that could turn into a shootout.

Limiting Charlie Jones and Devin Mockobee: Perhaps no transfer has been as big for a team in the Big Ten as Charlie Jones. The former Hawkeye ranks second in the nation in receptions per game (9.4) and touchdowns (7) while ranking third in receiving yards (588). In all of 2021, he only caught 21 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. Jones’ 47 receptions are the most by a Big Ten wide receiver through the first five games since 2000. Former Boilermaker David Bell and Minnesota’s Eric Decker are tied for second with 43. Jones ranks among the nation’s best in several statistical categories, earning him an addition to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. In the running game, Devin Mockobee leads the team in rushing (249), despite having fewer carries than fellow running back Dylan Downing (236). The freshman is averaging over six yards a carry and has a season-long run of 68 yards. Maryland needs to be careful with him, or else he could run all over the defense. Getting Ruben Hyppolite back would be great for the defense.

Winning on Third Down: One of the best match-ups for this game is Maryland’s third-down offense vs. Purdue’s third-down defense. Maryland’s offense ranks fourth in the Big Ten and tied for 36^th nationally in third-down offense converting 45.46% of the time. On the other side, Purdue ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 16^th nationally in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert only 28.2% of the time. Maryland must win the battles on third down to keep drives going and keep their defense off the field. It could be the difference if the Terps need a big stop at the end of the game.

No Self-Inflicted Wounds: As impressive as Maryland has been this year, they could have looked even better without some misuses that have cost them. Against Michigan, Tai Felton fumbled the opening kickoff, and the Wolverines scored on the next play. They won the game by seven points. Holding onto the ball must be a priority, as a change of possession could be the difference. The defense has allowed drives to continue with penalties called against them after stopping a team on third down. The offensive line has had problems with holding and false starts at times, and it has caused drives to stall. Even special teams are not immune, with illegal snaps being called a few times this year. Locksley has preached at times this year that it’s ‘Maryland vs. Maryland’ and that can not be more true than come Saturday.

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