Maryland has drawn a wide variety of preseason projections in conference play, but with several key pieces back this fall, national analysts have drawn intrigue to what Maryland is capable of in Mike Locksley's fifth season.
ESPN previewed the Big Ten this week, with Adam Rittenberg selecting Maryland to finish sixth overall in the Big Ten by, compared to eighth overall by Tom VanHaaren. The experience leading Maryland on both sides of the ball has added national-scale intrigue to their chances in conference play this fall.
“The Terrapins might have shed sleeper designation when coach Mike Locksley proclaimed at Big Ten media days they’re ready to contend. But Maryland has one of the league’s few veteran quarterbacks (Taulia Tagovailoa), a formidable overall offense and enough talent to make a push, especially while avoiding Iowa and Wisconsin in crossover games,” Rittenberg wrote.
Maryland opens the season with three consecutive home games before kickoff off conference play against Michigan State on the road, setting up a favorable slate heading into the Oct. 7 road game against Ohio State. With the returning experience on both sides of the ball, another ESPN analyst in Greg McElroy tabbed the Terps as a ‘mess around and find out’ team.
“They can beat anybody. Depending on the day, they can beat anybody. Almost beat Ohio State last year, gave Michigan a good game last year. wouldn’t be surprising if Taulia Tagovailoa elevates this year and they find a way to pull off a significant upset,” McElroy added. The addition of Josh Gattis bodes well for Tagovailoa as McElroy credited his strength running the RPO, while Maryland’s skill players impressed him on paper.
“What I love most about this offense, perhaps, is how underappreciated their backs are. Hemby is the real deal. Very, very athletic. Very strong, went for 1,300 yards last year and ten touchdowns. He can complement that passing attack.”
“I don’t remember the last time that wide receiver was a liability and it won’t be this year,” McElroy added.
Maryland was one of four teams selected by McElroy, with Illinois the second Big Ten team mentioned. The two teams will face off for the Terps' homecoming game on October 14 as Maryland hopes to move to 3-0 all-time against the Illini.
While Maryland has made it clear that championship aspirations are on the line heading into the fall, head coach Mike Locksley will look to guide his team to a win against the Big Ten elite with a 1-10 overall record against Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State since taking over as head coach. McElroy pointed to the Terps’ close games one season ago against the Buckeyes and Wolverines, but cautioned that Maryland has the makeup to pull off an upset.
“I don't think it should come as a huge surprise: Maryland's one of those teams that the longer you let them hang around, the more dangerous they become.”
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