Game Information
Opponent: Howard Bison (0-1, 0-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Location: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (51,802)
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Big Ten Network, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 2-0 Maryland
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One week after their big victory over West Virginia, the Terrapins will stay at home to face their lone Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent of the season. They’ve handled Howard very easily in their previous matchups, winning those games by a combined score of 131-13. Their most recent game against the Bison came in 2019, one that Maryland won 79-0. After such a taxing game both physically and emotionally against the Mountaineers, the coaching staff is hoping that this matchup serves as a tune-up game before the team begins conference play next weekend.
Howard is led by Larry Scott in his second year as the program’s head coach. Their first matchup last week was a 38-14 loss to Richmond. They played just two games last season, losing both games to Delaware State with over a month between them. They had two other games that were cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Aside from two games as Miami (FL)’s interim head coach in 2015, this is Scott’s first time leading a program. He’s spent the majority of his career as an offensive assistant in the state of Florida with the Gators, Miami (FL), and South Florida, where he played as an offensive tackle from 1996-1999.
1. Where Can Maryland Go From Here?
As we discussed on last week’s episode of Talking Terps, Maryland’s game against West Virginia would serve as an excellent barometer for where the program currently stands. After starting off the year 1-0, the team has a good chance to be undefeated heading into their first conference home game against Iowa on October 1st. If they can do that, they’d only be looking for two wins the rest of the year in order to gain bowl eligibility, with the opportunity for even more success with additional victories.
2. It’s Nice to Have a Real Quarterback
This was the first time since 2014 that Maryland didn’t feature a competition for the starting quarterback job during summer camp, and there was a good reason for that. Taulia Tagovailoa proved that he’s the real deal, completing 72% of his passes for 332 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. He was poised and in charge of an offense that moved with a much faster tempo than they did last season. If he can repeat that sort of performance throughout the rest of the year, the sky’s the limit for offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ unit.
3. Run Defense Has Improved
The biggest question mark for Maryland defensively was whether the team’s run defense would improve from last season. After ranking as one of the worst units in the country in 2020, they allowed West Virginia running back Leddie Brown to rush for just 69 yards last weekend. Defensive coordinator Brian Stewart used a heavy rotation of defensive linemen, making use of the improved depth at the position.
4. Offensive Line Stepped Up
On the offensive side of the ball, the biggest question mark was the team’s offensive line. Against a talented and experienced West Virginia front six, they allowed pressure on just 13% of Tagovailoa’s drop-backs. Credit ought to be given to offensive line coach Brian Braswell, who the players have been raving about ever since he joined the staff as a volunteer before last season. The line also blocked well in the running game, allowing running backs Tayon Fleet-Davis and Isaiah Jacobs to rush for a combined 173 yards.
5. Positive Turnover Margin
One of the biggest reasons for Maryland’s losses last season was their -7 turnover margin. The offense couldn’t stop coughing up the ball, and the defense couldn’t force any turnovers. Last weekend against the Mountaineers the team came away with a +4 margin, highlighted by a late interception in the end zone by cornerback Jakorian Bennett. This will be a key statistic to keep an eye on throughout the year.
Terps Analyst
Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: zack.kiesel@baltimoresportsandlife.com.