Terps Football: 5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Iowa

Game Information

Opponent: #5 Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten Conference)
Location: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (51,802)
Date: Friday, October 1, 2021
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Fox Sports 1, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 2-1 Iowa

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After wrapping up an undefeated month of September, Maryland welcomes Iowa to College Park for their first home conference game of the 2021 season. This will be the first time that the Terrapins have hosted a Top 5 opponent since #4 West Virginia in 2007, a game they lost by a score of 31-14. The last time they beat a team ranked in the Top 5 was in 2004 when they bested #5 Florida State, 20-17. It goes without saying that this is one of the biggest home games for the program in a very long time.

Iowa is also undefeated entering this game, having beaten Colorado State, Indiana, Iowa State, and Kent State so far this season. They’re a team led by their defense, having currently allowed the third-fewest points in the country through their first four games. While their offense doesn’t put up many yards or points, they’re typically careful with the football and do enough to allow their defense to win games. As is typical for any Kirk Ferentz-led team, the Hawkeyes want to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and usually don’t beat themselves.

1. Here’s Your Test

In head coach Michael Locksley’s third season at the helm of Maryland’s program, this game represents a perfect way to test how close his team is to competing against the best that the Big Ten Conference has to offer. They’ll need to play a clean game on both sides of the ball, and most if not all of their chips are going to have to fall in the right direction in order to walk away with a win. And while Locksley would likely scoff at the idea of a moral victory, if his team can fight hard enough to take the Hawkeyes to the wire it would be a massive improvement over previous years regardless of the final outcome.

2. Patience Will Be Key

Iowa’s defense has a tendency for stifling opposing offenses. They aren’t a very flashy unit, relying instead on stellar discipline and technique. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker is in his tenth season under Ferentz, and typically prefers to rush just four players and play zone coverage on the back end. Oftentimes, this prompts opposing quarterbacks to force the ball into tight windows which results in incompletions and interceptions. The Hawkeyes have already recorded six interceptions this season, and returned two for touchdowns in their season-opener against Indiana.

One of the most impressive parts of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s play through the team’s first four games has been his decision-making. He’s made no turnover-worthy throws this season, with his only interception coming on a throw that wide receiver Rakim Jarrett should’ve caught in the team’s game against Kent State last weekend. He’s shown mastery of Locksley’s offensive playbook, constantly aware of his check-down options. He’ll need to be similarly patient against Iowa’s defense on Friday night, in what will likely be a low-scoring game that could be decided by field position.

3. How Good is Maryland’s Run Defense?

After a forgettable season against the run in 2020, Maryland’s defense has allowed an average of just 112 yards on the ground through their first four games. They’re currently ranked as the 39th-best run defense in the country, and the 5th-best unit in the Big Ten Conference. Iowa has averaged just 121 rushing yards per game so far this season, and one of the biggest reasons for their lack of success is their inexperienced offensive line. They’re led by All-American center Tyler Linderbaum, and will get starting guard Kyler Schott back after missing their first two games after breaking his foot while bailing hay during the summer.

Regardless of their lack of success running the ball thus far, the Hawkeyes will continue to lean on their rushing attack. If defensive coordinator Brian Stewart’s unit is to have success on Friday night, they’ll need to stuff Iowa’s running backs and force them into obvious passing situations. Solid tackling will be paramount, which is something that’s been inconsistent for the Terrapins so far this season.

4. Offensive Line Continues Solid Play

Maryland’s offensive line was its biggest question mark on either side of the ball heading into this season. There was uncertainty at all three of the interior positions, but new offensive line coach Brian Braswell has his guys playing at a very high level through the first four weeks of the year. Their pass blocking has been particularly impressive, allowing just over one sack per game thus far. They’ve also allowed just two quarterback hurries, which has led to a clean pocket for Tagovailoa nearly every time he drops back to pass.

Iowa’s defensive line isn’t particularly large, but they’re athletic and have the ability to get pressure from all four spots on the line. Maryland’s offense likely won’t need to worry about too many blitzes from them, but will need to be conscious of stunts and other ways that Parker will generate pressure with just four rushers.

5. This is a Winnable Game

Given the fact that Maryland hasn’t beaten a Top 5 opponent in 17 years and haven’t come particularly close in the last decade, it’s a bit strange to see this as a winnable game. But while Iowa is a very good football team, they likely aren’t a Top 5 team when all is said and done. They have a number of good players who are fundamentally strong, but aren’t loaded with blue-chip talent like Alabama or Ohio State. This isn’t a team that will blow you out, because their best offense is their defense. It won’t be easy for the Terrapins to pull off a victory on Friday night, and in order to do so they’ll have to play much cleaner than they did against Illinois or Kent State. But if they do play a clean game, remain patient, and take advantage of opportunities for big plays when they present themselves, this will likely be a close game until late in the fourth quarter.