5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Purdue

Game Information

Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten Conference)
Location: SECU Stadium (51,802)
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Big Ten Network, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 2-1 Maryland

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For just the third time since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014, Maryland will face off against Purdue this weekend. Both teams have split their first two meetings, with the Terrapins holding an additional victory in the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, FL. This is Jeff Brohm’s sixth season at the helm in West Lafayette, IN, with his team finishing last year with a 9-4 record and an overtime victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. This will be their second straight road game after beating Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN last weekend. Like Maryland, they received some votes in this week’s AP Poll, but didn’t crack the Top 25.

1. How Healthy is O’Connell?

Purdue starting quarterback Aiden O’Connell entered the season ranked as one of the conference’s best signal-callers following a year that saw him complete 72% of his passes for over 3,700 yards, with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Despite his team’s 1-2 start, he played well in their first three games, throwing for eight touchdowns and only one interception. After suffering a rib injury in their game against Syracuse, he was forced to sit out what turned out to be a very narrow victory over Florida Atlantic. And while he returned last weekend against Minnesota, he was very clearly still recovering, throwing for less than 200 yards and two interceptions.

O’Connell has been practicing all week and is expected to start, but how healthy he really is may dictate a large part of this game. Additionally, Minnesota’s defense played a lot of coverage against him last weekend (something Maryland has done with regularity). This clearly frustrated him a bit, and he was unable to convert on any explosive passes down the field.

2. Will Baby Bus Lead the Way Again?

While Roman Hemby began the season as Maryland’s starting running back, Antwain Littleton II’s breakout game last weekend may shift things a bit in the backfield. He carried the ball 19 times for 120 yards and a touchdown against the Spartans, and has now found the end zone in six straight games dating back to last season (the longest rushing touchdown streak in the country). After losing nearly 60 pounds in the off-season, he’s added impressive speed to his still-powerful frame. Offensive coordinator Dan Enos will likely continue to ride the hot hand, so don’t be surprised to see him turn to Baby Bus early and often against the Boilermakers.

3. Purdue’s Offense is Suddenly Balanced

Throughout Brohm’s tenure at Purdue, they’ve been a team that leans heavily on their passing attack. Against the three FBS teams he’s faced so far this season, O’Connell has averaged 52 pass attempts. Charlie Jones is a Biletnikoff Award-caliber wide receiver, and has already caught seven touchdowns for the Boilermakers this year. But in last week’s game against Minnesota, they found more success on the ground than through the air. Despite starting running back King Doerue’s absence due to a calf injury, running backs Devin Mockobee and Dylan Downing combined to rush for 144 yards and two touchdowns. While Maryland will likely sit back and play coverage while rushing only 3-4 defenders, if O’Connell’s health is still a clear issue, they may be able to load the box a bit more in an attempt to stop the run.

4. Hyppolite II May Return

Starting linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II has missed two straight games due to an ankle injury, but has been practicing this week and has a good chance to return for this matchup. While freshmen Jaishawn Barham and Caleb Wheatland have performed admirably in his stead, defensive coordinator Brian Williams will need all the defensive playmakers that he can get against Purdue’s explosive offense. With the ability to stop the run, play coverage, and rush the passer, Hyppolite II’s versatility would be crucial against the balance of the Boilermakers’ attack.

5. Another Week, Another Opportunity

Maryland’s victory over Michigan State last weekend went a long way to proving that their impressive performance against Michigan wasn’t an anomaly. Purdue will be their toughest opponent in the month of October, but it’s still a game that the Terrapins should win at home. While weather was a slight factor against the Spartans, the conditions should be ideal on Saturday afternoon. The roadmap to a victory isn’t all that different from last week: limit mistakes, win the turnover battle, and convert in the red zone.