Terps Football: 5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Indiana

Game Information

Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten Conference)
Location: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (51,802)
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021
Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Big Ten Network, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 7-2 Indiana

(Discuss this article on the BSL Message Board here.)

After a disappointing loss to Minnesota last weekend, Maryland returns home to face Indiana in their annual homecoming game. The Hoosiers have run the gauntlet of the Big Ten Conference’s East Division over the course of the last three games, losing to Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. Head coach Tom Allen’s squad hasn’t lived up to their preseason expectations, and haven’t sniffed the Top 25 after beginning the year ranked 17th. Their schedule hasn’t exactly helped matters however, as all five of their losses have come against ranked opponents.

1. Here We Go Again…

It’s a sight that Maryland fans are all-too familiar with. The Terrapins get off to a hot start in September, get blown out in a couple matchups against some of the conference’s best teams, and start getting man-handled by teams they should beat. There’s more than enough talent on this roster to beat a team like Minnesota, but a lack of execution failed the team last weekend. It was an opportunity for them to get back on track after their bye week, but costly penalties and an inability to stop the run ultimately led to their demise.

2. What Happened to the Run Defense?

Through the first four weeks of the season, Maryland’s run defense had been fairly impressive. After being one of the worst units in the country last season, they’d shown signs of turning things around under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart. But once they started conference play at the beginning of this month, things started falling apart rapidly. They’ve allowed an average of 212 rushing yards in their last three games, and the situation has been getting worse every single week.

While in years past a lack of size on the Terrapins’ defensive line was a concern, it’s no longer an issue. The team’s starting defensive line weighs in at an average of over 300 pounds. One reason for their issues against the run could be the turnover at the inside linebacker position. While Ruben Hyppolite II has been a mainstay at the strong-side spot, the weak-side has seen Fa’Najae Gotay and Branden Jennings both miss significant time. With Jennings expected to see more and more playing time as he returns from injury, it’ll be interesting to see if the run defense shores up at all.

3. Meanwhile, the Offense Can’t Run the Ball

It’s been no secret that Maryland’s offense has been built on their passing game this season. With a talented quarterback and an even more talented stable of pass-catchers, it makes sense for offensive coordinator Dan Enos to lean on his passing attack. But this isn’t the Air Raid scheme of Hal Mumme or Mike Leach, the Terrapins need to have at least a serviceable running game. And to this point in the season, that hasn’t been the case.

Maryland is averaging just 128 rushing yards per game, which ranks 93rd in the country. Over the course of the last few weeks, the only running back to show any sort of burst is former walk-on Challen Faamatau. He’s averaging over 6 yards per carry and has also shown good ability in the passing game. With the other running backs struggling to do much of anything, it might be time for Faamatau to become the team’s lead horse in the running game.

4. Facing a Third-String Freshman (and a Walk-On?)

Indiana’s quarterback room has been one of much turmoil this year. Michael Penix, Jr. struggled through the team’s first five games and suffered an injury against Penn State which has kept him off the field in their last two matchups. Jack Tuttle didn’t perform much better in his stead, and suffered an injury himself last week against Ohio State.

The Hoosiers will now be turning to freshman quarterback Donaven McCulley, a former four-star recruit who has attempted just six passes this season. Sophomore walk-on Grant Gremel may also see some playing time after attempting four passes in last week’s game. Expect Indiana to lean on their rushing attack, with plenty of option plays for the dual-threat McCulley. Maryland’s run defense will be tested once again, but the Hoosiers’ offensive line isn’t quite the threat that Minnesota’s was last weekend.

5. Another Winnable Game, Another Opportunity

Despite their recent issues, Maryland is favored by 5.5 points in this game. It’s a must-win contest for the Terrapins if they want to reach bowl eligibility by the end of the year. A win would also give them a bit of confidence before they run the gauntlet of Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State over the course of the next three weeks. We can talk about the need for them to compete in these games later, but right now reaching a bowl berth, and the extra month of practice time that it would bring, is the most important thing for this team.