Terps Football: 5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Michigan State

Game Information

Opponent: Michigan State Spartans (2-5, 2-5 Big Ten Conference)
Location: Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium (51,802)
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2020
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Big Ten Network, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 9-2 Michigan State

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The Terrapins will face off against Michigan State this weekend in what could be their final game of the 2020 season if they aren’t invited to a bowl game. This is a matchup that was supposed to occur a month ago before Maryland was forced to cancel the game due to an outbreak of positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The Spartans are wrapping up their first year under new head coach Mel Tucker, and will be looking for their third win of the season. With the exception of an upset win over Northwestern in late November, they’ve struggled to gain traction and are currently in last place in the Big Ten Conference’s East Division.

Note: This game has now been cancelled due to positive COVID-19 tests within Maryland’s football program. It won’t be rescheduled.

1. It’s the Najarian Show

After starting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday morning, the Terrapins were forced to turn to redshirt freshman Lance LeGendre behind center against Rutgers last week. He threw two interceptions and the offense struggled to move the ball under his leadership, so head coach Michael Locksley turned to sophomore walk-on Eric Najarian. With a few series under his belt, the former DeMatha Catholic High School signal-caller was impressive and nearly led the team to a victory. With Tagovailoa unavailable for this game, Locksley is expected to stick with Najarian.

2. Still Impressive

One of the most unexpected bright spots for the Terrapins this season has been the performance of true freshman cornerback Tarheeb Still. Despite coming to College Park as a lightly-recruited 3-star prospect, he won a starting job immediately and has played at an extremely high level all year long. He currently leads the nation in pass breakups per game, and had four of them against Rutgers. Unfortunately he didn’t earn All-Big Ten honors when they were announced earlier this week, but he certainly deserved them.

3. One Last Ride For Funk

Despite the NCAA granting all senior student-athletes the ability to return next season, running back Jake Funk is expected to graduate and move on from the program after this season. He currently leads the nation in yards per carry and racked up 180 yards on the ground and 33 yards through the air last week against Rutgers. There should be plenty of carries available for him against Michigan State, and all Maryland fans will be looking forward to seeing him go out with a bang.

4. Cobbs Standing Out

While the majority of the focus on Maryland’s wide receivers has been given to Dontay Demus, Jr., Rakim Jarrett, and Jeshaun Jones, junior Brian Cobbs has put together a solid season as the #4 option for wide receivers coach Joker Phillips. He currently ranks third on the team in receiving yards and caught his first touchdown last week while catching 5 passes for 99 yards. With the ability to play both inside and outside, his versatility will ensure him a role moving forward regardless of how crowded the wide receiver room gets.

5. Will There Be a Postseason?

While Maryland hasn’t yet been selected for a bowl game, a win on Saturday would make them eligible for one. With so many games cancelled due to COVID-19, the Big Ten Conference announced that eligible teams could schedule an additional game with an opponent from either the Atlantic Coast Conference or Pac-12 Conference. It’s not clear whether or not Maryland would elect to do so, but it’ll be an option for them if they earn their third win against Michigan State.