Terps Football: 5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Minnesota

Game Information

Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference)
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (50,805)
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: ESPN2, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 4-2 Maryland

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After two straight blowout losses to Top 10 opponents, Maryland had a much-needed bye last week before beginning the second half of their regular season schedule. In addition to a number of significant season-ending injuries that the team has suffered so far this year, they’re also dealing with a few nagging ones to some other key players. Head coach Michael Locksley is hopeful that the week off allowed his team to heal enough to get everyone back on the field this weekend.

Minnesota enters this game with a 4-2 (2-1) record, and are coming off of a 30-23 victory over Nebraska last weekend. Their other wins have come against Colorado, Miami (OH), and Purdue, with their losses coming at the hands of Bowling Green and Ohio State. P.J. Fleck is in his fifth season at the helm in Minneapolis, and had a record of 26-19 through his first four years. Maryland fans will remember last season’s matchup between these two teams, as the Terrapins won a 45-44 overtime thriller after the Golden Gophers missed what would be a game-tying extra point.

1. What Can We Expect From Maryland?

Maryland fans have seen this movie before. A red-hot start to the season in September followed by a few blowout losses in October before the season goes completely off the rails. It’s a story that’s all-too-familiar for fans, who’ve grown accustomed to these sort of frustrating results. At the midway point of the 2021 season, the Terrapins are at a crossroads. It’d be easy for them to repeat the type of year people have come to expect from them, or they can prove that things are different this time around.

There are a few reasons to be optimistic, if you so choose. Finding two or three wins on their schedule isn’t difficult, and that would allow the team to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. While they’ve suffered a number of season-ending injuries, most of them have come at positions of depth and haven’t hit the quarterback room at all (feel free to knock on wood with me). The next two games against Minnesota and Indiana represent an opportunity for the team to get back on track before running an extremely difficult three-game gauntlet of what are currently Top 10 opponents.

2. Let’s Talk Injuries

Earlier this week, Locksley provided updates on a few of the team’s injured players. Wide receiver Jeshaun Jones and linebacker Durell Nchami both suffered season-ending injuries that will require surgery in the game against Ohio State. Linebacker Branden Jennings, who’s missed the last two games with injury, is expected to play against Minnesota. Defensive backs Jakorian Bennett and Kenny Bennett are also expected to return this week after missing the game against Ohio State due to hamstring injuries.

Getting two starting cornerbacks back for this week’s game is significant for the Terrapins. With Deonte Banks already out for the season, they were forced to rely on a number of inexperienced players at that position against the Buckeyes, who feature what is likely the best wide receiving corps in the nation. They were forced to play a lot more two-deep zone coverage, which doesn’t allow defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to be as aggressive as he’d like to be.

3. Stopping the Run Will Be Key

Despite losing Mohamed Ibrahim, one of the conference’s best running backs, for the year during their season-opener against Ohio State, Minnesota had still found success on the ground offensively through their first five games. Unfortunately for them, the primary reason for that success was sophomore running back Trey Potts, who also suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s game against Purdue two weeks ago.

Against Nebraska last week, the Golden Gophers’ running backs were still able to account for 178 yards on the ground. They used a three-headed attack led by Bryce Williams, who ran for 127 yards and a touchdown. Mar’Keise Irving and Ky Thomas were also in the rotation, combining for 51 rushing yards. With one of the country’s worst passing attacks, Fleck’s offense lives and dies with their running game. Maryland would be wise to load the box and force quarterback Tanner Morgan to beat them with his arm.

4. Get Ready to Sling It

On the other side of the ball, Minnesota’s run defense is one of the best units in the country. They’re holding opponents to an average of just 87 yards on the ground, the second-best mark in the conference behind only Wisconsin. Their pass defense hasn’t been nearly as strong, as they’re averaging 233 passing yards allowed per game. Maryland hasn’t had very much success on the ground all season, so expect quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to get plenty of opportunities to attack the Golden Gophers’ secondary with his arm.

5. Want to Bowl? Win This Game.

This is a winnable game for Maryland. They’ve had a week off to get healthy and prepare for it, and their strengths appear to match up well with Minnesota’s weaknesses on both sides of the ball. While this will likely be a close matchup, if the Terrapins want to reach bowl eligibility this is a game they’ll have to find a way to win. We can talk about the need for them to be more competitive when they play the conference’s blue blood programs, but this week is all about getting their fifth victory of the season.