Terps Football: 5 Thoughts Before Maryland/Purdue

Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers (1-4, 0-2 Big Ten Conference)
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium (57,236)
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV/Radio Broadcasts: Big Ten Network, Maryland Sports Radio Network
Series Record: 2-0 Maryland

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The Terrapins got back on track last weekend after suffering two straight losses, besting Rutgers by a score of 48-7. They took advantage of a Scarlet Knights team in disarray, showcasing a once-again explosive offense and a stifling defense. They’ll stay on the road this weekend to face Purdue, who is off to a dreadful 1-4 start to their season. Their only victory game in their second game against Vanderbilt, with losses to Nevada, TCU, Minnesota, and Penn State. Injuries have decimated the Boilermakers, with the most recent ones coming to quarterback Elijah Sindelar and wide receiver Rondale Moore. Head coach Jeff Brohm is expected to start redshirt freshman Jack Plummer behind center while Sindelar is out.

1. Build On Last Week’s Performance

Last week’s game against Rutgers came at the perfect time for the Terrapins, who had lost two straight games before annihilating the Scarlet Knights. The team’s offense, defense, and special teams were firing on all cylinders, and took advantage of a team in utter disarray. They’ll need to use that win and build on it as they play their second straight conference road game this weekend. Of Maryland’s six offensive touchdowns, four came on the first play of their respective drives. Offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery has to be happy to see his explosive offense return, as it had disappeared in the team’s losses to Temple and Penn State. For as bad as Rutgers’ defense has been in 2019, Purdue’s has actually been worse, presenting another good opportunity for the Terrapins.

Maryland’s defense and special teams were also excellent, with defensive coordinator Jon Hoke’s unit forcing two turnovers and special teams coordinator John Papuchis’ squad recording a touchdown on a 100-yard kickoff return by Javon Leake. The Boilermakers’ offense has been significantly better than Rutgers’ this season, but will be without a number of key players on Saturday afternoon.

2. Purdue Is Riddled With Injuries

Expectations for Brohm’s team in 2019 were fairly high, with most people expecting them to reach a bowl game for the third straight season. However, after a few close losses and a number of injuries to key players, those expectations have been lowered dramatically. The Boilermakers opened up the year with a heartbreaking 3-point loss to Nevada before handling Vanderbilt at home. But after three straight losses to TCU, Minnesota, and Penn State, they currently sit at 1-4 on the season. Looking at the remainder of their schedule for 2019, it’s extremely difficult to find 5 more wins.

Purdue’s best offensive weapon is Moore, who had a breakout true freshman season in 2018, accounting for over 2,200 yards and 14 touchdowns between his work offensively and as a kickoff and punt returner. But after injuring his leg in last week’s game against Minnesota, he won’t play this weekend against the Terrapins. Similarly, Sindelar won’t be on the field on Saturday after breaking his collarbone on the same play Moore injured his leg. Moore’s injury is one of three to the Boilermakers’ wide receiver group.

Brohm’s two best running backs, Richie Worship and Tario Fuller, are both out for this week’s game, as are defensive tackles Lorenzo Neal and Anthony Watts, who had both been key members of the defensive line’s rotation. Starting cornerback Jordan Rucker also won’t play this weekend. While these injuries are certainly unfortunate for the Boilermakers, it’s a situation that the Terrapins have to be able to take advantage of in order to grab a road win on Saturday afternoon.

3. Pigrome’s Third Stint As Starter

Maryland quarterback Josh Jackson suffered a sprained ankle in last week’s game, and will not play against Purdue. Fortunately, the injury seems to be minor and he should be back on the field sooner rather than later. For now though, redshirt junior Tyrrell Pigrome will begin his third stint as the Terrapins’ starting quarterback. His first came in 2017, when he led the team to a win over Texas before suffering a season-ending knee injury. His second came in 2018, after Kasim Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury and Pigrome led the team to a near-upset of Ohio State.

Pigrome offers Montgomery a dual-threat playmaker behind center, with the ability to make plays with both his legs and his arm. While most of Jackson’s runs this year have come on scrambles, expect the playbook to include plenty of option plays to get Pigrome on the edge. The run-pass options (RPOs) for Jackson typically included two options (hand the ball off or throw a quick pass), but Pigrome’s RPOs will likely add an option for him to keep the ball himself. For a unit with such a banged up offensive line, having a quarterback who can make plays with his feet may prove to be a big asset this weekend.

4. Eley’s Breakout Season Continues

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Ayinde Eley had recorded just 13 tackles during his Maryland career entering this season, but has become one of the team’s biggest defensive weapons through the first five games of 2019. The former 3-star recruit currently leads the team in tackles, and is one of five Terrapins with an interception. He’s been a mainstay at the weak-side inside linebacker spot in defensive coordinator Jon Hoke’s 3-4 scheme, and has been excellent in providing pass coverage over the middle. Eley’s development has made the team’s group of linebackers one of the best in the Big Ten Conference.

5. This Week Presents Another Road Test

Winning conference road games is never easy, despite what Maryland did to Rutgers last weekend. This week’s game against the Boilermakers presents a tougher challenge for head coach Michael Locksley and his team. Temperatures may be in the 40s when this game kicks off, though the Terrapins should just be grateful this isn’t the week they visit Minnesota, who will be playing through a snowstorm this weekend. Mistakes and turnovers are magnified on the road, making it important for the team to get off to a fast start. This is a game they should win on paper, but sure things are hard to come by in conference road games.