Know Your Opponent: Maryland is Beat Up, But Still Dangerous
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Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Head Coach: D.J. Durkin
Overall: 10-11 2nd full year
At Maryland 9-11 (4-9)
Bowl Appearances at Maryland: 1
2017 Record: 3-4 (1-3) Last Game: Lost 38-13 at Wisconsin
Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 10 (5-5)
Mascot: Testudo
Colors: Red, White, Black and Gold
Outfitter: Under Armour
National Titles: 1
Conference Titles: 11
Heisman Winners: 0
Talking Points
1. Maryland is Down to Their Third String Quarterback
The Maryland Terrapins opened the season with Terrell Pigrome at quarterback, but he lasted only 12 passes before getting hurt for the year. Then Kasim Hill looked to be the answer as he finished off Texas and trounced Towson before being knockout for the year in game three against Central Florida. Finally, the Terrapins have found a starting QB who can stay healthy in Max Bortenschlager, a sophomore from Fishers, Indiana.
Bortenschlager has had his moments since being handed the reigns to the Maryland offense, but ultimately, he hasn’t done enough to keep Maryland from losing four of the last five games. The sophomore has completed a dismal 49.3 percent of his passes for 686 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He is not a real rushing threat even though he has scored two touchdowns with his feet, as he has 19 yards on 49 carries. He’s not exactly Boom Esiason back there, but he’s not totally incompetent either. He did lead the Terps to a road win over Minnesota.
2. Ty Johnson is Having Another Big Year
Ty Johnson is one of my favorite running backs to watch in the Big Ten and he’s having another tremendous year for the Terrapins. Johnson, who reminds me a little bit of Tevin Coleman, has 571 yards and four touchdowns on 84 carries. He is also a handful on kick returns averaging 27.44 yards per return including a touchdown. Johnson has the speed and, at 208 pounds, the bulk to have some success against the Hoosier defense. Behind Johnson is Lorenzo Harrison III who has 78 carries for 304 yards, but has yet to score a touchdown.
3. D.J. Moore vs. Rashard Fant Will be Fun to Watch
One of the premier matchups this week will be Indiana corner Rashard Fant going against Maryland’s top wide receiver D.J. Moore. In seven games this season, Moore has 47 catches for 668 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s a smaller receiver at 5-foot-11 so there really is not size advantage for him over Fant, but Moore can flat out ball and can score from anywhere on the field. If the Maryland offense needs a spark, don’t be surprised to see D.J. Durkin use him on jet sweeps. Moore is also Maryland’s punt returner and is averaging 13.6 yards per return.
4. Jermaine Carter Jr. Is a Beast on Defense
Maryland’s defense is surrendering 36.7 points per game, so there is not a whole lot of good on this side of the ball. However, Jermaine Carter Jr. can be a game wrecker for the Terps. Carter leads the team in tackles with 47 and sacks with 2.5 and is third on the team in tackles for loss with four. As Indiana deals with depth issues along the offensive line, he is the guy everyone has to be aware of.
5. Maryland Has Crashed Back to Earth, While Indiana Has to Avoid Taking a Breath
When the season started and Maryland knocked off Texas in Austin, Hoosier Nation held their breath as they started to look at Maryland with fear. However, the Terrapins have come crashing back down to Earth after a 2-1 start (now 3-4). The Hoosiers are through their toughest stretch of the schedule, but they can’t relax and take it easy just because Maryland is struggling at the moment. Indiana has to keep playing the way they have been for the majority of their first seven games against top-ranked opponents. If the Hoosiers can keep their foot on the gas, the game will go their way. If not, then IU should starting fearing the turtle.