Indiana’s Keys to Victory Over Maryland

PhOto by: Sarah Miller/Hoosier Huddle

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

The Indiana football squad looks ahead at the second half of the 2019 season, their next matchup being a pivotal one against Mike Locksley and the Maryland Terrapins. Heading to College Park 4-2, this year’s Hoosiers have a chance to prove themselves, and this time the odds are not against them—barely. If Indiana wants to pocket a victory over Maryland, here’s what they need to focus on.

Ramp up the passing game 

Maryland’s pass defense is less than impressive—the Terps have hit rock bottom in the Big Ten, allowing an average of 280 yards per game. Indiana’s averaging 302 yards a game on the season, and 320 passing yards in games with a healthy Michael Penix at quarterback. If the Hoosiers take advantage of the Terps’ weaknesses it could give them the edge in College Park. The combination of Penix’s arm with pass catchers by the likes of Whop Philyor, Nick Westbrook, and Donavan Hale will do the Terps in if they play up to their potential Saturday. With Maryland’s loss of weapon in senior cornerback Tino Ellis confirmed out with injury for the remainder of the season, the Hoosiers have an even greater chance of finding the end zone. 

Defense, defense, defense

It was not hard to see with the Rutgers shutout that Indiana’s defense had improved. Even against an awful offense like Scarlet Knights’, holding a conference team to a measly single passing yard and 75 total yards makes for a pretty solid defensive day. That being said, odds are only in Indiana’s favor because of Maryland’s recent offensive struggles against Penn State and last Saturday against Purdue, when they fell at the feet of the injury-plagued Boilers 40-14. If the Terps that scored 79 on Howard, and 63 against then-ranked Syracuse, show up to their house Saturday, Indiana could be in trouble if they do not bring the defense to match. To put it their offensive potential in perspective, Maryland found the end zone for 48 points at Rutgers, and held the Scarlet Knights to just seven. If the Hoosiers target rushing leaders Javon Leake and Anthony McFarland, they will be in good shape.

Come in hot and do not let up

The Hoosiers need to come in hot and not let up if they want to take home the big win on Saturday. It’s plain and simple— Two years ago IU raced out to a 16-0 lead only to see it melt away in a 42-39 loss. Last season the Hoosier again jumped out to a 31-15 lead and needed a late field goal to secure a 34-32 win. The Hoosiers need to start fast and keep their foot on the throats of the Terrapins. Maryland is a big play offense and can erase deficits quickly, IU cannot afford a second quarter like the one they had against Rutgers where they put up plenty of yards but failed to cash in any points.