Know Your Opponent: Maryland Comes in Needing a Win for Bowl Eligibility

Written by Rylie Kyhn

Head Coach: Matt Canada (Interim)

Overall: 5-4 1st Year

Bowl Appearances at Maryland: 0

2017 Record: As offensive coordinator at LSU: 9-4

Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 10

Mascot: Terrapin

Colors: Red, Yellow, White

Outfitter: Under Armour

National Titles: 1 (1953)

Conference Titles: 11

Heisman Winners: 0

Last Week Result: Loss to Michigan State 24-3

2018 Record: 5-4

Statistical Leaders:

Passing: Kasim Hill-80-158, 1040 yards, 9 TDs, 3 interceptions

Rushing: Anthony McFarland-75 att. 535 yards, 2 TDs

Receiving: Tavion Jacobs-19 receptions, 239 yards, 2 TDs

Tackles: Tre Watson-91 total, 55 solo, 1 sack, 4 interceptions

Talking Points:

1. DJ Durkin Reinstated as Head Coach Tuesday, then fired immediately Wednesday

Last Tuesday it was announced that head coach DJ Durkin would be reinstated after being placed on administrative leave while a three month investigation occurred into the culture of the

program under his coaching. The investigation was launched after offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed during an offseason workout and died.

Immediately after Durkin was reinstated, there was turmoil among students and within the football program and it was clear people were not pleased with the Board of Regents or Athletic director Damon Evans. McNair’s family was outraged by the actions to reinstate Durkin as well as many players, starters included. Players reportedly walked out of the meeting Durkin held and the reinstatement caused so much of an uproar that they turned around and fired him on Wednesday night.

The reinstatement and the firing shortly after led to altercations between players who supported Durkin and those who didn’t. Matthew Barber, a back-up punter, spoke up against the culture of the program and he reported that he was assaulted at the end of practice on Tuesday. The University of Maryland Police Department opened an investigation into what occurred after the practice. The problems due to the situation has the ability to affect their play on the field which is going to be the biggest concern for the program in the next few weeks and especially this weekend.

2. One Win Away From bowl Eligibility

Despite the turmoil, they have still managed to win five games which is more than Indiana can say. The Terrapins sit at 5-4 on the season and have three conference wins over Minnesota, Rutgers, and Illinois. They have lost to Michigan, Iowa, and Michigan State and in the losses to Iowa and Michigan State they only scored a total of three points in the two games combined. Their offense has clearly struggled at times, not being able to put up any points against Iowa, but before the loss last weekend they were averaging 32 points a game.

In the loss to Michigan State last weekend they only produced 100 yards and nine first downs. It has been challenging since the beginning of the season for the program and last week was the peak of the issues so it can be understood how the game didn’t go how they wanted. Despite everything going on, the Terrapins are going to come to Bloomington looking to redeem themselves from their last game, especially this being interim head coach Matt Canada’s alma mater.

Canada, the offensive coordinator, has been the interim head coach since the board placed Durkin on leave. He has led them to five wins and only one away from being bowl eligible. They have a solid run game and that is where most of the offensive production comes from. They have 1996 rush yards on the season and average 221 per game and 5.8 per rush.

3. They Broke Records Two Weeks Ago Against Illinois

Two weeks ago when they faced Illinois they put up 712 yards of total offense which is the most for the team since 1982. Those 712 yards are the most that Canada has lead his team to in his 13 seasons as an offensive coordinator. Sophomore running back Javon Leake rushed for 140 yards on only five carries and scored three rushing touchdowns. Indiana needs to be able to stop the strong run game that they bring if they want the win this weekend.

4. The Defense Takes the Ball Away More than Anyone in the Big Ten

On the defensive side of the ball, they have 16 interceptions on the season which is the most for a Maryland defense since 2002. The defense is led by senior linebacker, Tre Watson, who leads the team with 91 total tackles, 55 solo, and four interceptions. They give up an average of 24 points a game and hold their opponents to only 4.9 yard gain per play. The defensive line is strong lead by seniors Jesse Aniebonam and Byron Cowart who have combined for 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. The team has had ups and downs all season depending on the week and they have been pretty inconsistent against different opponents.