Know Your Opponent: Maryland Terrapins
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Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
Head Coach: Mike Locksley
Overall: 17-25, 4th season
Bowl Appearances at Maryland: One
2021 Record: 7-6
Mascot: Testudo
Colors: Red, White, Gold and Black
Outfitter: Under Armour
National Titles: 1 (1951)
Conference Titles: 11
Heisman Winners: 0
Last Week: 29-31 loss to Purdue
Statistical Leaders
Passing: Taulia Tagovailoa – 146-197 (74.1%) for 1731 yards with 11 TDs/5 INTs
Rushing: Roman Hemby – 64 carries for 395 yards (6.17 ypc)
Receiving: Corey Dyches – 22 receptions for 322 yards (14.64 yards per catch)
Tackles: Beau Brade – 46 tackles with 26 solo
Stat of the Week: In terms of yards per play, the Maryland Terrapins have the best offense the Indiana Hoosiers will have faced so far this season. The Terrapins are averaging 6.99 yards per play and are a blistering 95.24% in red zone success. For comparison’s sake, Western Kentucky is averaging 6.82 yards per play, Michigan is at 6.88, Cincinnati is averaging 6.73 yards per play and Illinois is at 5.38. Meanwhile, the struggling Indiana Hoosiers have dropped to 4.48 yards per play.
Terrapins Talking Points
1. Mistakes Prove Costly in Two Losses
The Maryland Terrapins gave the Michigan Wolverines a test a couple of weeks ago. They were undone by three turnovers in that contest, including one on the opening kickoff that gifted Michigan a touchdown. Despite gaining 397 yards, easily the best output against the Maize and Blue this season, Taulia Tagovailoa threw two interceptions and there was the aforementioned fumble on the kickoff. The other loss, against Purdue last week, had Maryland rack up nine penalties for 76 yards including a few crucial late ones and one that took a tying two-point conversion off the board. They fell 31-29, partially due to those mistakes.
2. Disrupting Taulia Tagovailoa
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is extremely talented and he’s playing very well so far this season. The junior has had success against Indiana in the past, ripping them apart last year and IU’s secondary has struggled in 2022. Despite being labeled as one of, if not the most, talented position groups, the Hoosiers have been picked apart and done in by big plays. Tagovailoa is completing 74.1% of his passes on 8.8 yards per attempt and he has a number of weapons at his disposal. Corey Dyches, a tight end, had a huge game against Purdue, Rakim Jarrett and Jeshaun Jones are an excellent one-two punch at receiver and freshman Roman Hemby is really good tailback. IU’s defense will have its hands full.
3. All Eyes on IU’s Offensive Line
The Indiana Hoosiers finally dismissed offensive line coach Darren Hiller with Rod Carey taking over the position group for the rest of the season. How much of a difference can Carey make in one week? We’ll find out Saturday. Maryland’s defense is not Michigan’s but this is a solid unit. The Terrapins have 15 sacks on the season and 32 tackles for loss. They are surrendering 3.49 yards per rushing attempt, not bad considering they have played Michigan (IU is giving up only 3.44). The Hoosiers are only rushing for 2.98 yards per carry and Connor Bazelak is getting drilled nearly every time he drops back to throw. Maryland will undoubtedly be licking their chops to play this line but for the first time in a couple of seasons, there is a little bit of hope that things will look different up front for IU.