Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off a disappointing 29-27 four overtime win over Akron that leveled their record at 2-2 for the 2023 season. Maryland sits at 4-0 (1-0) and looks poised to break into the top half of the division. Saturday’s game will come down to how Indiana starts and how Maryland finishes.

The Hoosiers could have an opportunity to start quickly against the Terrapins as they have allowed 28 first quarter points over four games, which includes falling into early 14-0 holes against Charlotte and Virginia. That’s the good news for IU. The bad news is that Maryland has outscored their opponents 114-21 the rest of the way including a 55-6 margin in the fourth quarter. The Terrapins finish really well.

The Hoosiers on the other hand have outscored their opponents 21-14 in the first quarter, but have seen their struggles come in the second quarter as opponents have a 27-13 advantage. If the Hoosiers can start off hot and limit the damage in the second quarter they will be in this game for four quarters. IU has done a really nice job of coming out of half time and outsourcing opponents 28-17 in the third quarter.

Both teams have had their respective struggles, for Indiana it’s the second quarter that has either doomed them or kept an opponents’ hopes alive. For Maryland, can they keep falling behind by multiple scores early and rely on a strong finish? Only time will tell.

The Hoosiers and Terrapins kickoff at 3:30pm at SECU Stadium and the game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

The Huddle

Week Five Matchup to Watch: Indiana’s Start vs. Maryland’s Finish

Hoosier Huddle