They often say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. With that being said, let's preview this week's opponent: the Maryland Terrapins.
Interim Coach Matt Canada
Hired as Maryland's offensive coordinator earlier this year, Matt Canada took over for head coach D.J. Durkin after he was put on administrative leave. Canada was pushed out of LSU last year after the Tigers' offensive struggles and has brought his power-run identity to the Terrapins.
Canada inherited one of the most talked-about situations this year. Despite the distractions, Canada was able to lead his team to a huge opening win over Texas. Since then, however, Maryland has struggled to get anything positive going as injuries have started to pile up.
Maryland Football Lives in the Shadow of its Basketball Program
The Terrapins joined the Big Ten in 2014 after departing the ACC. The program's best year came in its debut year when the Terps went 7-6 and 4-4 in conference, which was good for third in the Big Ten East. Maryland has won 11 conference championships and one national championship in its 126-year history.
Maryland's Offense Relies on the Run
Maryland's offense is dependent on running the ball. The team has two players with over 500 rushing yards, one of which will not play against Ohio State. Kasim Hill, the true freshman quarterback, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.
Anthony McFarland has become the offense for this team. The redshirt freshman running back leads Maryland in rushing with 724 yards on a 7.0 average.
Records set
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) November 10, 2018
Freshman Single Game Rushing Record: 207 (and counting)
Freshman Single Season Rushing Record: 721 (and counting)@AnttMacc_ is a DUDE. #FTT pic.twitter.com/vcHfE32qNh
For a defense that has allowed over 140 rushing yards per game this year, Ohio State must be prepared for Maryland's commitment to the run.
The Terrapins Can Defend the Pass
Maryland boasts one of the best passing defenses in the nation, ranking no. 14 in opponent passing yards per game. The Terrapins have recorded 17 interceptions this year.
Two players to watch include Tre Watson and Darnell Savage Jr. Watson, a senior linebacker who transferred from Illinois, leads the team in both tackles (59) and interceptions (5).
Ballhawk Backer@MDQue_33 ties the Maryland linebacker record with his fifth pick of the season! #FTT pic.twitter.com/ekEtPPJMIk
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) November 10, 2018
Savage, besides having one of the best names in college football, is a talented safety with four interceptions on the year. Lately, Haskins has been struggling to continue his early-season excellence; Maryland poses as a quality opponent to get it going again.
Bucks and Terps Lack History
Ohio State and Maryland never played until the Terps joined the Big Ten in 2014. The Buckeyes have won all five matchups between the two teams by at least three touchdowns. Urban Meyer and the Bucks have hung at least 60 points on Maryland the past two years.
While Maryland has posed no threat to Ohio State in the past, the Buckeyes cannot afford to slip up now. The team is looking for one more tune-up before Michigan comes to town next week.
