Maryland football seeks to snap six game skid against No. 18 Michigan

Photo by Dylan Davies/Maryland Terrapins. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

There was a point in Maryland football’s season where a bowl game seemed like a given. 

The Terps were 4-0 with every victory coming in relatively dominant fashion. Maryland had just beaten Wisconsin, 27-10, in a game that it largely controlled from the opening whistle. Following the victory, head coach Michael Locksley said that he saw the team take a step forward.

Maryland football hasn’t taken many steps forward since. The Terps have lost six consecutive contests– all in conference play – and will need to win out for bowl eligibility. Maryland’s next opponent is No. 18 Michigan –its second-highest-ranked opponent of the season. 

“As I told our players yesterday, the next two weeks, we’re in what I call a play-on situation,” Locksley said on Tuesday. “For us to play on, this first game is a really important game, because it gives us a chance to extend our season into December.”

Both teams have talented true freshman quarterbacks leading their offenses. 

Malik Washington got off to a strong start to the season, but has struggled in recent weeks. Maryland’s (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) inability to establish the run game has allowed defenses to prioritize making the freshman quarterback’s life difficult with different coverage looks and blitz packages. His numbers have suffered, throwing four interceptions and only two touchdowns over the last three weeks, while completing roughly 53% of his passes. 

Michigan starter Bryce Underwood’s role in operating the Wolverines’ offense is far different from Washington’s with the Terps. He’s only been asked to throw over 30 passes in two games this season – Washington’s only thrown fewer than 30 passes in two games this season. Underwood’s recent numbers don’t jump off the page – 511 passing yards and a 0:3 touchdown to interception ratio over his last three games. 

Washington and Underwood both play roles in their respective teams’ run games. Maryland’s quarterback uses his legs effectively when needed, running for 184 yards and a touchdown against Rutgers. But the Terps don’t call many designed runs for him. 

Underwood’s legs have factored into almost every game for the Wolverines. He’s had five or more carries in every game since week three, and has two rushing touchdowns in Michigan’s last three games. 

Like most of Maryland’s Big Ten opponents this season, the Wolverines’ running backs have found far more success than the Terps. Sophomore Jordan Marshall has nearly double the amount of yards of any Maryland running back, and has eight rushing touchdowns – the Terps backs have four combined. 

For Maryland to pull off the upset, the run defense will have to hold up. The Terps’ run defense has gotten gashed in conference play, especially against physical backs who are strong after contact. The last time they held an opponent to under 190 rushing yards and an average of less than 4.5 yards per carry was week five. 

“They can run the football,” Senior defensive lineman Cam Rice said. “They got a young quarterback who’s got a lot of talent. Our main thing is gonna be stopping the run and making this young quarterback uncomfortable early and often.”

The crowd at Maryland’s last home game of the season could play a factor. Both teams have been better at home – the Terps are 3-3 and the Wolverines are 5-0 – but Michigan’s only losses have come when playing on the road.