Maryland football dominated Michigan State its last time out, and now the Terps’ focus switches sides to the Big Ten West with a matchup against Purdue on the horizon.
Following its win over the Spartans, Maryland received votes in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time this season. The Terps garnered 25 votes, 32nd-best in the nation.
Maryland enters 4-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play, with its lone loss coming on the road against No. 4 Michigan. Despite the loss, the Terps kept the game close, losing by only a touchdown.
The Terps looked as strong as ever against the Spartans, with contributions from in all facets en route to the 27-13 win. Maryland’s offense controlled the game in the first half while its defense looked sensational in the second half.
Taulia Tagovailoa displayed poise in the pocket in the first couple quarters as he threw for over 200 yards and a touchdown. Tagovailoa finished with 314 yards and the one score, and played mistake-free football for just the second time this season.
Tagovailoa’s performance was even more impressive given the fact he played only a couple days removed from his brother’s scary head injury suffered on Thursday Night Football. Tua Tagovailoa, a week after going into concussion protocol, banged his head hard on the ground on a sack and was taken to the hospital.
The Terps’ signal caller managed to get on Facetime with his brother the night before the Michigan State game, letting him settle his nerves and showcase a beautiful display of football against the Spartans.
“I got to see [Tua] after the game on Saturday, I went to Florida … my biggest thing was seeing him and spending as much time as I can with him,” Tagovailoa said.
Maryland’s defense helped out in the second half, as the Terps absolutely stifled the Spartans’ offense. Michigan State was held to just 75 yards of total offense and did not score a point in the final two quarters. Defensively, Maryland has displayed improved intensity on the other side of halftime all season. The Terps have allowed 34 points in second halves, compared to 71 in the first two quarters of contests.
“Most people script openers, and when you script those openers you get really exotic in the things you’re looking to do because you want to stress the defense,” coach Mike Locksley said. “It takes a minute to calm down our defensive guys … our defensive staff has done a good job … settling those guys down and coming up with the necessary adjustments.”
Contributions from the Terps’ special teams also played a pivotal role in their victory over the Spartans. Eastern Michigan transfer Chad Ryland has been nearly automatic as the kicker for the Terps as he has connected on seven of his eight tries, including two makes over 50 yards. Ryland nailed two field goals against Michigan State, the lone points of the second half.
Purdue enters following its biggest win of the season against then-No. 21 Minnesota to improve the Boilermakers to 3-2, 1-1 in the conference. The Boilermakers’ defense did a tremendous job of limiting Minnesota signal caller Tanner Morgan through the air, as he finished with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
While Purdue’s star of the offense, quarterback Aidan O’Connell, struggled against Minnesota, it was the Boilermakers’ ground game that led the way for their 20 points. Redshirt freshman Devin Mockobee had the best performance of his career, rushing for a career-high 112 yards.
Purdue’s offensive performance against Minnesota was a flip-flop of what its season numbers suggest. The Boilermakers rank third in the Big Ten in passing yards (1443) and are tied for second in passing touchdowns (11). Meanwhile, their rushing attack ranks in the bottom-half in both yards (702) and touchdowns (nine).
Maryland’s pass defense ranks in the bottom-half of the conference in yards allowed (1262) and touchdowns (nine), setting up Purdue to have success through the air.
O’Connell leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game with 299.8. Tagovailoa meanwhile sits just two spots below him (283.2).
The Boilermakers have arguably the most dynamic weapon on the outside in the conference, as wideout Charlie Jones leads the Big Ten in both touchdowns (seven) and receiving yards (588).
“They’re good players but at the end of the day we’re not playing against them we’re playing against ourselves,” defensive back Isaiah Hazel said. “Those are some good players but as long as we stay poised and disciplined we’re gonna be fine.”
Jeff Brohm is in his sixth year at the helm of the Purdue football program. Brohm took the Boilermakers to a bowl appearance last season, his third in five years with Purdue.
“Really well coached team,” Locksley said. “Definitely one of the better teams we’ll face top-to-bottom.”
The game on Saturday will start at 12 p.m. and will take place at SECU Stadium in College Park.
