By: Nathan Snell
Saturday is the first weekend for Big Ten Conference Play for the Maryland Terrapins. The Team is currently 3-0, and has finished all three non-conference games with different results.
This game will feature a familiar face. Billy Edwards Jr., who was the starter for the Terrapins last season, transferred to the Badgers. This season so far for the Badgers has been a mixed bag of results. Reeling off a tough loss to Alabama, 38-14. Maryland hasn’t beaten Wisconsin…again, the Terrapins have yet to win against the Badgers.
Nathan’s Keys to Victory!
Both sides of the ball will have their flaws shown.
Billy Edwards Jr. will play this weekend after coming off the field with an injury against Alabama. The badger offense has not been consistent this season, averaging just over 333 yards per game.
Defensively, the Terrapins have just 33 total points through three games, the program’s fewest through three games since 2001.
For the Badgers, their offensive line continues to gel and come together collectively in run blocking. They have several serviceable backs, not Heisman applicants, but men who have to be able to take advantage of holes if the line can produce them.
For the Terrapins, Malik Washington continues to show progression, while Dorian Fleming serves as the security blanket for this offense. Shaleek Knotts is slowly showing traits of being the number one receiver in this offense.
The biggest elephant in the room for the Terrapins is establishing the run game, which has been disappointing, only 3.5 yards per carry, and Wisconsin has great run defense, hence why Alabama couldn’t gain any footing in the run game last week.
While this is a Big Ten Conference game for the Terrapins, expect the unexpected. Wisconsin is dealing with identity issues. Is Edwards coming off an injury? Particularly in the pass coverage and protection? The Terrapins should come into this game, setting the tone early.