NFL
By: Nathan Snell
274 Days ago, Maryland ended their season in a lopsided loss against Penn State. That season as a whole was disappointing, coming after three seasons of winning a Bowl Game.
This Saturday, Maryland will play the Florida Atlantic Owls. This is the first matchup for both teams. The Terrapins have won thirteen straight non-conference openers dating back to 2010. That is fifth in FBS behind (Ohio State-24, Alabama-22, Air Force-17, Michigan State-15.)
Last season, Maryland defeated UConn in a one-sided game 50-7. In that game, they put up 629 yards total. This weekend, the Terps could match their yards of total offense this weekend.
Keys To Victory!
New Era, New Season, A New Team!
Most should be fine about this season. Yes, the Terrapins’ finishing with four wins was extremely disappointing. Context does matter. But that was 274 days ago.
Head Coach Mike Locksley went to work this offseason, bringing in 17 transfers. The hiring of Pep Hamilton, where the run game should evolve this season. While the Terps lost Roman Hemby as he transferred to Indiana. Nolan Ray is the number one running back by default. Hamilton will have his hands full with a new group of receivers and tight ends.
Ted Monachino will lead the defense. It will be interesting to see how a new secondary group matchups up against an Owl team that can throw the ball up and down the field. Caden Veltkamp is a redshirt sophomore transfer from Western Kentucky, is something to watch.
Expect Some Mental Mistakes
Last season, Billy Edwards Jr. and MJ Morris were our quarterbacks…just don’t show the results. Edwards had flashes but lacked consistency. We will see who our starting quarterback will be. Justyn Martin, Khristian Martin, and Malik Washington more than likely will see snaps this Saturday.
The offensive line keeps your eyes on them. This group, at times, there isn’t a word to think of. Aliou Bah and Alan Herron are returning starters, and Rahtrel Perry is coming from Central Connecticut. We will just have to see how they look. In the three bowl victories for the Terrapins, the offensive line was key. The line takes this team as far as it goes.
Other Keys to Note.
A balanced attack
Pass Rush against the Owls
Generating Turnovers
FAU has limited experience defensively, but against a new offensive line
Maryland Secondary vs Caden Veltkamp
