Maryland Football Travels to Face Northwestern for Season Opening Test

(Photo Courtesy of Maryland Athletics.)

Typically, Maryland football would be opening their season against a not-conference opponent. Withal, in this unconventional season, the Terps will only face conference opponents during their eight-game regular season.

Northwestern is ane of two Large Ten West opponents the Terps will confront during the 2022 regular season. Tonight, marks Maryland's first always trip to Evanston in program history and will be the get-go coming together between the two teams since 2017– a 37-21 Wildcat victory at Maryland Stadium.

"[Northwestern] will exist a tremendous challenge," caput coach Mike Locksley said. "They're coached very well, they're a disciplined agglomeration and have an experienced group of players."

Terminal flavor, the Wildcats finished iii-9 and are looking to bounce dorsum in 2020. Indiana transfer Peyton Ramsey is the new quarterback for Northwestern. He brings a plethora of feel and stability to the position, every bit Northwestern cycled through several quarterbacks terminal year.

In addition to Ramsey, caput coach Pat Fizgerald hired Mike Bajakian to be the team's new offensive coordinator. Bajakian brings a new system to Evanston after previous stints at Boston Higher, Tennessee and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the minimal film on this new-look Wildcat criminal offence, the Terps are more than focused on themselves defensively.

While Ramsey brings plenty of experience every bit a point caller, he'south flanked by several talented weapons, both at wide receiver and running back. Senior Riley Lees was the squad's leading receiver last flavour, while sophomore Malik Washington is expected to play an increased role. Sophomore Drake Anderson returns as the team'southward leading rusher from last season and was nominated to the Doak Walker Laurels watch list– awarded to the nation'south peak running dorsum.

Putting pressure on Ramsey will exist a point of emphasis for Maryland'southward revamped defensive line. Since putting on total pads three weeks ago, the Terps' defensive line and their depth has been evident throughout camp. Both junior Lawtez Rogers and sophomore Joseph Boletepeli are expected to play increased roles for the group this year.

"The size and force on the defensive front end has been really impressive," Locksley said. "We've got six linebackers that are all capable of being starters."

Behind the defensive line, Maryland'southward linebacker corps has plenty of veteran experience. The junior tandem of Ayinde Eley and Run a risk Campbell headline that group. However, the secondary is the biggest question mark on the Terps defense with many of the starters currently unknown. Sophomore safety Nick Cantankerous is the only established starter listed. Withal, Maryland has several players with experience in that group, including senior safety Antwaine Richardson and junior cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

Offensively, the Terps will besides be challenged against the Wildcats' stout defence. Losing sack leader Joe Gaziano to graduation, Northwestern returns each of its starting linebacker trio from last season. Paddy Fisher, Blake Gallagher and Chris Bergin each eclipsed 85 tackles last flavor, and are the tone setters for the Wildcat defence force.

Either quarterback–whether it's Taulia Tagovailoa or Lance LeGendre–must be aware of these playmaking linebackers each snap. While lacking feel at the quarterback position, the Terps don't lack experience at their skill positions.

Seniors Jake Funk and Tayon Fleet-Davis headline the running back group, with Funk listed as the starter for tonight's opener. At receiver, redshirt sophomore Jeshaun Jones is returning from a torn ACL, while juniors Brian Cobbs and Dontay Demus are starters equally well.

However, many eyes will exist on highly touted freshman Rakim Jarrett making his collegiate debut. Wide receiver is 1 of the deepest position groups on the Terps roster, and their explosiveness will be pivotal on Sat night. The biggest key for Maryland offensively will exist sustained drives and maintaining discipline.

"I think team discipline is something that nosotros've built on every single scrimmage," Funk said. "I think throughout every scrimmage nosotros've gotten better and better at playing make clean football."

Playing make clean football on both sides of the ball and limiting Ramsey's ability to extend plays will be paramount for the Terps to start the flavour with a win in this abbreviated 2022 season. The game will be aired at 7:30 p.k. ET on Big Ten Network.

trinidadforombity.blogspot.com

Source: http://wmucsports.net/maryland-football-travels-to-face-northwestern-for-season-opening-test/

Share this post