Maryland Football: 5 Toughest Games in 2015
4. Oct. 24 vs. Penn State
Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin waits to lead his team onto the field prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State is another big-time rival for the Terps, especially when it comes to fighting for local recruits. In the meeting between the two teams last season, the Terps rallied to beat the Nittany Lions on a game-winning Brad Craddock field goal.
Head coach and former Terps assistant, James Franklin, has the Nittany Lions locked and loaded and ready to exact revenge on Maryland.
They are led by quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who could be one of the better signal-callers in the country this season. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a rough sophomore campaign where he threw 15 interceptions to just 12 touchdowns. Hackenberg’s struggles can be partially attributed to a depleted offensive line. He was sacked 44 times in 2014, which was the worst in the conference. The unit is expected to be better in 2015 with more experience.
Hackenberg will be in good company in the Penn State backfield as he’ll be joined by junior running back Akeel Lynch. Lynch carried the ball 147 times last season for 678 yards and four touchdowns. Now, as the featured back, those numbers are expected to rise. The Nittany Lions also boast two freshmen who should have an impact in 2015. Keep an eye out for Nick Scott and Saquon Barkley.
There are also some talented receivers on the roster, including DaeSean Hamilton, who led the conference in receptions (82) last season.
The defense is expected to be pretty solid as well. The front-seven is spearheaded by defensive linemen Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson. They combined for 91 total tackles, 23 of which were for losses. The Nittany Lions have some holes at defensive end and linebacker. They have to replace Mike Hull, the Big Ten leader in tackles (140) last season, but starting outside linebacker Nyeem Wartman has slid inside.
The secondary is expected to be strong as it returns three starters from last year. Watch out for safety Marcus Allen, who started seven games as a freshman and should be an impact player for Penn State. They are also solid at the cornerback spot with Trevor Williams and Jordan Lucas.