Maryland Football vs. Ohio State: Keys to Back-to-Back Maryland Wins
Maryland football narrowly defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31-24, Saturday, Sept. 30 and now they face one of the top teams in the country and the Big Ten in the No.10 Ohio State Buckeyes Oct.7.
Maryland football (3-1) battled back on the road to beat Minnesota Golden Gophers and Max Bortenschlager, the man under center for the Terrapins, played mistake-free football.
However, Ohio State is an entirely different animal compared to Minnesota and Bortenschlager will have his hands full.
Maryland will be going to play in the Horseshoe, Ohio Stadium, against a 4-1 Ohio State team who destroyed the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 56-0 and put up 54 points against UNLV at home. The Buckeyes were given a 97 percent chance to beat the Terps Saturday and are 30 point favorites.
Through five games, Ohio State has allowed 16 points per game compared to Maryland’s 30 points per game, and both teams have put up up a lot of total yards on offense and give up a lot as well.
Last season, Maryland football was blown out by Ohio State 62-3 in College Park. Ohio State Quarterback J.T. Barrett was at the helm then and completed 18 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Barrett, this season, has completed 91 passes for 1252 yards, 13 touchdowns, and one interception.
Keys to Maryland Terrapins Football Win vs. Ohio State
The Maryland Terrapins defense is going to have to pressure Barrett early and often. Take away receivers in coverage and force coverage sacks with three and four men in pursuit of him. Maryland even coming close to stick with Ohio State in this matchup will depend on the defensive pressure and intensity they come out with.
Who will win the running game battle between Ty Johnson and J.K. Dobbins? This is going to depend on the lines of scrimmage, but the running game will be an essential factor for both teams.
How is Bortenschlager going to do in a hostile environment? This will be a test for him regarding composure and leadership.
Fans can see Maryland football take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at 4 p.m. EST on Fox.