Ohio State football: 5 reasons the Buckeyes will destroy Maryland
By Alec Hartman
3. Injuries will hinder the Terrapins’ success against the Bucks by making them too one dimensional.
Third string quarterback Max Bortenschlager led the way for Maryland last game on the road against Minnesota in wake of Hill’s injury in the week prior. He played well considering the circumstances and his limited experience as a sophomore. Bortenschlager earned the Terrapins a close victory in Minnesota to improve the team to a 3-1 record. Maryland’s original starter at quarterback was sophomore Tyrrell Pigrome who was injured against Texas in week one.
If the Bucks can contain Ty Johnson then their chances of success will be great. The Terrapins have had to lean heavily on their run game with the ongoing injury issues at the quarterback position. Johnson has been able to make big plays to keep them in games. He leads the team in rushing yards, touchdowns, and averages almost nine yards a carry.
Terrapins’ leading receiver D.J. Moore has also been a key player in their offense. His 30 receptions doubles any other receiver on the team and he leads the team with five touchdowns. It’s clear that the Terrapins like to get him the ball early and often.
Trying to beat the Bucks with a one dimensional team has failed time and time again. The Bucks have a well-rounded team, especially in this season, so if a team only excels in one area then the Bucks capitalize off beating opponents in every other area. This holds true for Army and UNLV who met defeat because they could not do anything other than run the ball.
The Bucks will most definitely take away the Terrapins’ strengths which are running the ball and passing it to D.J. Moore. The Terrapins’ offense can be explosive but their sudden collapse at the quarterback position has put the whole operation on crutches. The offense no longer has the same ceiling as it once did which will halt any chance that the Terrapins would have at outscoring the Bucks. Expect the Bucks’ offense to easily do enough to surpass the Terrapins.