Dec 30, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley talks with Maryland Terrapins defensive back Chantz Harley (24) after a play during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Maryland has held an interesting position in the Big Ten over the last few seasons. It finished at 8-5, 8-5 and 7-6 respectively over the last three years. That comes from the Terrapins taking care of business against lesser competition, but then losing to every contender they play.
The 2023 team captured that trend perfectly. It started 5-0 with wins over three nonconference opponents, Michigan State and Indiana. Then the team lost five of its next six, including losses to Ohio State, Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State and Michigan. The 8-5 record looked good at the end of the season despite a classic case of a 5-0 Maryland underperforming when the real games began.
Overall, it’s fine if that is a program’s peak. Maryland was in a tough spot in the Big Ten East, matched up against Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State every year. Head coach Mike Locksley did a good job getting it to a perennial eight-win pace.
There is an issue moving forward: three-year starter Taulia Tagovailoa is finally out of eligibility. The move to the new Big Ten landscape also includes a substantial quarterback change. Because of that change, 2024 may be a down year for the program at the worst possible time.
Maryland would do well to win seven or eight games moving forward.
Source link : https://badgerswire.usatoday.com/lists/big-ten-football-2024-team-preview-maryland-terrapins/
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Publish date : 2024-07-16 08:10:00
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