The Maryland Terrapins are at home again at SECU Field in College Park, Maryland and feeling like they can get into the NCAA Top-25 with a win today against the Purdue Boilermakers. After a decisive win against Michigan State last week, Maryland moved up the power rankings and a No. 4 ranking in the powerful Big-10 behind Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. Unfortunately when the Big-10 is strong, they have to face each other to where there is usually only one standing in the Top-10 of college football in the end.
Maryland is just looking for national respectability at this point. A move into the Top-25 would be big for this program and recruiting more top players to this program. That is how you grow as a team and Coach Mike Locksley has done a great job at bringing in those players.
The chance to win for Maryland seems to be with QB Taulia Tagovailoa showing up big in this one. The Terps have to continue to get their talented RB Roman Hemby, more involved in the game this week. Last week it was Antwain Littleton II who got the bulk of the work and rushed for one TD and 120 yards on 19 carries. It was his first time going over the 100-yard rushing mark this season.
The Terps played disciplined football last week and kept the penalties to a minimum which led to more sustained drives. The defense has to be more effective in 3rd down plays to put pressure on the quarterback, and stay away from those pass interference penalties.
Maryland and Purdue are scheduled to kick off at noon on Big-10 Network. Expect temperatures in the low 60’s and sunny for most of the game.
The Vegas odds have Maryland at -3.0 as the favorites, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points.
