The Maryland Terrapins are home for the final game of the regular season against Rutgers with the hopes that the Terps can get a good Bowl Game with a decisive win today. Last week the Terps showed the country that Maryland is for real after they took the game against the undefeated No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, to the final minutes in a 3-point game. While the Terps lost, they showed that they are close to being a real force in football.
As expected, the 6-5 Terps are huge favorites at 14 points against the 4-7 Rutgers Scarlet Knights. It is a game the Terps are clearly expected to win and must win.
Maryland was looking for national respectability and became bowl eligible getting that sixth win against Northwestern last month. Bowl eligibility counts for a lot, but the Terps want to also get a Top-25 national ranking and accomplishing both and getting into a premiere bowl game is a goal for this program. That is how you grow as a team and Head Coach Mike Locksley has done a great job at bringing in some top recruits. But more wins and national exposure helps.
The Terps have to continue to get their talented RB Roman Hemby, the ball and establish a running game as Rutgers. Yes, it will be Taulia Tagavailoa starting in this game as he went down in pain after his final offensive play against Ohio State. Unfortunately, he won’t have his top target, Rakim Jarrett in this one as he is nursing a knee injury, severity not disclosed. Big back Antwain Littleton II, will continue to get his share of plays in the running game.
The Terps defense continued to give up too many big plays last week and it is the secondary who must control the game and come up with some big turnovers.
Maryland (6-5, 3-5 B1G) vs. Rutgers (4-7, 1-7 B1G)
When: Sat., Nov. 26 | 12:00 Noon EST
Where: SECU Stadium, College Park, Maryland
TV: Big Ten Network — Jason Ross Jr. (play-by-play), Matt McGloin (analyst)
Radio: 105.7 FM (Baltimore) / 980 AM (DC) — Johnny Holliday, Steve Suter
Vegas odds: have Maryland at -14 as the favorites, and the Over/Under is 48.5 points.
