For the Maryland Terrapins, it is new beginnings for this football season. QB Taulia Tagovailoa used up his eligibility, and there is officially a change at that key position at the University of Maryland. There was a long competition that started months ago. Head coach Mike Locksley would not name his starting quarterback for the opener today against UConn. We will know that answer from the three QBs in the competition when Maryland takes the field for their first offensive snap of the season.
The Terps have experienced a strong stretch of results over the last few seasons. With a win over Auburn in the 2023 TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Maryland has won a bowl game in three straight seasons for the first time in program history. It was also the first time Maryland has played in a bowl game for three consecutive years since 2006-08.
Maryland has won eight games in back-to-back seasons, and that is a testament to the team’s consistency and improvement, especially given the historical context since their last such achievement was in 2002-03. Here are a few points that might be of interest or discussion regarding this achievement:
Future Prospects: What does this mean for the future seasons? Are there expectations for further improvement, or is there a risk of complacency?
Coaching Impact: Head Coach Locksley has brought a constant voice since he was hired as the head coach in December 2018
Player Development: This could indicate better recruitment, player development, or perhaps a strong core of players who have matured and improved over time.
Team Dynamics: Improved team chemistry or leadership could be playing a significant role. Sometimes, a few key players can elevate the entire team’s performance.
Conference Challenges: Being in the Big Ten, Maryland faces tough competition. How have they managed to navigate through this challenging conference schedule?
Maryland returns five starters on the offensive side of the ball in 2024, including All-Big Ten selections in running back Roman Hemby and wide receivers Tai Felton and Kaden Prather. OL Kyle Long and TE Preston Howard also return. Howard caught his first career touchdown pass in Maryland’s win over Auburn in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.
Seven starters return for Maryland’s defense, including Third-Team All-Big Ten selection Ruben Hyppolite II and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection Quashon Fuller. Other returners include defensive linemen Jordan Phillips and Tommy Akingbesote, linebacker Kellan Wyatt and defensive backs Dante Trader Jr. and Glendon Miller. That group combined for 270 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and six interceptions in 2023.
“Great to be back with game week. I’m excited to see what we have. See what this ’24 iteration of Maryland football is all about.”
— head coach Michael Locksley said on Tuesday
With a Terps’ win today against UConn in this non-conference game, it would be the 13th-straight non-conference season opening win. Also a win today would extend the Terps’ non-conference win streak to 13. Coach Locksley so far is 14-1 in non-conference games.
Maryland’s record: 0-0, 0-0 Big Ten
Connecticut’s record: 0-0
All-time series: 2-1 all-time against UConn
BetUS Sportsbook : Maryland -+19, O/U 44.5
Kickoff: Saturday, August 31, Noon EDT
Stadium: SECU Field
TV: FS1 Play-By-Play: Connor Onion; Analyst: Mark Helfrich
Streaming TV: Fox Sports
Radio: Audacy Radio App / SiriusXM 136; 105.7 FM (Balt.) / 980 AM (D.C.) — Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), Steve Suter (analyst), LaMont Jordan (sideline)
