Maryland has done all of this with three different quarterbacks this season. As they’re on their third string QB Max Bortenschlager after season ending knee injuries to Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill forced Bortenschlager into action. The Terrapins will want to take as much pressure off of him as possible and that beings with the running game. Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison III both have 46 carries on the season. Johnson has 411 yards and four touchdowns while Harrison III has 201 yards.
When Bortenschlager does drop back he’ll be looking to D.J. Moore who has 30 receptions for 403 yards and five touchdowns. Teams have been able to move the ball through the air against Ohio State this year but with a third string QB the Buckeyes might bring constant pressure throughout the game. Bortenschlager can give his team the best chance by not turning the ball over. He’s 34/56 for 290 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Maryland defense has its work cut out for them as they’ll try to slow down an Ohio State team that’s averaging 564.8 yards a game, good for 5th in the country and 11th in scoring with 42.6 points a game.
For the Buckeyes, their offense seems to be clicking finally following back to back 50 plus games. The lone loss for the Buckeyes came against Oklahoma in the second game of the season. Quarterback J.T. Barrett continues to work on becoming a pocket passer and using his legs less. Coming into Saturday’s game, he is 91/143 for 1,252 yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception. Barrett is the team’s second leading rusher with 52 carries for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
J.K. Dobbins is the leading rusher for the Buckeyes with 75 carries for 573 yards and three touchdowns. The numbers for the receiving corps are eye opening. 16 different Buckeyes have caught a pass this season. Together they have 119 receptions for 1,630 yards and 16 touchdowns.
