The Terrapins are on their third-string quarterback Max Bortenschlager. He will have to play lights out against a stout Michigan defense that brings all kinds of pressure from different angles. Bortenschlager is 88 for 172 with 1,007 yards with 10 touchdowns versus five interceptions.
Maryland likes to run the ball, and for any success, they will need to in this one. Michigan will likely stack the box to force Maryland to pass. To keep out of 2nd, 3rd and long, running backs Ty Johnson, 107 carries for 703 yards and five touchdowns, Lorenzo Harrison III, 105 carries for 431 yards and two touchdowns, and finally, Jake Funk with four touchdowns will all need to have some production.
When Maryland does go to the air, they’ll look to D.J. Moore who has 59 receptions for 820 yards and eight touchdowns. Taivon Jacobs is also having a good year with 32 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns.
Maryland will have to win in the trenches on defense. Michigan wants to run the ball and use play action for the big play. Freshman QB Brandon Peters gets his second career start and his first on the road. Peters is the Wolverines third QB this year. Starter Wilton Speight went down against Purdue with a separated shoulder and backup John O’Korn was ineffective in all of his starts. Peters is 19 for 28 for 184 yards with two touchdowns.
Michigan uses a three-running back system with Karan Higdon, Ty Isaac, and Chris Evans. All three have had their moments this year. Higdon has 119 carries for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns. Isaac has 88 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns while Evans has 89 carries for 489 yards and four touchdowns.
Michigan’s passing game has been a work in progress all season so much like what the Wolverines want to do on defense, look for Maryland to try to do the same when Michigan has the ball.
A win for Maryland puts them a game away from bowl eligibility, but No. 12 Michigan State and No. 14 Penn State are next in line for the Terrapins.
A win for the Wolverines most likely puts them back in the Top 25 and keeps them alive for a chance to win the BIG 10 East although they’ll need a lot of help at this point. Michigan needs to win out which will be tough in its own right finishing the season against No. 8 Wisconsin and then of course “The Game” against No. 13 Ohio State. The Wolverines actually need Ohio State to beat Michigan State this week and also needs Penn State to lose again.
