PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Dwayne Haskins, in October, seemed destined to be a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy. Then the loss at Purdue happened and his stock has not regained its lofty status. Still, Haskins could break a host of Ohio State passing records this weekend against Maryland. He’s 51 yards from Joe Germaine’s 1998 record for passing yards in a season and three touchdown passes from J.T. Barrett’s TD record. He’s also closing in on the Troy Smith’s 2006 record completion percentage of .653 and Germaine’s 277.5 passing yards per game. Haskins has completed 68.9 percent of his passes, averages 328 yards per game and has thrown for 3,280 yards and 33 touchdowns. Against Michigan State, Haskins connected on 24-of-39 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown.
–WR Terry McLaurin has received lavish praise from coach Urban Meyer, not only for his play on offense but for his special teams work. Meyer calls McLaurin one of the elite performers that he has had during his coaching career. In fact, Meyer said he’d name another child Terry if he ever had another son. McLaurin was the gunner who was mostly responsible for downing six punts inside the Michigan State 10-yard line, putting the Spartans’ offense in a precarious position numerous times and ultimately playing a major role in the outcome of the game. Offensively, McLaurin led Ohio State in receiving yards with 63 on five catches. “Terry McLaurin … put a statue of him somewhere,” Meyer said.
–S Brendon White, a sophomore, seized the opportunity for playing time in October and has run with it. White may have solidified the position after Ohio State has run through several safeties at the spot opposite Jordan Fuller. The son of former Ohio State All-American safety William White displayed his ability two weeks ago against Nebraska when he accumulated 13 tackles in less than three quarters. Last week against Michigan State, White made his first career start and finished with five tackles and one pass breakup. “When injury opportunity arises, he answered the bell,” coach Urban Meyer said. “We’ve had sometimes that not happen. But there’s a great history of guys that step up and go play. And Brendon’s had two very good games. Three now.”
–P Drue Chrisman left a major mark on Ohio State’s 26-6 road win over Michigan State last week. After badly shanking a four-yard punt early in the game, he responded by landing punt after punt inside the Michigan State five-yard line. His punts put the Spartans in bad field position and led to a safety. It seemed the Spartans could never get out of the shadow of their own goal line in the second half. They started six drives inside their own 10. Ohio State will again count on Chrisman and the special teams units to neutralize Maryland’s returners and pin the Terrapins deep in their own territory.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Maryland 4-0. All four victories have come since Maryland joined the Big Ten in 2014.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “That’s the only thing I’ll say about our offensive line now is that: Are we where we need to be? No. Do they grind and work and fight and spit and everything they can?” — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer
