GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Maryland QB Kasim Hill hasn’t put up very big numbers — the Terrapins are last in the Big Ten in pass offense with just 125 yards per game — but Indiana’s defense has allowed the second highest pass efficiency in the conference this year (142.4 rating). The Hoosiers are yielding 59.8 percent completions and 22 touchdowns (vs. 10 interceptions) through their friendly skies. Can a Maryland passing attack that hasn’t accounted for more than 100 yards in five of the last seven contests take advantage?
Minnesota’s Tanner Morgan threw for 302 yards and three scores in a 38-31 win over the Hoosiers two weeks ago (IU was off last Saturday). Opponents have been over 240 yards passing the last four games against the Hoosiers. Indiana has ranked among the national leaders in creating turnovers, though, and veteran safety Jonathan Crawford is a big-time player.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Tre Watson was obviously a missing piece for the Maryland defense. The grad transfer from Illinois came to the Terps for his final season and all he’s doing is leading the Big Ten in tackles with 10.1 per game. He’s the only conference defender in double figure tackles per game and he’s also tied for the Big Ten lead (with teammate Darnell Savage, Jr.) with four interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds, Watson has moved from the middle to the weakside this season in Maryland’s 5-2 set, but has thrived, not just against the run but showing off natural instincts in pass defense. He has been a team leader through a tough season and should get a look from the NFL. He had 13 tackles against the Spartans and has had 10-or-more stops in six of the last seven games, the one exception against Illinois when he was ejected for targeting in the first half.
ROSTER REPORT
–RB Ty Johnson dressed and went through pregame warm-ups but didn’t play against Michigan State. He will be a game-time decision.
–RB Jake Funk returned to practice this week and could also play. He has been out since breaking his hand in the first game.
–S Qwantrezz Knight has left the team, he announced via Twitter. Knight had been a regular in the defensive back rotation last season but saw his action cut drastically this year.
–DT Mbi Tanyi was ejected late in the first half against Michigan State for throwing a punch.
–OT Marcus Minor, who started three of the first four games this season (and plays both left and right tackle), has missed the last five games.
–CB Marcus Lewis missed his second straight game and his fourth in the last six. His replacement — RaVon Davis — had an interception against Michigan State.
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