GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Maryland’s offensive vs. Michigan’s No. 1 ranked defense. The Terps have been mostly overmatched against Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan teams, including a 59-3 shellacking in Ann Arbor two years ago. Now the Wolverines are wielding a high-powered defense that could turn this game ugly in a hurry if redshirt freshman QB Kasim Hill & Co. make mistakes. The week off may have finally allowed the Terrapin offensive line to get healthy, and that could be a saving grace against a mighty Michigan front seven. All-Big Ten tackle Derwin Gray is one of five returning starters from a year ago.
Maryland QBs have been sacked nine times this season, but seven of those came in the Temple debacle. If the Terps can find a way to run the ball, it could go a long way in opening things up and keeping the heat off Hill.
For Michigan, defensive end Rashan Gary was a preseason All-American and Chase Winovich plays with a high motor at the other end. Linebackers Devin Bush and Khaleke Hudson are All-American candidates, too. This game is easily the Maryland offense’s biggest challenge to date. Ditto interim head coach/offensive play-caller Matt Canada.
DRAFT SLANT
–LG Sean Christie was the most unheralded of Maryland’s offensive linemen coming into this season, but he has turned into the Terrapins’ most consistent blocker, and most reliable in terms of staying healthy. The 6-foot-4, 294-pounder has been the literal driving force behind Maryland’s 258.5 yards per game on the ground (6.2 yards per carry). His blocks opened the holes that freed Anthony McFarland for his two touchdowns against Minnesota, including a 64-yard scamper.
Fellow seniors Derwin Gray, Damian Prince, Brendan Moore and junior Terrance Davis were all more highly regarded before the season, but Christie has tape now that will put him on the NFL radar.
ROSTER REPORT
–RB Lorenzo Harrison will miss the rest of the season after undergoing successful surgery on his right knee Friday. He was injured in a noncontact drill last week, but the junior is expected to make a full recovery. He has amassed over 600 yards rushing in a little over two years, including 84 yards and two scores in two games this season, before suffering a hamstring injury. “LoLo” will have two years of eligibility when he returns.
–OG Terrance Davis was in the starting lineup for the first time in the Minnesota game. His return solidifies a strong unit. Tackles Derwin Gray (shoulder) and Damian Prince (wrist) have also been in and out with their nagging injuries.
–RB Tayon Fleet-Davis has been a revelation in a hybrid fullback/wingback role. He leads the team with three touchdowns and has a solid 4.9-yard average per carry. His stock is up more with Harrison and Jake Funk out with injuries, though Ty Johnson and Anthony McFarland will get the bulk of work.
–CB Marcus Lewis and DT Adam McClean, who both missed the Minnesota game for undisclosed reasons, are expected back this week.
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