PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Tyrrell Pigrome took over for injured Kasim Hill — a reverse of what happened last season — and showed what he can do, completing 10-of-13 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown and rallying the Terps at Indiana. Pigrome very nearly won the starting job in preseason and he’s a more gifted runner than Hill, strengthening a part of the Terrapins’ game that’s already their offensive strong suit. Pigrome has a strong arm, particularly on slants, and he can extend plays and keep pressure on a defense. He does draw a tough opening start, though, in Ohio State.
–RB Anthony McFarland, a redshirt freshman, rushed 29 times for 210 yards at Indiana, a new career high. He went over 100 yards for the third time this year. He also broke school records for a freshman season and game rushing totals. McFarland has been the most explosive of the Terrapin backs this season. Depending on the health of Ty Johnson, it’s hard to imagine the offense having much success without a big day from McFarland.
–RG Brendan Moore had started the last six games at center where he was a Remington Award candidate in the preseason. He had moved to guard early this season because of injuries and moved back last week with Terrance Davis out. The OL bounced back (with Johnny Jordan at center) from a poor performance against Michigan State with 353 yards rushing and allowing just one sack.
–WLB Tre Morgan continues to lead the Big Ten in both tackles (9.8 per game) and interceptions (five). He had seven stops, five solo, at Indiana and made a great interception on a deflected ball. The grad transfer from Illinois has been a ringleader of an improved Maryland defense this year, and likely has played himself into a real opportunity to play at the next level.
–Nickel back Antoine Brooks, Jr., had five tackles at Indiana, including a sack, and he continues to make plays as a hybrid linebacker/DB in the Maryland scheme. His sack came on a fourth quarter flea-flicker when he beat a TE around the edge. He is averaging 5.6 tackles per game and has been solid in coverage.
–K Joseph Petrino, a true freshman, missed his first kick of any kind last week. After a penalty, he pushed a PAT wide left, but he also hit a career-best four field goals. On the season, he is 34-of-35 on PATs, and 10-of-10 on field goals attempts.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Maryland 4-0 including 2-0 in College Park. The Buckeyes blasted Maryland 62-14 last year in Columbus, and 62-3 in College Park in 2016. The average score in the four meetings has been 56.2 to 17.25.
–QUOTE TO NOTE: “As soon as he came in, he got everybody going. I feel like Pig had a hell of a game as soon as he came in. And I’m proud of him.” — RB Anthony McFarland on QB Tyrrell Pigrome at Indiana.
