PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Kasim Hill hasn’t thrown for more than 121 yards in the last four games and was just 5-of-10 for 62 yards and his second interception last Saturday against Michigan’s top-ranked defense. The opposition isn’t quite as daunting this week with Rutgers’ pass defense last in the Big Ten in efficiency. But then again, Maryland’s pass offense is dead last in the conference with just 127.6 passing yards per game. The Terrapins rely on their running game, but Hill is going to have to make plays up top to open things up.
–RB/KR Ty Johnson was Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after his 98-yard kickoff return to the house in ‘The Big House.’ He is third in the conference in all-purpose yards (129.6) and poised to become just the fourth Terp ever over 4,000 all-purpose yards. He has 3,935 career all-purpose yards. Defenses have geared to stop him in the running game, and he had a season-low three yards at Michigan. Look for Maryland to look to get him more involved against Rutgers.
–WLB Tre Watson had 10 tackles at Michigan before he was ejected for a targeting hit. He will sit out the first half Saturday and will be missed. He is tops in the Big Ten with 9.8 tackles per game and has shown a penchant for the big play, including a fourth-and-one tackle at Michigan to turn the ball over. His fourth quarter interception sealed the Texas win, too, and he had 15 tackles against Temple, the most for a Terp in nearly three years.
–MLB Isaiah Davis has been overshadowed by Tre Watson this season, but the junior stalwart is sixth in the Big Ten with 7.8 tackles per game. He had seven unassisted tackles at Michigan. Davis’ older brother, former Terps and current Steelers DB Sean, often sends game film and constructive criticism to his younger brother.
–S Darnell Savage was all over the field against Michigan with five solo tackles and an interception. He’s a playmaker and makes things happen for the improved defense. Savage has six or more tackles in three of the first five contests.
SERIES HISTORY: Maryland leads Rutgers 7-6, and it’s 2-2 since both schools joined the Big Ten. Rutgers scored two fourth quarter touchdowns last year in Piscataway to pull out a 31-24 victory.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Stats are for losers. You’re ranked this or this or this on offense. The stat that matters is if you win or you lose. On offense it matters whether you score more points than they do, and we haven’t done that in two games.” — Maryland interim head coach/offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
