ADVERTISEMENT

Big Ten football mid-season poll from Rivals.com

All 14 publishers decided to do mid-season power rankings and awards with most teams at the halfway point. The Terps came in 4th in the power rankings behind Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State, in that order. Those were my top four and the order I had them, also.

Offensive player of the year is Michigan QB JJ McCarthy who beat out Tagovailoa and Marvin Harrison Jr. Full disclosure, I had McCarthy as my OPOY. Honestly, before Saturday's games I was probably leaning towards Lia and after I feel like Harrison was right there, also. But McCarthy has been the most efficient, consistent QB on a very balanced, high-scoring offense.

Defensive player of the year I voted for Curtis Jacobs. Simply, he's the leading tackler on the nation's leading defense. I'm honestly shocked at how little love the McDonogh product gets all things considered.

I voted James Franklin for coach of the year. Harbaugh was a non-starter and again, I was ready to pick Locks before Saturday's loss but instead went with Franklin, although it was really close.

Purdue freshman safety Dillon Thieneman was my freshman of the year and honestly, an argument can be made he is the overall defensive player of the year thus far. Kid is having just an absolutely unreal season.

But the fact other Big Ten publishers are picking the Terps 4th, Lia as OPOY and Locks as COTY should tell you just how far this program has come and how good of a season others around the nation think this team is having so far. If they can knock off one of the remaining top-10 teams left on the schedule, you are going to see Terps winning some postseason awards.

STORY

Locksley says postgame...

OSU did a good job of keeping us from making explosive plays and making those plays themselves.

On the pick six, the receiver is supposed to turn inside and it the receiver turned outside. We have to get those things cleaned up and we'll do that this week.

It wasn't scheme or anything like that, they were just better. We were able to generate a couple of explosive plays today, but not enough.

Says Lia's growth goes beyond just one game. Have still seen tremendous growth from him. And he's not happy, he's in the locker room right now upset just like everyone else.

On the defensive breakdowns in the secondary, a lot of it came off of double moves and wheels which are long developing plays and we have to keep the ball in front of us and we have to get that corrected. But anyone can tell you, Marvin Harrison Jr is a great player and we have to do a better job of not letting a player of his caliber make plays.

Says the Terps are a rhythm team and they deferred on the toss because you hope to get a score at the end of the half and then the first score to open the second half. We wanted to take a shot down the field but we check it down and aren't able to get the field goal. But we didn't execute that the right way.

With regards to the secondary, says injuries happen and that's why they try to play as many guys as they can every week. But some of the plays they got burned on where plays they have been burned on in the past and they need to work on those things.

Rutgers Accommodations

Where do Terp fans usually stay when attending games at Rutgers. Yep, you heard me right. The wife had agreed to attend one away game per year. This wouldn't be my choice but its drivable, and with a chance to finish 9-3 it could be fun.

I'm holding out for the Music City Bowl myself, and with many former family Terp fans now living in Tennessee we could have a really good tail gate.

After further review…

Terps need to run the football more. They run well at times. Littleton is becoming a force. Hemby has moments and so does Colby. I worked with a former LB prospect of FSU during the game yesterday, a Miami dude. He opined that we should run the ball more. I agree. The OL is a good pass-blocking unit. I’d have to imagine they get more pass pro reps in practice given the nature of the O. Flip the script a bit sometimes, but not when you’re down 10 with 8 minutes left. Also, to sell Billy in a situation, let him throw some or everyone will sit on it.

D looked good for 3 quarters. O didn’t help them in the 2nd half. Still high on the D.

Lia needs to master details.

Team needs to be on the same page in end of half scenarios. That’s on the coaches and 2 weeks in a row.

In the commentary from OSU fans that I’ve read, they are far more complimentary of yesterdays effort than a scant few here who don’t like the HC for whatever reason.

***Ohio State Game Thread***

We're about 2 hours away from kickoff and the injury reports for today's game are in.

Barham and Still are both listed as questionable for the Terps but both are expected to play.

The bigger news comes from the Ohio side, where the Buckeyes have listed starting RB TreVeyon Henderson as OUT for today's game. This is huge news as he's a big, bruising back who just plows over defenders for big chunks of yardage. He averaged 8 yards per carry in the Buckeyes first two home games.

Maryland will be in white uniforms and red pants today.

Weather is about what you would expect in Ohio this time of year, chilly and overcast.
  • Like
Reactions: Ephant

Ohio State predictions

Lets see your predictions for tomorrow.

Mine probably won't be popular, I picked OSU to win 27-20.

I have a feeling they cover the 20-point spread, just don't think they will be able to get it done on the road.

Assuming they do cover and keep it close for most of the game, I feel good about their chances to knock off one of PSU or Michigan at home later this season.

Maryland-Ohio State will be FOX's Big Noon game

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland will travel to No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday, Oct. 7 for a Big Ten East battle that will kickoff at Noon and air as part of FOX's Big Noon Saturday, it was announced today. The game will also air on the Maryland Sports Radio Network.

Maryland (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) is undefeated through its first four games for the second time in three years, winning each game by 18 or more points. The Terrapins are one of only three schools in the FBS to be 4-0 and win each game by 18 or more points (No. 2 Michigan & No. 7 Washington).

Maryland is coming off a 31-9 win at Michigan State this past Saturday. The Terps have scored 31 or more points in each of the first four games of the season for the first time in program history. Maryland currently leads the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 450.5 yards per game.

Ohio State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) is coming off a 17-14 win at No. 9 Notre Dame this past Saturday. The Buckeyes are off this week before hosting the Terps.

Maryland will play its Big Ten home opener this Saturday against Indiana. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network and the Maryland Sports Radio Network. It will be Family Weekend in College Park. To purchase tickets, click here.
ADVERTISEMENT

Filter

ADVERTISEMENT