After dominating UConn, 50-7, in the 2024 season opener, Maryland football will now shift its attention its Big Ten opener as Michigan State and first-year head coach Jonathan Smith head to College Park. Both teams will look to move to 2-0, but both teams had polar opposite performances to open the season. So, what should Maryland fans expect this weekend? With the Terps’ still a comfortable favorite, what does Maryland need to do in order to remain undefeated. To learn more, we spoke with Colin Jankowski of Spartans Illustrated to take a look at this year's Michigan State squad to preview Saturday’s matchup.
IBG: The Spartans struggled at home against FAU. What was the biggest reason for the struggles on the offensive side of the ball?
Colin Jankowski: I think a big thing will be consistency from the offensive line. They didn't have an awful game against Florida Atlantic, and showed some really great flashes of potential, but there were a number of plays where the blocking wasn't there. This conference is known for some great defense, and everything starts in the trenches.
IBG: QB Aaron Chiles in his first start as a Spartan only threw for 114 yards and two interceptions. What will need to change in order for the Spartans to find success in the passing game against a Terps defense that had two intersections last week?
CJ: I'm not really sure what to make of Chiles' first appearance as a Spartan. Was it nerves? An off day? A bit of both? He's an incredibly talented quarterback and has significant potential. Michigan State also has a very solid receiver room for him to throw to. Whether it was nerves or a bit of a disconnect in week one, he'll need to dial his passing in a bit this week. The big plays were there against FAU, but the windows might be a bit tighter this week against that Maryland defense, so it'll be even tougher for him this week. There will be opportunities, though, but if he can dial up some shorter throws and get into a rhythm to get his confidence back, he could give Maryland some trouble.
IBG: The Terps offense played a clean game last season and did not turn the ball over while Michigan State turned FAU over twice. What will the Spartans need to do against the Terps offense to get them to commit their first turnover this season?
CJ: Pressure from the defense will be a big factor. Michigan State recorded seven sacks against FAU and was close to an eighth before a last-second heave out of bounds on the Owls' final offensive snap. Having consistent pressure paid off tremendously for the secondary. Making Billy Edwards Jr. uncomfortable early, making him have to make tough throws to beat you, and bringing him down as often as possible will be the biggest difference maker between last year's result, and a potential win for the Spartans on the road this season.
IBG: The Terps offense gained 629 total yards of offense and was very balanced. Which part of the offense worries you the most and why?
CJ: Like you noted, they were very balanced. I think Michigan State had a defensive effort in week one that, while taking it with a grain of salt, gives some confidence that this isn't the same defense that teams have seen in recent years. They can get to the quarterback, can consistently hold running backs to short gains, and are balanced in their own right. Maryland allowed just one sack from UConn, so I'd say that jumps out at me immediately. Michigan State will need to be disruptive in the trenches to try and return home with a Big Ten win in week two.
IBG: This will be Spartans' new head coach Jonathan Smith's first conference game in the Big Ten. What are you most concerned about and what are you most confident about and why?
CJ: After the offensive performance in week one, in a conference known for tough defense, I'm most concerned about whether they can address those issues quickly and put it together on the field in a hostile environment. It won't be easy at all. I am fairly confident the defense will be able to replicate enough of their success from week one that, if the offense comes around in week two, the Spartans will have a chance in this one.
IBG: Game score prediction
CJ: It's tough that this game is so early in the season. As Jonathan Smith said postgame last week, week one is always "overreaction Saturday." And while I don't doubt Maryland is a good team this year, overreactions can go both ways. I'm inclined to believe the Spartans' offense is better than what we saw against Florida Atlantic, but I do think that the odds are stacked against them here. It may be closer than people think for a bit of the game, but I'll take the Terps here this early in Jonathan Smith's time at Michigan State. 28-17 and a 2-0 start for Maryland.
The Terps will be looking to extend their winning streak over Michigan State to three games when the Spartans comes to town on Saturday. The game is set to kick off at 3:30PM EST and will be airing on the Big Ten Network.
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