Maryland (3-3, 0-3 B1G) vs. USC (3-3, 1-3 B1G)
When: Saturday, October 19 | 4:05 PM
Where: SECU Stadium
Watch: FS1 - Eric Collins, Robert Smith
Listen: 105.7 FM (Balt) / 980 AM (DC) - Johnny Holliday, Steve Suter, LaMont Jordan
Betting: Maryland +7 | O/U: 56.5
As head coach Mike Locksley looks to end his team’s two-game slide, Maryland football will look to win its fourth homecoming game in the last five years in the first-ever matchup vs. USC. Saturday also marks the first chance for Maryland to defeat a California-based team since 2008 when the Terps took down Cal, 35-27, in College Park. So what does Maryland need to do to get back on track? We take a look at what to watch for:
Finding Maryland's playmakers
In a game where both offenses have big-play potential, you get the ball into the hands of your best players on offense to keep up. For Maryland, those would be Tai Felton, Kaden Prather, and Roman Hemby. Hemby could be the focal point of the offense with the Trojans ranking third-worst in the Big Ten at stopping the run, while the front seven took yet another hit this week. With USC focused on stopping the ground game, which leads to big plays downfield. That’s where Prather and Felton come in. Felton has arguably been the top receiver in the Big Ten as he’s been a threat to break a long one no matter where it’s caught. Prather is one of the best number two receivers in college football, taking advantage of single coverage and getting open on deep passes. Whether the Terps can capitalize will be the biggest question on Saturday, as it's been in 2024.
After scoring no first quarter points in either of the last two games, Maryland will look to start out with a bang on Saturday.
In the secondary, USC’s senior-led unit will have a challenge in slowing down Maryland’s deadly duo. Outside corners, Jacobe Covington and Jaylin Smith are joined by nickel Greddy Vance Jr. Akili Arnold and Kamari Ramsey man the safeties. Ramsey is the only starter whp isn’t a senior. If those two are covered, tight ends Dylan Wade and Preston Howard could benefit.
Test the Trojans’ physicality upfront
The biggest question going in the season for USC was how they would handle the physical nature of the Big Ten. Michigan and Minnesota gave their fits up front and it was the main reason why they lost both games. Michigan, in particular, was rough as they ran for almost 300 yards. Maryland will have to try and replicate that a bit, especially after what might have been their worst game on the offensive line last week. Mike Locksley talked about making changes to the roster and it would be expected that the O-line be included. As mentioned earlier, the Trojans lost a big piece on the defensive line with Bear Alexander deciding to redshirt. However, linebackers Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Mason Cobb are still there. Anthony Lucas, the unit’s leading tackler, will miss Saturday’s game while Braylan Lucas has the unit’s only sack. Pass rushing-wise, USC only has six sacks on the year and Maryland has to do a better job at protecting the quarterback. They’ve given up eight sacks the last two games and Billy Edwards was rushed constantly against Northwestern.
On defense, Maryland’s front seven need to step up and slow down the USC offense. Defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote will be counted on to step up again, while the offseason buzz around Jordan Phillips will. Right guard could be a place Maryland takes advantage of with young guys Alani Noa and Amos Talalele listed as co-starters. Neeo Avery was a bright spot for Maryland in the loss to Northwestern, recording his first big play in a Terp uniform. Kellen Wyatt and Caleb Wheatland will also be counted on.
Limiting the big plays from USC's passing attack
Miller Moss has done a good job taking over for Caleb Williams, throwing for over 1,600 yards, 11 touchdowns to five interceptions. What’s helped him out is the weapons that he has to get the ball to. USC has had four players reach 20 catches through the first six games. One is running back Woody Marks, who has proven he’s a big play waiting to happen. Ja’Kobi Lane and Zachariah Branch are tied for the team lead in catches with 23, while Kyron Hudson has the most receiving yards. Duce Robinson and Makai Lemon are other names to know in the receiving core.
This could be a problem for Maryland, as they have struggled all year against the pass and will need to step up on Saturday. One player whose return could loom big for the Terps is safety Dante Trader Jr.. With him back next to Glendon Miller and with Lavain Scruggs as a number three, Maryland’s safeties have to be at their best. At the corner, Perry Fisher has to step up his game. Kevis Thomas got an extended look last week and should be on the field often against the Trojans, while Chantz Harley and true freshman ‘Kerm’ Humes have become integral in the rotation.
Maryland has allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game (278.8) among Power Four teams in 2024 and will face its biggest test of the season until it sees Oregon on Nov. 9.
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