Michigan State heads to College Park this weekend as BTN pointed to all eyes being on the quarterbacks in the upcoming matchup.
Spartans QB Aidan Chiles will look to turn the page one week after throwing a pair of interceptions and completing less than 50% of his passes, a debut that caught several by surprise. “We talked a lot about Chiles at Michigan State coming over with Jonathan Smith from Oregon State, knowing the system, but it certainly was a struggle,”. I didn't expect him in Michigan State's offense to struggle as much as they did,” Ross Dellenger said. Michigan State will look to bounce back with one less skill player with wide receiver Alante Brown among those expected to be inactive for Saturday.
As for Maryland QB Billy Edwards Jr., he’s coming off his second career 300-yard passing game as they pointed to his efficiency in the week one win. But being days away from facing a defense coming off a seven-sack performance vs. FAU, BTN analyst Anthony Herron pointed to whether the Terps will be able to run the ball like they did against UConn.
“I do wonder how Maryland's run game will do against that Spartan front seven, because they had all kinds of sacks and tackles for loss in week one. They were in the opposing backfield. If they get that again this week, if Maryland can't really get out of second gear with their run game, then that'll put even more pressure on Billy Edwards to see what he could do because he threw the ball at a really high level.”
Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi pointed to Maryland being able to move the ball “at will” while remaining complementary of Edwards and the coaching staff.
“They threw it, they ran it. They got talented receivers, they got depth, they got size, they got two returning backs, all-conference guys. The quarterback, I mean, not even what he did in the first game. but you watch what he did [against] Auburn last year in the bowl game. [He] came in, they jumped up, I think 21 so they're impressive. I got a lot of respect for their program and their skill players and their offensive line, I thought did a nice job opening holes. They've always been a challenge they got really good coaches. They got a veteran staff. They got a got a lot of guys on staff that have been former head coaches, so they're really good program.”
Rossi enters Saturday plenty familiar with Maryland having coached at Rutgers (2012-15) and Minnesota (2017-2023), but he’s noticed one consistency about the Mike Locksley offense through the years.
“Their OCs have been different. I think this is the third one since I've coached against them. They've always been 11, 12 personnel team. They've always usually operated out of the gun but like the flavors a little different, obviously based on who the OC is but they've always been a team that can score on your fast, and they certainly have our full attention.”
Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM on BTN.
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