Rutgers (5-4, 2-4) vs. Maryland (4-5, 1-5)
When: November 16 | 6 PM
Where: SECU Stadium | College Park, MD
TV: FS1 | Chris Myers, Spencer Tillman
Radio: One Maryland App | 105.7FM (Balt.) | 980AM (DC) | SiriusXM 161 or 195
Betting: Maryland -5.5 | O/U: 52 (DraftKings)
For the first time since the homecoming win vs. USC on Oct. 19, Maryland football is back home as they welcome Rutgers for Military Appreciation Day looking to defeat the Scarlet Knights for the fourth consecutive year and sixth time in the last seven meetings. Maryland also has a chance to move to 4-2 at home this season as they look to end their two-game slide. With Maryland a comfortable betting favorite heading into kickoff, what should Terp fans look out for? We take a look at three storylines:
Will Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai play?
Arguably the biggest question heading into Saturday, Monangai is one of the best running backs in college football and arguably a top-five player in the Big Ten. He’s been the heartbeat of this Rutgers’ offense, rushing for 931 yards on 5.4 yards a carry, 10 touchdowns, and has had at least 70 rushing yards in every game he’s played. Rutgers is ranked sixth in the Big Ten in rushing, just behind Wisconsin. However, he missed Rutgers’ win last week over Minnesota with an undisclosed injury. While the team performed well without Monangai, the rushing game did take a hit averaging under three yards a carry. He’ll probably be a game-time decision, which could affect Maryland’s game plan for the offense in terms of what they should prepare for. If he can’t go on Saturday, it will be up to Antwan Raymond and Ja’Shon Benjamin to carry the load again. Raymond took over as the primary backup following a season-ending injury to Samuel Brown. Benjamin hadn’t touched the ball this season until last week and impressed with 66 yards on 11 carries.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will also have to step up if Monangai is out for the game. The Minnesota transfer has struggled this year, completing less than 55% of his passes and only hitting the 60 mark once since week 4. Wide receivers Dymere Miller and Ian Strong are the only two to have over 300 receiving yards on the season. Strong and tight end Kenny Flecher are tied for second on the team in catches with 20.
Generate the explosives on offense again
Head coach Mike Locksley even noted it during his weekly press conference – “we're missing the explosives.”
The last few weeks have been a struggle for Maryland in the passing game. Starter Billy Edwards has completed under 60% of his passes in three of the past four weeks, throwing only three touchdowns while being picked off six times. He was replaced in the fourth quarter of the last two games by MJ Morris. Edwards and the passing game need a rebound performance this week as Maryland needs to win two out of their next three games to qualify for a bowl game.
While the offensive line takes some of the blame due to some inability to protect the quarterback, Edwards has not played his best football lately. He’s been inaccurate on some passes and has missed open targets due to predetermining his throws. If Edwards struggles again, there’s a chance Morris will come in to take his place. Rutgers ranks second to last in the Big Ten in total defense and has given up over 230 passing yards a game. Maryland must to take advantage of big play opportunities when they come their way. Rutgers is tied for 55th in the nation given up 17 pass plays of 25 or more yards.
For the Terps’ offense, Tai Felton needs just one reception to break DJ Moore’s record for most catches in a single season. Kaden Prather is looking for a bounceback game after combining for only four catches in the last two games. For Rutgers, safety Shaquan Loyal leads them in interceptions with two. He and fellow safety Flip Dixon are sure tacklers who are not afraid to hit anyone. Nickelback Desmond Igbinoson is second on the team in tackles. The battles between him and Felton could be interesting when he’s lined up inside. Team captain Robert Longerbeam is the team’s top corner. Eric Rodgers is the only Rutgers player to return a pick for a touchdown this year.
Win the turnover margin again
After it was the light shining brightest through the first month of the season, Maryland has struggled with turnovers – on both ends.
Against Oregon, turnovers were once again an issue for the Terps as three turnovers led the 17 Duck points. Edwards accounted for all three after a strip sack was returned for a touchdown in addition to two fourth-quarter interceptions, albeit one was off a deflection with the other setting Oregon up inside the Maryland 10.
Maryland has a chance to change that this weekend as Rutgers only had six takeaways all season and hasn’t picked off a pass in the last three games. Maryland has to put the last two games behind them and protect the football at all costs.
The defense has had its issues with getting takeaways. The Terps have had one takeaway in the last four games after having 13 in the first five. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown six interceptions on the season. With Dante Trader and Glen Miller looking to be fully healthy again, it would be a good thing to see the secondary get their hands on the ball again. The real issue for Rutgers has been putting the ball on the ground. The Scarlet Knights have fumbled 12 times this season, losing five. Look for Maryland to try and knock the ball free from a ball carrier’s hand. If they do that and can come up with a recovery, it will put the Terps in a good position to take control of the game.
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