We continue our Big Ten East Preview series with an in depth look at Maryland. Will the Terps be able to break through this season? Or will it be another year of struggles against the top of the division? Before we get into our preview, check out our YouTube channel. The first edition of The Hamm Huddle discusses how the rankings work, how the site was started, and Jackson's prediction for the playoff this year. The next episode will look and sound much better as we're getting some new equipment, so be sure to subscribe to the channel.

Maryland Terrapins

Head Coach: Mike Locksley

2022 Record: 8-5 (4-5)

Place: 4th in Big Ten East

Maryland capped off an impressive season with a Duke's Mayo bowl win against former ACC conference member North Carolina State. But looking deeper into the season, it was a story of inconsistency. Maryland lost to middling Big Ten teams Purdue and Wisconsin last year. They also had close calls against SMU, Northwestern, Indiana, and NC State.

Despite this, Maryland played Ohio State and Michigan great last year. Which Maryland team will we get this year? The one that played Michigan to 7 points in Ann Arbor? Or the one that got shut out 30-0 in Happy Valley. This is the big question facing Mike Locksley's squad. So, who do the Terps return from last years team?

Key losses: Rakim Jarrett (WR), Jacob Copeland (WR), CJ Dippre (TE), Jaelyn Duncan (OT), Johari Branch (OT), Spencer Anderson (OT), Mason Lunsford (OT), Durell Nchami (DE), Greg China-Rose (DE), Ami Finau (DT), Mosiah Nasili-Kite (DT), Ahmad McCullough (LB), Jakorian Bennett (CB), Deonte Banks (CB)

Maryland will have to reload this year after some significant losses on both sides of the ball. On the offensive end of things, Rakim Jarrett and Jacob Copeland were very productive receivers and are a big loss to an offense that runs 4 wide. The newcomers on the offensive line will also have to learn quickly as they will go up against some of the best defensive lines in the country during Big Ten play. On the defensive side of things, the secondary is the biggest concern. Losing two corners to the NFL is always a tough task to replace. On top of this, Maryland has to replace a lot of snaps on their defensive line. Will the new comers be able to give the offense a change against some very high powered offenses on the schedule?

Key Returns and Additions: Taulia Tagovailoa (QB), Roman Hemby (RB), Antwaine Littleton (RB), Jeshaun Jones (WR), Kaden Prather (WR), Corey Dyches (TE), Delmar Glaze (OT), Quashon Fuller (DE), Anthony Booker (DT), Jaishawn Barham (LB), Tarheeb Still (Nickel), Ja'Quan Sheppard (CB), Dante Trader Jr (S), Beau Brade (S)

Maryland did a good job of getting some new faces to fill holes in their roster. Kaden Prather transfers in from West Virginia and Ja'Quan Sheppard comes from Cincinnati. These are two players that will make an immediate impact and help lessen some of the losses Maryland took this offseason. Taulia Tagovailoa returns to lead a powerful offense. Maryland will need him to use his feet this year as it's unlikely the offensive line will be able to give him great protection against teams like Ohio State and Michigan. Also returning is Dante Trader Jr and Beau Brade. These two will anchor the defense and cause problems for opposing offenses.

Schedule and Predictions

Towson - September 2nd | 3:30 PM | (W) | 1-0 | (0-0) |

Charlotte - September 9th | 7:30 PM | (W) | 2-0 | (0-0) |

Virginia - September 15th | 7:00 PM | (W) | 3-0 | (0-0) |

@Michigan State - Sep 23rd | 3:30 PM | (W) | 4-0 | (1-0) |

Indiana - September 30th | TBD | (W) | 5-0 | (2-0) |

@Ohio State - October 7th | TBD | (L) | 5-1 | (2-1) |

Illinois - October 14th | TBD | (W) | 6-1 | (3-1) |

@Northwestern - October 28th | TBD | (W) | 7-1 | (4-1) |

Penn State - November 4th | TBD | (L) | 7-2 | (4-2) |

@Nebraska - November 11th | TBD | (W) | 8-2 | (5-2) |

Michigan - November 18th | TBD | (L) | 8-3 | (5-3) |

@Rutgers - November 25th | TBD | (W) | 9-3 | (6-3) |

Final Record: 9-3 (6-3)

Conclusion

This would be a significant improvement for Maryland after losing so much in the offseason. I think that their schedule is very favorable this year, and they should make a significant bowl game. Unfortunately, the big three of the division are just too good. I don't see Maryland stealing any of those games. Outside of these games, I think the two most likely where Maryland could drop one is Michigan State and Nebraska. Both of these teams are somewhat of an enigma this year. How much better will Nebraska be with a new coach? Will Transfer University Michigan State get a better result than last year?

Maryland needs to find consistency to live up to higher than normal expectations. That consistency will likely rely on how good the defense can be. With older leadership at the safety and linebacker positions, I think the defense will be solid despite the losses at corner and on the line. Limit teams to short gains through the run game and lots of passes. The offense is explosive enough to win a lot of games if the defense can limit other teams. This is going to be a memorable season for Maryland fans. Even without wins against Penn State, Ohio State, or Michigan, I think most would consider a 9 and possibly 10 win season a success. These are the types of seasons that can really help with recruiting and building for the future. Exciting things happening in College Park.

Next up, Michigan