1. Maryland’s quarterback situation
Starting quarterback C.J. Brown is still a game-time decision for Saturday, and if he’s unable to go backup Caleb Rowe would be tasked with the most important start of his career. Brown has been progressing as a passer and can burn a defense with his feet; he’s started a number of big games in the past and gives the team an added dimension with its zone-read offense. Rowe is a more classic pocket passer who can stretch the defense with his arm; a gunslinger could present major problems for a a Ohio State secondary that showed vulnerability against Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel last week. Maryland stressed this week that it won’t change it’s offensive approach regardless of the starting quarterback.
2. Rejuvenated defense vs. J.T Barrett
Maryland gave up nearly 1,300 total yards against West Virginia and Syracuse, but rebounded last week by allowing just 332 yards to a prolific Indiana offense. Ohio State will be a different animal. The Buckeyes tied an NCAA record with 45 first downs last week in a 50-28 win over Cincinnati, and quarterback J.T. Barrett has continued to progress after taking over for injured star Braxton Miller in the preseason. Barrett has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of the past two weeks and has scored 10 total touchdowns in those wins over Kent State and Cincinnati, and Ohio State has one of the best receiving corps in the Big Ten. Ohio State has a young offensive line — four new starters this season — and how Maryland applies pressure to Barrett will be crucial.
Continue Reading: Terps Insider: Maryland football vs. Ohio State: 5 story lines to watch
