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Maryland heads into a matchup against Penn State this Saturday looking to win a football game for the first time in over a month. Here are three things I think will happen as the Terps take on the Nittany Lions.
Perry Hills and Brandon Ross will both have over 100 rushing yards
We already noted earlier this week that Maryland basically shouldn't even try passing against Penn State's vaunted secondary, so the Terps are going to have to focus on the ground game against the Nittany Lions. Hills probably won't break free for another 75-yard run, but he should still have some success on the ground in an offense Mike Locksley said will be "more tailored to his strengths." Expect to see more of the options and designed quarterback runs we saw against Ohio State. Ross is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and should receive ample opportunities against a Penn State defense Maryland really should just not pass against, like, at all.
Penn State's Carl Nassib will get at least two sacks
There's no way around it. Carl Nassib is a bad dude. He leads the nation in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles, according to sports-reference. Maryland's offensive line is fairly good, bringing a 49-ranked adjusted sack rate into the game, but they'll have to turn in a spectacular effort to completely neutralize Nassib. Even if the Terps' offensive line keeps him in check for most of the game, he's going to get into the backfield at least a few times. He's just too good.
A blue and red crowd
Expect a fairly even split when it comes to the fans who actually attend the game. According to Google maps, M&T Bank Stadium is roughly three hours from State College, Pennsylvania, and Penn State fans travel well, so expect Maryland's opponents to have a significant presence at the game. Combine that with the fact that attention to Maryland football is waning as the team keeps losing games and basketball season inches ever closer, and this is looking like more of a neutral site game than the home game Maryland lists this as on its schedule.