GameThread: Maryland football vs. Michigan State

Maryland football is back in action Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX. The Terps have two games remaining, and will need to win both to match last year's 6-6 regular-season record. That quest starts at Michigan State, who's 7-3 and ranked 17th by the Playoff selection committee.

It's been a hectic stretch for Maryland, who's lost five of six contests and enters as 16-point underdogs against the Spartans. The Terps started their fourth different quarterback of the season against Michigan last weekend, and while Ryan Brand improved as the game went on, Maryland is still expected to start sophomore Max Bortenschlager if he's healthy. It's possible senior linebacker Shane Cockerille returns to action Saturday afternoon, but that's the only other expected personnel change for the Terps. Otherwise, the team will simply need to carry the momentum from last week's second half into a 60-minute game on the road.

The last time these teams met, the Terps knocked off the Spartans at home. But Michigan State bounced back from a 3-9 season like absolutely nothing happened. Sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke has had a breakout season, and the Spartans' defense has returned to its physical ways. The rushing corps is built around LJ Scott, and Maryland's run defense will have its hands full once again.

As has been the case all year long, this is the space for your observations, analysis and more. Be respectful, and go Terps.