Maryland football starts Ryan Brand at quarterback vs. Michigan

Maryland football is in its 10th game of the 2017 season. The Terps are on their fourth starting quarterback.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Brand trotted onto the field for Maryland’s opening series against Michigan on Saturday. It’s his first career start and only his second game seeing significant time this season. The walk-on transfer from Air Force relieved sophomore Max Bortenschlager in the fourth quarter against Rutgers last week, and his one drive lasted six minutes and nearly tied the game.

The Terps had no updates on Bortenschlager’s injury status during the week, only saying that Saturday’s starter would be a “game-time decision.” Bortenschlager is dressed for the game, which suggests he’s likely the backup option and the staff was simply more confident in Brand after this week of practice.

Maryland’s quarterback injury history has been well-documented. Sophomore Tyrrell Pigrome was named the Week 1 starter and tore his ACL in the season opener at Texas. Freshman Kasim Hill looked stellar in his place, but tore his ACL in the third game against UCF. Bortenschlager started Maryland’s first six conference games, leading the Terps to a 2-4 record. His injury shouldn’t be season-ending, but now it’s Brand’s chance to show what he has.