Maryland-Illinois is happening as the Terps await huge off-field news

Maryland football plays a 3-4 Illinois team at home in Maryland Stadium on Saturday in what should be the team’s final game not knowing the fate of its head coach.

DJ Durkin has been on administrative leave since Aug. 11. A resolution to his fate is coming either right before or soon after Saturday (a big announcement on game day would appear out of the question).

Findings from the University System of Maryland Board of Regents’ investigation into the team were revealed on Thursday. In the investigators’ view, Durkin did not operate a “toxic” culture, but one that still had problems.

The Board meets again on Friday, and news on the employment status of Durkin, athletic director Damon Evans, university president Wallace Loh and more is up in the air. Maybe we’ll find out on Friday, or maybe not. But the Board’s deadline for making any recommendations or personnel moves is Tuesday, so that news is coming soon.

Oh, and as far as the football game goes, Illinois is one of the worst Power 5 teams in the nation, with a No. 105 S&P+ ranking fueled by an ineffective defense. The Illini can run the ball, but that’s about it. Maryland’s about an 18-point favorite depending on where you look.

And last but not least, we’d be remiss not to mention Lovie Smith’s magnificent beard:

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