Wisconsin vs Maryland: Three most important matchups

Will the fact that it's homecoming week push the Maryland Terrapins to the win that they've been searching for? Maryland fans should hope so. The Terps are going to face the Wisconsin Badgers (7-2, 4-1) Saturday, and the Badgers have won four-straight games and beat lowly Rutgers 48-10 last weekend.

So, what do the Terps need to do to get their third win of the season? These three matchups will be important:

#1. Perry Hills against turnovers

Against Iowa, Perry Hills was held to only 74 passing yards, 1 touchdown and 3 three interceptions thrown. He's thrown 10 interceptions this season, and while he has shown great ability to run the ball as a quarterback, he has turned the ball too many times. Those turnovers have prevented the Terps from possibly scoring points and gaining the upper hand on their opponents. He has enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to be successful, and he needs to be the leader that comes with being a starting quarterback.

#2. Brandon Ross against Wisconsin's front

The Terrapins ran more read option plays that allowed Perry Hills to break 100 yards rushing against Iowa, but Brandon Ross only had five carries in that game. That's not going to cut it if Maryland, with all of its passing problems, wants to move the ball against a strong Wisconsin passing defense.That number needs to go up to at least 15-20 carries. When Ross is on, he is dangerous and can break off big runs. He has to get the ball to be on.

#3. Maryland's front seven against Wisconsin's offensive line

Wisconsin's offense averages 409.3 total yards, but Maryland's front seven can cut that number in half by pressuring the quarterback with more than three rushers at a time. Coverage sacks will need to be an element of the team's success if Maryland wants to win. Hello, Yannick Ngakoue.