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Indiana vs. Maryland will take place on Saturday, October 29th at 3:30pm. Indiana is hoping to snap a 3-game losing streak, while Maryland will hope to get their 6th win and become bowl eligible.
Let’s be clear – this is a must win game for Indiana. The Maryland Terrapins are no slouches, though, sitting comfortability at 5-2 and only one game away from bowl eligibility.
With 3 of their 4 games including touch opponents in Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska, Maryland will be extra desperate to get that 6th win, now. It is hard to get a grasp on what type of team Maryland is. Their record is impressive, but not the opponents they have faced. Losses against Penn State and Minnesota look bad, but they have won the games they were supposed to, and in commanding fashion.
Oct 22, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Nick Westbrook (15) catches a pass against Northwestern Wildcats cornerback Montre Hartage (24) in the second quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
And if we are knocking the Terrapins for not having a staple win, then what does that say about Indiana? We thought the team was in good shape after the Michigan State win, which made then 3-1 on the season. But with 3 straight losses, one including Northwestern, who many thought the Hoosiers would top, it may be time to stop giving them the benefit of the doubt.
The fact of the matter is the offense is stagnant. They are failing to put up anything more than pedestrian numbers, and can’t find the end-zone. Kevin Wilson has repeatedly expressed frustration with the way the offense has operated, specifically unnecessary turnovers, wasted trips to the opponent’s half of the field, and bad clock management.
Until these problems can be solved, I do not realistically see them beating anybody. Their defense needs help. Maryland runs an offense filled with misdirection and trick plays. Whether it be a flea flicker or an unexpected two-point conversion like they pulled against Michigan State, Tom Allen will need to be extra vigilant this weekend.
I expect the defense to do their part, however. Penn State and Minnesota gave them a blueprint for how to shut them down. Indiana’s offense may be the difference maker. An early pick 6 or consecutive 3-and-outs may put the defense in a sticky situation like they have the last few games. Consistently being multiple scores down by the end of the first quarter or half have made it near impossible for Indiana to get back in it.
This is a game that both teams will want badly. Most analysts are picking Indiana but it may be closer than they think. Home field advantage will surely benefit the Hoosiers, but it hasn’t been the difference maker they’d hoped it would, losing to Wake Forest and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
The difference makers will be Richard Lagow and Devine Redding. Both were expected to lead the offense, but instead have been part of the reason it has failed. While they are experiencing starting duties for the first time, it has been far too long into the season to use that as an excuse. The conference is simply too good, and most were expecting a bowl appearance this year.
With the possibility of losing his starting QB duties to Zander Diamont, I’m predicting that Lagow will respond with a performance we haven’t seen since Ball State. The Terrapin defense isn’t exactly unbeatable, surrendering 38 and 31 points respectively to Penn State and Minnesota. Expect this one to go down to the wire, but I have Indiana narrowly coming out on top 34-31.
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