College Football

No. 6 Ohio State seeks another lopsided win against Maryland

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:40 p.m. ET

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No. 6 Ohio State (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP) at Maryland (5-4, 2-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Ohio State by 29.

Series Record: Ohio State leads 2-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The Buckeyes look to remain in striking distance of first-place Michigan in the Big Ten East, and more importantly, attempt to step into the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings. Maryland hopes to break a 1-4 skid and secure the elusive sixth victory required to become bowl eligible.

KEY MATCHUP

H-back Curtis Samuel vs. Maryland defense. Is Samuel a running back or a receiver? The Terrapins must be prepared for him to do both. The talented junior has scored 10 TDs, run for 620 yards and caught 52 passes for 676 yards. ''He's as good as there is out there. Very versatile,'' said Terrapins coach DJ Durkin, whose defense yielded 660 yards to Michigan last Saturday after getting plowed for 650 yards by Indiana one week earlier.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ohio Stater: QB J.T. Barrett needs to throw or run for two more TDs to break the Big Ten career record of 95 touchdowns responsible for, a mark currently held by Drew Brees. Barrett has run for six touchdowns and thrown for 21 this season. Just as impressive, he's 23-3 as a starter.

Maryland: RB Ty Johnson has reeled off seven plays of at least 40 yards in six conference games. The sophomore averaged 10.9 yards on 13 carries against Indiana and leads the Terrapins with 635 yards rushing despite being held to 11 yards at Michigan.

FACTS & FIGURES

Buckeyes have totaled 101 points against Maryland over last two seasons. ... Durkin and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer worked together at Bowling Green in 2001-02 and at Florida in 2010. ... Ohio State has allowed only 10 TDs in nine games, just three on the ground. ... Maryland QB Perry Hills set school record with 170 yards rushing last year vs. Buckeyes. His status for game is uncertain because of shoulder injury sustained against Michigan. ... Mike Weber needs 158 yards to become third Ohio State freshman to rush for 1,000 in a season.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org