Breaking down Maryland football’s 2022 schedule

The 2022 faculty soccer season has arrived.

Week zero marks the official begin of the season Saturday, and there are solely 11 days till Maryland soccer’s season opener in opposition to Buffalo on Sept. 3.

The Terps took a large step ahead final season, profitable this system’s first bowl sport because the 2010 season. With the victory over Virginia Tech within the Pinstripe Bowl, head coach Michael Locksley secured his first above-.500 season at Maryland.

That momentum offers Maryland followers credible preseason pleasure for the primary time in a very long time. On the offensive aspect of the ball, Locksley returns his total beginning offensive line, top-of-the-line large receiver teams within the nation and, most significantly, his star quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.

Life has not been straightforward for the Terps within the Huge Ten, and it received’t get any simpler this fall. The convention boasts 4 groups within the high 18 of the AP Prime 25 Ballot, all of that are on Maryland’s schedule. The Terps have the Seventeenth-toughest schedule within the nation, in response to the ESPN Faculty Soccer Energy Index.

Let’s dive into what every matchup will maintain.

Sept. 3: Buffalo

2021 document: 4-8 (2-8 MAC)

After profitable bowl video games in back-to-back years, the Bulls struggled in 2021, ending with a dropping document for the primary time since 2016. Second-year head coach Maurice Linguist seems to steer this system again to its profitable methods in 2022.

The Bulls are anticipated to enhance this fall; they have been projected to complete third within the MAC East Division within the media’s preseason ballot. Buffalo had a lackluster offense in 2021, ending with the third-worst offensive effectivity within the MAC. Linguist’s squad completed with the second-best defensive effectivity within the convention, although, they usually have been led by a particular defensive expertise.

Graduate pupil linebacker James Patterson returns for a fifth season after ending with 116 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks final 12 months. Professional Soccer Community tabbed him as a Third Group Preseason All-American, and he’s on varied nationwide watch lists. Rutgers switch Cole Snyder, 2019 Buffalo starter Matt Myers and sophomore Casey Case appear to be vying for the beginning quarterback spot.

In accordance with DraftKings Sportsbook, the Terps are heavy 21-point favorites in week one and shouldn’t have any enterprise dropping to a Group of 5 opponent at dwelling. Pencil it in as a victory.

Sept. 10: at Charlotte

2021 document: 5-7 (3-5 Convention USA)

Maryland will tackle Charlotte for the primary time in every program’s historical past this September. Charlotte restarted its soccer program in 2013 as an FCS Impartial, and 37-year-old head coach Will Healy seems to get this system proper for the primary time, properly, ever. The 49ers solely have one profitable season because the program was reborn, however final 12 months appeared to be a step in the suitable course.

Charlotte is taking part in faculty soccer’s week zero, which means its matchup in opposition to Maryland will likely be its third of the season.

Faculty soccer author Phil Steele stated that he expects Charlotte’s offense to be “one of many high items in C-USA” in his preview, and there’s definitely some proof to assist that. Group captain and redshirt senior quarterback Chris Reynolds returns as the college’s all-time chief in each passing yards and touchdowns. The 49ers additionally return every of their high three operating backs from one 12 months in the past.

Nevertheless, the 49ers’ protection was abysmal in 2021. Charlotte had the Twelfth-best complete protection in Convention USA, which isn’t ideally suited contemplating there at the moment are solely 11 groups remaining within the league. Its protection might enhance below new defensive coordinator Greg Brown, however it shouldn’t matter a lot in opposition to Maryland. Regardless of the street setting, the Terps shouldn’t have any drawback placing away the No. 97 crew within the ESPN FPI.

Sept. 17: SMU

2021 document: 8-4 (4-4 The American)

The Terps could be unwise to miss the risk that SMU might pose. The Mustangs have two respective tune-ups in opposition to North Texas and Lamar earlier than arriving in Faculty Park.

A projected top-10 offense nationally by 247Sports, the Mustangs are led by one of many nation’s most explosive quarterbacks in senior Tanner Mordecai. Final season, Mordecai threw for 39 touchdowns, the fifth-best mark within the nation. He helped tempo an offensive assault that averaged 38.4 factors per sport, which was a top-10 clip in America.

Different offensive weapons return as properly, together with SMU’s high large receiver Rashee Rice. Former five-star operating again Camar Wheaton transfers to SMU after one 12 months at Alabama, including one other ingredient to assist out first-year head coach Rhett Lashlee’s offense.

Although SMU gave up greater than 4 touchdowns per sport final season, it has continuity on the defensive aspect of the ball. The Mustangs return seven defensive starters, together with Second Group All-AAC defensive sort out Elijah Chatman and their second-leading tackler in senior linebacker Jimmy Phillips.

Week three poses to be a shootout and a worthy gauge of the place Maryland — and particularly its protection — stands forward of Huge Ten play.

Sept. 24: at Michigan

2021 document: 12-2 (8-1 Huge Ten)

The Wolverines are coming off their most profitable season in fairly a while. The 2021 season noticed Michigan make its first-ever Faculty Soccer Playoff, defeat Ohio State for the primary time since 2011 and win 12 video games for the primary time since 1997.

Michigan has rightfully been acknowledged because the preseason No. 8 crew in America by the Related Press, and they’re a crew that has given Maryland matches — and that’s being form. Michigan has received six straight in opposition to the Terps, outscoring them 261-59 in these matchups.

Offensively, the Wolverines return two ultra-decorated quarterbacks. Head coach Jim Harbaugh claims that each graduate pupil Cade McNamara and sophomore J.J. McCarthy will likely be onerous to beat out. McCarthy is extra proficient and greater, however McNamara ought to get the week one nod after bringing Michigan to new heights final season. The Wolverines additionally deliver again All-Huge Ten operating again Blake Corum and wideouts Cornelius Johnson and Ronnie Bell.

Michigan’s protection will likely be weaker with the departure of NFL No. 2 general draft choose Aidan Hutchinson. The Wolverines deliver again simply 4 starters from the eighth-best scoring protection in 2021 and misplaced defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Baltimore Ravens.

Nonetheless, this Wolverines crew as soon as once more seems like a monster, and historical past exhibits that it could be a shock if Maryland have been to tug off the upset.

Oct. 1: Michigan State

2021 document: 11-2 (7-2 Huge Ten)

Head coach Mel Tucker injected life into the Michigan State program in 2021, turning a projected last-place crew into an 11-win, Peach Bowl-champion group.

The preseason No. 15 crew within the nation will go so far as beginning quarterback Payton Thorne takes it. Thorne returns for his redshirt junior season after throwing 27 touchdowns final season — the Michigan State single-season document. His high large receiver, Jayden Reed, returns for his senior 12 months after garnering First Group All-American honors from the American Soccer Coaches Affiliation final season.

Michigan State had the third-best scoring offense within the Huge Ten final 12 months at 31.8 factors per sport, a feat that will likely be onerous to achieve once more in 2022. The Spartans lose operating again Kenneth Walker — the 2021 Walter Camp Participant of the Yr — to the NFL, a void that will likely be unimaginable to totally substitute.

The Huge Ten’s Tenth-best scoring protection ought to enhance with 9 gamers with beginning expertise coming again to highschool, however one thing has to present for Maryland. If the Terps are to take the following step in 2022, beating one of many premier Huge Ten East groups (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State) must be a practical purpose. The Spartans are higher than the Terps, however the latter must consider they’ve a shot at dwelling.

Oct 8: Purdue

2021 document: 9-4 (6-3 Huge Ten)

One in every of Maryland’s three crossover matchups with the Huge Ten West is Purdue, who’s slated to complete fourth within the division.

Beginning quarterback Aidan O’Connell embarks on his sixth 12 months of faculty, and he led a particular Purdue air ambush in 2021. When it comes to each touchdowns and passing yards per sport, Purdue had the second-best passing offense within the Huge Ten. O’Connell, a Second Group All-Huge Ten choice, accomplished an astounding 71.8% of his passes.

The Boilermakers’ offensive success didn’t begin and finish with O’Connell, although. Consensus first-team All-American wideout David Bell is now within the NFL, and the Boilers lose their different high three receivers as properly.

Purdue’s offense and protection each ranked within the high half of the Huge Ten final 12 months. Whereas O’Connell is a superb quarterback, there’s nothing to counsel that Purdue will likely be unbeatable in 2022. The preseason Soccer Energy Index favors the Terps on this early-October matchup, however it might be extra of a toss-up. Purdue’s season-opener in opposition to Penn State will inform us lots about it early.

Oct. 15: at Indiana

2021 document: 2-10 (0-9 Huge Ten)

The Hoosiers had one of many worst seasons in program historical past final 12 months, compiling an 0-9 Huge Ten document for the primary time since 1984.

Consider it or not, the Hoosiers lately had excessive expectations, going into the 2021 season because the No. 17 crew within the nation. Former quarterback Michael Penix Jr. entered the season recent off a 2020 All-Huge Ten marketing campaign, however he subsequently underperformed, bought injured and transferred.

The fact of the Hoosiers 2021 season was gloomy. Indiana had the convention’s second-worst scoring offense and its worst scoring protection final season, digging itself fairly the outlet this fall.

Indiana can have a transfer-infused offense this season. Potential beginning quarterback Conner Bazelak (Missouri) and operating again Shaun Shivers (Auburn) are new faces that would make an influence.

If the Terps have bowl eligibility aspirations, this can be a sport they need to win.

Oct. 22: Northwestern

2021 document: 3-9 (1-8 Huge Ten)

The Terps’ 2022 homecoming opponent, Northwestern marks one other must-win sport within the path to six-plus wins. The Wildcats test in because the last-ranked crew within the Huge Ten West within the convention’s preseason ballot.

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald — the 2018 Huge Ten Coach of the Yr — has had loads of ups and downs main this system. Within the final 4 years, Northwestern has received the division twice and completed within the backside two of the division twice. Fitzgerald has the historical past to show he might overcome the low preseason expectations, however the outlook for his Wildcats stays low.

The Wildcats open their 2022 marketing campaign on Saturday in Eire, however Fitzgerald will hold off on naming a beginning play-caller till then. Ryan Hilinski began 5 video games for Northwestern final season, and the previous No. 2 pro-style quarterback within the class of 2019 might have a breakout 12 months.

Northwestern had the worst offense within the convention final 12 months — it averaged a dreadful 16.6 factors per sport — however ought to enhance this season. Professional prospect and First Group All-Huge Ten choice Peter Skoronski leads a gradual offensive line that returns 4 starters. Northwestern struggled defensively, although, permitting precisely 29 factors per sport one 12 months in the past.

Maryland ought to put away the Wildcats at dwelling in a really winnable sport.

Nov. 5: at Wisconsin

2021 document: 9-4 (6-3 Huge Ten)

Contemporary off their bye week, the Terps will face fairly the duty on the street. In accordance with DraftKings Sportsbook, Wisconsin (+190) is the favourite to win the Huge Ten West.

Maryland has not performed Wisconsin since 2017, however the Badgers personal a 3-0 document over the Terps because the latter joined the Huge Ten. With the Badgers checking in at No. 18 within the AP preseason ballot, they are going to be one more gargantuan job for Maryland.

Wisconsin’s story begins with its protection. The Badgers had one of the best scoring, speeding and passing protection within the Huge Ten final season. Sixth-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonard solely returns a number of starters this 12 months, however that has hardly ever mattered for this program. Wisconsin has had a top-three protection within the convention in every of the previous three seasons, and Leonard has confirmed that his system can proceed to flourish no matter its items.

Whereas third-year beginning quarterback Graham Mertz has an opportunity to take a serious leap this fall, Wisconsin’s offense will likely be led by its star operating again duo. Sophomore Braelon Allen and senior Chez Mellusi have been the respective second- and seventh-leading operating backs within the Huge Ten in 2021, and that ought to proceed this fall.

The Badgers appear poised to have one other spectacular season. Maryland will doubtless be a big underdog in a sport that gives a chance for a program-defining victory.

Nov. 12: at Penn State

2021 document: 7-6 (4-5 Huge Ten)

Maryland’s showdown with Penn State is true in the midst of a brutal three-game stretch to kick off November.

If the Terps wish to make their yearly assembly with the Nittany Lions a “rivalry” like many followers need it to be, it must begin profitable some video games. Penn State owns a staggering 41-3-1 all-time benefit over Maryland, however the Terps lately picked up a blowout street win within the truncated 2020 season. Since becoming a member of the Huge Ten, although, Penn State is 6-2 in opposition to Maryland and has outscored the Terps, 301-119.

At +900 to win the Huge Ten East per DraftKings Sportbook, Penn State must be improved in 2022. Tremendous senior Sean Clifford will begin at quarterback in his sixth 12 months with this system and had a profession evening in Penn State’s 59-0 destruction at Maryland in 2019. The convention’s fourth-best passing offense from a 12 months in the past ought to proceed to carry out with Clifford and loads of returning starters at large receiver.

Penn State’s protection improved vastly in 2021, giving up greater than 10 fewer factors per sport than it did in 2020. The protection can have a distinct look below new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. Some further juice will likely be injected to the matchup as properly with former Maryland edge rusher Demeioun “Chop” Robinson transferring to Penn State.

Maryland might make one other program-altering assertion in its Tenth sport however will doubtless be hefty underdogs once more.

Nov. 19: Ohio State

2021 document: 11-2 (8-1)

The Buckeyes are largely projected to be a top-two crew within the nation this fall. In accordance with DraftKings Sportsbook, Ohio State has +300 odds to win the nationwide championship, -215 odds to win the Huge Ten and -340 odds to win the Huge Ten East. Merely put, the Buckeyes will give everybody matches.

Ohio State had by far one of the best offense within the Huge Ten final 12 months at 45.7 factors per sport, and a three-headed monster might propel it to additional heights in 2022. Beginning quarterback CJ Stroud is the Heisman favourite at +220 (DraftKings Sportsbook). TreVeyon Henderson, the No. 1 operating again within the class of 2021, had 15 speeding touchdowns as a real freshman. And stud wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba is already a projected top-four choose within the 2022 NFL Draft.

Even when the Terps can rating with Ohio State — the Buckeyes had solely the ninth-best scoring protection within the Huge Ten final 12 months — it’s going to have immense issues on the defensive finish.

The Huge Ten has solely put 4 groups within the high two of the AP preseason ballot since Maryland joined the convention, and all 4 of them have been totally different renditions of Ohio State (2022, 2020, 2017, 2015). Ohio State has outscored Maryland, 416-151, since 2014, and it’s the one Huge Ten East opponent that Maryland has not defeated since coming into the Huge Ten. ESPN’s FPI offers Maryland fewer than a ten% probability to win in opposition to the Buckeyes, and that’s definitely for good cause.

Nov. 26: at Rutgers

2021 document: 5-8 (2-7 Huge Ten)

Maryland vs. Rutgers has develop into a “rivalry week” custom every season, and final season’s victory meant every little thing to the Terps. Maryland blew out Rutgers on the street to finish the season final 12 months, which propelled it to bowl eligibility and in the end its first bowl victory in 11 years. The win in opposition to Rutgers began to vary the notion surrounding the Maryland program, however it means little if Maryland can not observe it up this season.

The Terps hope to achieve bowl eligibility earlier than the ultimate week of the season this fall, however Rutgers ought to present a very good alternative for a win at dwelling in any case. The Scarlet Knights’ odds to win the Huge Ten East aren’t listed on DraftKings Sportsbook, and Maryland ranks 44 spots greater than Rutgers in ESPN’s FPI.

Rutgers had a chance to play in yet one more sport final season after changing Texas A&M within the Gator Bowl however fell to Wake Forest in convincing vogue. Nonetheless, the additional sport and practices ought to have helped Rutgers develop because it returns about half of its beginning offense, its main interception-getter and two of its three main tacklers from 2021.

Although the Scarlet Knights can have hope and powerful management below head coach Greg Schiano, the Terps ought to plan to stroll away with a victory to finish the 2022 common season.

Odds/strains topic to vary. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for particulars.