Maryland football vs. Virginia preview

Maryland football hits the road for the first time this season, traveling just 130 miles south to take on old ACC foe Virginia on Saturday night.

Saturday’s game will mark the 80th meeting between the two programs, with Maryland holding a 45-32-2 all-time record. It also won last year’s matchup, 42-14.

However, the Terps enter the contest hoping to bounce back from a devastating 27-24 loss to Michigan State, while Virginia is fresh off a tight 31-30 win over Wake Forest.

Saturday’s game will begin at 8 p.m. and air on ACC Network.

Virginia Cavaliers (2-0, 1-0 ACC)

2023 record: 3-9 (2-6 ACC)

Head coach Tony Elliott is in the midst of his third season with the program after spending 11 years as an assistant coach at Clemson. After consecutive three-win seasons, the Hoos are off to their best start under Elliott. They defeated Richmond, 34-13, prior to their win over Wake Forest, in which it trailed by 13 heading into the fourth quarter.

With continuity throughout the roster and coaching staff, Virginia could surprise people this year.

Players to know

Anthony Colandrea, sophomore quarterback, No. 10 — Colandrea took over Virginia’s quarterbacking duties as a freshman last year and showed why he deserved it. In his debut game against James Madison, he completed 20-of-26 pass attempts for 377 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

This season, Colandrea has been just as sharp, posting a 75.8% completion percentage, 654 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Malachi Fields, senior wide receiver, No. 8 — Fields has been Colandrea’s go-to target this season. He leads the team in catches with 16 and the conference in receiving yards with 248. While he has not scored a touchdown this season, he caught five touchdowns last year and is an end-zone threat. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, the Terps may need to guard him with multiple defenders.

Antonio Clay, graduate safety, No. 0 — Clay is one of the Hoos’ defensive leaders. After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, Clay has returned better than ever, leading the team in tackles with 19. He has also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

Jonas Sanker, senior safety, No. 20 — Sanker arguably has been Virginia’s best defensive player over the last two seasons. In 2022, he finished second on the team in total tackles (63), and in 2023, he led the team in total tackles (107), pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3) en route to a first-team All-ACC selection.

This season, Sanker ranks second on the team in total tackles with 18, but ranks first in tackles for loss with 2.5.

Strength

Passing offense. Colandrea and the passing offense is without a doubt the primary strength of this team. Virginia ranks sixth in the conference in passing yards per game (327) and passing touchdowns (5) and tied for fourth in completion percentage (72.5%). However, the Hoos do lead the conference in interceptions with three.

Weakness

Passing defense. Virginia ranks near the middle of the ACC in almost every statistical category, but it ranks in the bottom three in passing yards allowed per game (256.5). The Hoos have also allowed a 61.5% opponent completion percentage and failed to record an interception, but they have only surrendered one passing touchdown.

Three things to watch

1. Will Maryland revert back to a two-quarterback system? In Maryland’s season opener, MJ Morris replaced Billy Edwards Jr. under center for a drive in the second and third quarters. Head coach Michael Locksley said this was part of the game plan and that he will continue to utilize Morris’ skill set. But with Morris sidelined with an injury against Michigan State, it remains unseen if Locksley will continue to use him.

2. Can the Terps stop Colandrea? Against Michigan State, Maryland’s defense allowed Aidan Chiles to throw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, despite throwing for just 114 yards and no touchdowns against Florida Atlantic the week prior. Colandrea has played well this season and could take advantage of a struggling Terps’ secondary.

3. A repeat of last year? Last season, Maryland dismantled Virginia, but the Hoos put up a valiant effort despite the final score. Virginia jumped out to a 14-0 lead and kept things close until the fourth quarter, when Maryland scored three unanswered touchdowns. With Virginia off to a hot start and the Terps struggling, a win may not come as easily for Maryland this year, especially with Virginia holding home-field advantage.