Connect with us

Maryland

Michigan State football opponents: Maryland could be difficult test before brutal stretch

Published

on

Michigan State football opponents: Maryland could be difficult test before brutal stretch


Word: That is the third a part of a sequence previewing Michigan State soccer’s 2022 schedule. Beforehand: Nonconference video games | Minnesota

Oct. 1 at Maryland (Time TBA)

2021 document: 7-6

Coach: Mike Locksley, fourth season (14-44 profession document as a head coach in six seasons; 12-18 at Maryland since 2019; 2-26 at New Mexico from 2009-11)

Advertisement

Offensive participant to look at: QB Taulia Tagovailoa

The previous Alabama switch is heading into his third yr at Maryland and coming off a career-best season. Tagovailoa set single-season program data in completions (328), passing yards (3,860) and completion share (69.2) whereas tying for first in passing touchdowns (26) and operating for 2 scores. He threw 11 interceptions however 5 of them got here in a blowout loss towards Iowa. Tagovailoa topped 300 yards passing in seven video games, together with in a loss at Michigan State when he accomplished 29 of 48 makes an attempt for 350 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Defensive participant to look at: CB Jakorian Bennett

A former JUCO standout, Bennett took over a key position for the Terrapins in his second season with this system final yr. He recorded 24 tackles, together with two for a loss, three interceptions and a team-high 13 go break-ups, which led the Large Ten and tied for the ninth-highest whole within the nation. Bennett began all 12 video games he appeared in whereas lacking one as a result of damage.

All-time sequence: Michigan State leads 10-2. The Spartans have received 4 straight towards Maryland, together with 40-21 final yr, and are 6-1 towards the Terrapins since they joined the Large Ten in 2014.

Advertisement

Key storyline: Sturdy passing assault

Tagovailoa ranked second within the Large Ten and tenth within the nation in passing yards final season and returns with expertise to focus on. Receiver Rakim Jarrett, who led Maryland with 62 catches for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns, is again. So is Dontay Demus Jr., who had 28 catches for 507 yards and three touchdowns in six video games final yr earlier than struggling a torn ACL. The Terrapins additionally added switch receiver Jacob Copeland, who led Florida with 41 receptions for 642 yards and 4 touchdowns final season. Prime tight finish Chigoziem Okonkwo left for the NFL however Corey Dyches (19 catches, 208 yards, 4 touchdowns) returns after a strong season.

Maryland’s robust passing assault might be a problem for a Michigan State protection that ranked final within the nation in passing yards allowed final season however must be higher this fall. And the Spartans acquired a really feel for a way rapidly the Terrapins may rating final yr with landing drives of 1:52 (seven performs, 76 yards), 46 seconds (4 performs, 80 yards) and 54 seconds (three performs, 64 yards).

Though Maryland was thirty second within the nation in whole offense final season (441.0), it completed 57th in scoring (29.3) and was held to 21 factors or fewer in all six defeats whereas dropping every by at the very least 17. Establishing extra consistency and competing with the highest groups might be an apparent aim.

Opponent overview:

Advertisement

Maryland snapped a streak of six straight dropping seasons and is coming off its first bowl victory since 2010 when it was nonetheless a member of the ACC. Locksley in April signed a contract extension that retains him with this system by way of at the very least 2026. Though the Terrapins took a constructive step final season, their common margin of defeat was 30 factors per sport and so they misplaced six of eight to shut the common season.

Tagovailoa and a powerful group of receivers give the offense a punch though there are questions within the backfield. The Terrapins return all 5 beginning offensive linemen from the top of final season however misplaced operating again Tayon Fleet-Davis, who rushed for 721 yards and eight touchdowns. Colby McDonald (60 carries, 325 yards, two touchdowns) and Challen Faamatau (56 carries, 235 yards, three touchdowns) are within the combine.

On the opposite aspect of the ball, Maryland is coming off a season by which it ranked eighty fifth within the nation in whole protection (404.3) and 98th in scoring protection (30.7) whereas permitting greater than 50 factors thrice. Defensive position coach Brian Williams was promoted to defensive coordinator within the offseason and there are three new defensive assistants on Locksley’s employees.

Beginning defensive finish Sam Okuayinonu is gone however tackles Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Greg China-Rose return after combining for 9 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss final season. Beginning linebackers Ruben Hyppolite and Gereme Spraggins return though the Terrapins misplaced each beginning safeties to the NFL, together with Nick Cross who had three interceptions and three sacks final yr. Maryland added standout Japanese Michigan kicker Chad Ryland as an offseason switch. He owns the nation’s longest energetic streak with 17 straight made subject targets.

The highway journey to Maryland leads the Spartans right into a brutal October stretch with residence video games towards Ohio State and Wisconsin to observe, then a trek to Michigan to shut the month. In the event that they’re going to contend for a convention title, they’ll probably need to keep away from a defeat towards the Terrapins earlier than going through more durable competitors.

Advertisement

Associated Michigan State soccer tales:

Kenneth Walker III briefly panicked about missed draft calls from Seahawks

Michigan State’s reworked offensive line getting more healthy heading into summer time

Former Spartan Drew Jordan indicators with Carolina Panthers

Michigan State soccer heading into big month for recruiting

Advertisement

Michigan State’s Bryce Baringer ranked No. 1 punter for 2023 NFL draft by Mel Kiper



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Maryland

Michigan State Has Several Things to Fix Before Heading to Maryland

Published

on

Michigan State Has Several Things to Fix Before Heading to Maryland


Michigan State’s football team emerged with a 16-10 win against Florida Atlantic, but it was far from a convincing victory. The Spartans struggled throughout the game, exhibiting a range of issues that need immediate attention if they hope to find more consistent success moving forward.

With less than a week to prepare for its next opponent, Michigan State has a critical opportunity to address these shortcomings and refine its game plan.

The win over FAU exposed several areas of concern for Michigan State, particularly on offense. The Spartans were plagued by poor execution and missed opportunities, with several drives stalling due to penalties and miscues. The offensive line, in particular, struggled to establish a rhythm, which led to limited success in both the running and passing games.

Quarterback play from Aidan Chiles was inconsistent, with errant throws and a lack of cohesion with the receiving corps contributing to the team’s inability to sustain drives and put the game away early.

Advertisement

Defensively, Michigan State managed to hold FAU to just 10 points, but there were still some worrying signs. Despite the Spartans having multiple interceptions and a safety, they gave up several big plays, revealing potential vulnerabilities in the secondary and raising concerns about the unit’s ability to maintain discipline and focus throughout the game. Missed tackles and lapses in coverage could prove costly against more formidable opponents, making it imperative for the coaching staff to address these issues in the coming week.

Special teams were another area where Michigan State faltered. On multiple occasions, the Spartans gave up more punt return yards than they should have because of missed tackles.

With less than a week before its next game, Michigan State has a valuable window to regroup and make the necessary adjustments. The coaching staff will need to focus on tightening up execution across all phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams. This includes refining the game plan, improving communication and instilling a greater sense of urgency and discipline among the players.

The Spartans cannot afford to let the issues that plagued them against FAU carry over into their matchup against Maryland. If they hope to be competitive as the season progresses, the team must use this time to correct course and demonstrate growth in all facets of its game.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Maryland

Maryland Weather: Be on Alert for Isolated Severe Thunderstorms

Published

on

Maryland Weather: Be on Alert for Isolated Severe Thunderstorms


Cloudy skies expected Sunday, chance for isolated severe storms

Advertisement


Cloudy skies expected Sunday, chance for isolated severe storms

03:24

Advertisement

BALTIMORE –  Scattered showers will give way to mostly cloudy skies Sunday, with a chance for isolated severe storms.

Expect overnight lows in the 70s after a warm air mass moved through. A cold front will bring another chance for an isolated strong storms on Sunday. The day won’t be a washout, there is the possibility of active weather in the afternoon and evening.

The front will bring bright sunny skies for Monday with low humidity. Perfect weather for the afternoon barbecue or last summer activity. Kids getting back to school this week should expect refreshing temperatures… possibly even a little chilly with overnight lows in the 50s.

High pressure will control our weather for the middle of the week. Expect sunny skies and low humidity through Friday. Overnight lows Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the mid 50s, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s. The chance of showers returns late Friday.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Maryland

Maryland Weather: Severe Storms Moving in From West

Published

on

Maryland Weather: Severe Storms Moving in From West


Alert Day prompted by chances of severe thunderstorms Saturday evening

Advertisement


Alert Day prompted by chances of severe thunderstorms Saturday evening

03:19

Advertisement

BALTIMORE –  Severe storms have been plaguing western Maryland this afternoon. They are on the move east and will push into Carroll County near the 6pm hour. These storms have a history of producing winds capable of downing trees. We are also seeing heavy rain and lightning.

Most of the activity will push north and south of the forecast area surrounding Baltimore with the marine layer or stable air mass keeping the severe weather west of the mountain regions. 

The warm front associated with the severe weather is bring warm, humid air in overnight. Expect overnight lows in the low 70s with scattered showers and isolated severe storms. 

A secondary cold front will bring another chance for an isolated strong storms on Sunday. The day won’t be a washout, there is the possibility of active weather in the afternoon and evening.

The front will bring bright sunny skies for Monday with low humidity. Perfect weather for the afternoon barbecue or last summer activity. Kids getting back to school this week should expect refreshing temperatures… possibly even a little chilly with overnight lows in the 50s.

Advertisement

High pressure will control our weather for the middle of the week. Expect sunny skies and low humidity through Friday. Overnight lows Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the mid 50s, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s. The chance of showers returns late Friday.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending