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)

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.

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:

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.

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