Five predictions to help get you ready for kickoff later today in College Park. ...
1. Torrey Smith will have more receptions at the end of the first quarter than he did against Navy.
That shouldn't be hard, seeing as how Smith had only one catch (and two targets) in Monday's victory. Maryland might not throw a ton, but Smith will be more involved.
2. There will be a special teams touchdown.
Smith didn't get a kickoff return against Navy, but Tony Logan had an electrifying 57-yard punt return in the win. That's more than half of his total return yardage from last year. Just a hunch, but one of them finds the end zone tonight.
3. Morgan State will score.
The Bears got shut out against Rutgers (2008) and Akron (2009). Here's guessing Morgan State tosses up at least a field goal --- Kemar Scarlett kicked a school-record four field goals in Morgan State's 14-7 victory over Bowie State last week. Morgan might well score more against a Maryland defense that was on the field for 82 plays.
4. Both Jamarr Robinson and Danny O'Brien will account for touchdowns.
Robinson's score may well come on the ground, but this is a game Maryland will try to get both of its quarterbacks to feel better about themselves after less-than-spectacular performances in the opener. Robinson will get the bulk of the playing time, but O'Brien will play for at least two possessions as well.
5. Maryland will win --- but not until after its starters play deep into the third quarter (and possibly beyond).
It's never a good bet to bank on a Maryland blowout. But the Terps should still wind up with a comfortable margin in the end. Look for defensive coordinator Don Brown to substitute liberally to give his weary players a break. There shouldn't be such concerns on offense, which played all of 39 snaps against Navy. Nonetheless, there should be an opportunity to get a look at several new players --- Travis Hawkins, Desmond Kearse, Pete DeSouza, Pete White and Nick Klemm possibly among them --- in the final 10-15 minutes.
Recent Comments