Last Week:
While coming off a bye week, Maryland is most recently recovering from a 49-28 loss to Ohio State. While the final score is a bit lopsided, the Terrapins get some credit for having a tie 21-21 game midway through the third quarter. The Buckeyes hits the accelerator late in the contest, pulling away for good. Quarterback Perry Hills had just shy of 200 yards of rushing as well as 133 yards through the air.
Penn State is also coming off a loss to Ohio State with no bye week between contests.
The Good:
Perry Hills can hurt you through the air and on the ground while Will Likely can flip the field with his blazing returning abilities. Between the two it’s a lethal combination, especially with the news that Maryland will use the cornerback Likely on offense this week against the Nittany Lions. The Terps haven’t score much in conference play but can put up the points if things click with 50 points coming in the first game of the season against Richmond. Aside from Hills and and Likely there isn’t much else to speak of when it comes to what the Terps bring to the table.
The Bad:
Not only does Maryland’s offense struggle to find the endzone, the Terps are giving up points in bunches as well. Maryland has given up at least 20 points every game this season with opponents breaking the 40 point margin on three occasions. Against a pass happy Bowling Green team, the Terps gave up nearly 500 yards through the air with 200 yards going to a single receiver. The Terps have also only been in the red-zone on 14 occasions this year, scoring on 12 visits but only six touchdowns. Opponents on the other hand have made 28 visits with 24 scores and 21 touchdowns. Get inside the 20 are and chances are better than not you’ll come away with seven points.
The Player To Watch:
Perry Hills would have been the option here but with Likely making a switch over to offense and his playmaking ability he’ll be the one to watch. With 684 yards of offense to his name, Likely has earned his offense in bunches including just over 100 yards against a talented Michigan team. If Hills can get going and Likely can compliment him it could be a troubling combination for Penn State. With Penn State’s punting struggling over the past few weeks, shanks out of bounds might be the best thing the Nittany Lions have going for them with a dangerous return man on the prowl.
The Prediction:
On paper Penn State is the better team, and with Saquon Barkley healthy that will only helps matters. Likely and Hills will have some success because they’re too good to completely keep in check, but it probably won’t be enough. Good weather and a good crowd should spell a Nittany Lion victory on Saturday.
31-14 Penn State
Handshake: Yes
