Maryland Terrapins football program seemed to be on the chopping block after the tragic death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair during a team workout. But following the tragedy, it seemed like the Terps took a turn in the right direction. Maryland hired Mike Locksley as their new head coach, and the Terps managed a 5-7 record, even pulling a Week One shocker against Texas.
Prestige Ranking (if NCAA Football 20 existed): 3*
Last Years Record: 5-7 (3-6)
After shocking Texas and running over Bowling Green to start the season, it looked like Maryland could be starting a solid 2018 campaign. Even after a 35-14 loss to Temple halted momentum a little bit, the Terps fought their way to a 5-3 record. It was the last four games of the season that would leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Maryland fans. They dropped four straight tough games against Michigan State, Indiana, Ohio State, and Penn State, with the Indiana and Ohio State losses being heartbreakers. Even so, the 5-3 start gives fans some hope going into 2019.
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 8
RB Anthony McFarland, FB Tayon Fleet-Davis, TE Noah Barnes, LG Sean Christie, C Johnny Jordan, RG Terrance Davis, WR Jeshaun Jones, WR DJ Turner, WR Dontay Demus
Although depth charts aren’t finalized quite yet, Maryland does bring back a solid offensive group. This group is led by Anthony McFarland, who had a breakout freshman year, rushing for 1,034 yards and 4 touchdowns. Returning three offensive linemen is also huge with a wide-open quarterback competition ahead.
Defense: 6
NT Adam McLean, NB Antoine Brooks, ILB Isaiah Davis, CB Marcus Lews, CB Tino Ellis, SS Antwaine Richardson
Maryland loses its top two interception leaders from last season but returns a good chunk of the secondary that did a solid job against the pass last year. However, the Terps run defense did have some issues last season and the Front 7 will have to step it up even with limited returners.
Special Teams: 2
K Joseph Petrino, KR Jeshaun Jones
Petrino had a good freshman year, hitting 12-14 field goals and 40-41 extra points. Maryland lost P Wade Lees after he transferred to UCLA for his final year of eligibility.
Key Losses
QB Kasim Hill, WR Taivon Jacobs, WR Jahrvis Davenport, LB Tre Watson, S Darnell Savage Jr
Key Newcomer: Offense- QB Josh Jackson
Although the quarterback competition is still open, expect to see Jackson starting at some point in 2019. After a solid freshman season at Virginia Tech, Jackson suffered a brutal broken left fibula in a game against Old Dominion in 2018. Jackson made a full recovery but felt disrespected after Virginia Tech made him fight for his job instead of immediately taking back over as starting quarterback. Now at Maryland, Jackson has a chip on his shoulder. Someone that can get it done with his arm and legs, Jackson could provide a major impact for the Terps this year.
Key Newcomer: Defense- S Nick Cross
Maryland has big shoes to fill with the loss of Darnell Savage Jr. After projected starting safety Antwaine Richardson went down with a knee injury, Cross could be looking at the starting job. He has the size and the pedigree to be a force at strong safety for the Terps as soon as this year. Cross de-committed from Florida State and chose to come to Maryland over powerhouses Georgia and Penn State.
Maryland wins the Big Ten if…
They moved to the Big Ten West. The B10 East is too loaded with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State. It could be quite sometime before the Terps win their division. On the bright side, the Terps get to beat up Rutgers every season.
Circle this game on the calendar: Week 3 at. Temple
The Owls embarrassed Maryland in College Park last season, 35-14. This season, the Terps have a chance to repay the favor in Philly. Week 3 will also be the last non-conference game before a big game against Penn State. A 3-0 or 2-1 start could be a huge confidence boost before a tough conference slate.
2019 Outlook: 5-7 (3-6)
I forecast the Maryland Terrapins to finish in the exact same spot as last season. The real toss-ups come against Purdue, Indiana, Minnesota, and Nebraska. If Josh Jackson can become what he was with Virginia Tech, and the Terps can win 3 out of those 4 games, we could be looking at a possible 6-6 and a bowl game. I just don’t trust this young defense enough to see Maryland coming away with a winning record.