Last year, Maryland won eight games, which was the most they have won in a single season since 2010. Head coach Mike Locksley has bounced back the last two seasons and they think they have a chance to close the gap in the Big Ten East. They have a lot of work to do as they lost some starters on both sides of the ball. Will Maryland be able to get over the eight win mark in 2023? Here is the preview of the 2023 Maryland Terrapins.
Offense
Maryland getting Taulia Tagovailoa back is huge for this offense. He is the all-time leading passer at Maryland and he was on the 2nd team All-Big Ten last year. The numbers speak for themselves, however he lost four starters on his offensive line and three out of his top six receivers. A lot of turnover is happening, but Maryland has the potential to take a step forward offensively in 2023.
Maryland’s balanced game starts with running back Roman Hembry, who ranked 3rd amongst all FBS freshmen in total yards from scrimmage. He will be behind an offensive line with a lot of turnover, but Maryland brought some talent to come in. At the right guard spot, Corey Bullock comes in from NC Central. Left guard Marcus Dumervil comes in from LSU and left tackle Gottelib Ayedze from Frostburg State looks to create opportunities for the offense to strive in 2023. Maryland brings back leading receiver Jeshaun Jones to lead the pack, however he is not alone. The Terrapins brought in Kaden Prather (West Virginia) and Tyrese Chambers (FIU) to come in and be playmakers for Tagovailoa. This offense has potential to be a top five offense in the Big Ten, but they need their offensive line to gel and their quarterback to continue playing at a high level.
Defense
Maryland’s defense was subpar at best last year. However, their rush defense was very good, while their pass defense was brutal. In the front seven, they brought in Tennessee transfer Jordan Phillips to man the defensive line. Another talented player up front that they brought in is defensive end Donnell Brown from St. Francis, who was the Northeast Conference Defensive Player Of The Year last year. For the veteran linebacker group, they are led by Jaishawn Barham. He led the team in tackles for a loss a season ago and will be the voice of the front seven.
In the secondary, they are led by safety Beau Brade. Brade led the team in tackles last season and is the veteran leader that this secondary needs. Maryland also brings in Cincinnati transfer cornerback Ja’Quan Sheppard to help solidify the cornerback position. Also, Miami transfer Avante Williams will help add some depth at the safety position. The Terrapins need their secondary to take a big step forward to help be better than they were a season ago.
Win Total Bet
The win total is set at 7.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at +134 and the under is set at -164. Offensively, Maryland is going to be very good. My biggest question mark about this team is defensively. If they can figure out their issues on defense, they will compete in the Big Ten East. They can be a threat, but they need the defense to step up. I think they go under this win total, but the odds are super high. Stay away from this win total, as Maryland will be a team that you watch during the season.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Towson (1-0)
Blowout win vs Charlotte (2-0)
Win vs Virginia (3-0)
Loss at Michigan State (3-1)
Win vs Indiana (4-1)
Loss at Ohio State (4-2)
Loss vs Illinois (4-3)
Win at Northwestern (5-3)
Loss vs Penn State (5-4)
Win at Nebraska (6-4)
Loss vs Michigan (6-5)
Loss at Rutgers (6-6)
