Big Ten Football - 2021 Maryland Terrapins Preview
Our Maryland Terrapins preview 2021 observes that this year this team possesses the potential to be explosive. They are coming off a 2-3 season that was impacted greatly by COVID. However, prior to last year, the Terrapins struggled to reach the 500-mark. In fact, over the last five seasons, the only time they have done so was in 2016 when they were 6-6 in the regular season. That year they met Boston College in the Quick Lane Bowl losing 30-36. That’s the last time the Terrapins made a postseason appearance. This year that drought may be over.
Maryland Offense
Eight starters return on offense including quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa, who transferred from Alabama, proved to show a lot of promise at the helm. Completing 61.5 percent of his passes, he threw for 1,011 yards and notched seven TDs while also throwing seven picks. Tagovailoa also rushed for two scores. He finished third in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (252.8) and third in completion rate. This season, look for Tagovailoa to utilize more options, such as screens and play-action. If he does this, Tagovailoa could be running an unstoppable offense.
The receiving unit sees its four top pass catchers return. The talented Dontay Demus led the group with 24 catches, 365 receiving yards, and four TDs. Running back Tayon Fleet-Davis is expected to have a career season. He can catch, run, and block. Talented sophomore Isaiah Jacobs is the second man in when carrying the ball. The O-line is versatile, talented, and skilled.
Maryland Terrapins Preview 2021 - Defense
We think that the Terps will push their offensive output up this year, scoring more than last season’s 23.6 PPG. But in order to win, they’ll also have to lower opponent points per game, which came in at a whopping 32.0. It’s hard to win when you’re averaging minus 8.4 PPG. Six starters return on D, and the secondary, which allowed just 200.0 YPG (3rd Big Ten, 25th Nationally), is primed to dominate.
All three starters are back on the frontline, which should certainly help. Last season DT Mosiah Nasili-Kite led the team in sacks with four. He also recorded 20 tackles, one TFL, and one QBH. JACK Durell Nchami, who did not play in 2020 due to injury, is back. He’s a difference maker. Plus, four-star freshman Demeioun Robinson could become a prime contributor quickly. WLB Fa’Najae Gotay, the team’s hardest tackler, is ready to record some big numbers. SS Jordan Mosely and FS Nick Cross offer fine D skills, while corners Tarheeb Still, who made All-Big Ten as a true freshman, and Deonte Banks are part of a rangy and deep secondary.
Specialists
Our Maryland Terrapins preview 2021 finds that returns were a major issue last season. The Terps were last in the conference in punt returns and second-to-last in kick bring backs. Placekicker Joseph Petrino was 4-7 on field goals and perfect on extra points. His longest three-pointer was from the 51-yard line. Three of his misses were from 50-plus yards. Anthony Pecorella and Colton Spranger shared the punting duties last season depending on which hash mark was closer. Pecorella averaged 42.1 YPP and Spranger 39.5 YPP. Of their 28 punts, 14 were placed within the 20.
Maryland Terrapins Preview 2021 - Projection
Head coach Mike Locksley starts his third full season with the Terps. He’s done some good work, and this season, he could see some of it pay off. A mature and more diverse Tagovailoa along with a more experienced and skilled D could certainly translate into more wins than losses or at least a 500 season. Our Maryland Terrapins preview 2021 certainly envisions this team making strides.
Big Ten Football - Maryland Terrapins 2021 - Predictions:
Fifth Place - Big Ten East
Pinstripe Bowl – vs. Virginia