2022 Maryland Football

Coming off last year’s 7-6 campaign, including the lopsided bowl victory over Virginia Tech, apparently didn’t significantly improve their recruiting. That’s too bad - especially for their defense. Of course, their only impressive regular season win was against West Virginia and that was the home opener. What really hurt their season was the loss of WR Dontay Demus in the brutal home loss to Iowa. They went into that game 4-0 knowing that they would be tested. QB Tagovailoa’s favorite target was suddenly gone for the season and he reacted with five interceptions.

Playing in the Big Ten’s Eastern Division can be overwhelming with annual meetings with Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. They also have Wisconsin to deal with this season. All four teams are nationally ranked and represent virtually automatic losses for the Terps. So the absolute best case scenario is an 8-4 season but the likelihood of that happening is slim unless the defense somehow, someway dramatically improves. It won’t be easy because key starters on defense won’t be returning.

What is encouraging is the return of Tagovailoa and Demus along with the starting offensive line. They also have a highly touted kicker who transferred in.

Worst case scenario is 5-7 with wins over Buffalo, UNC-Charlotte, Rutgers, Indiana and Northwestern. The pivotal games are SMU (Terps have good track record against early season non-conference worthy opponents under HC Locksley), Penn State and Purdue. The difference between 5-7 and 8-4.

My prediction: 7-5 with wins over SMU and Penn State (road upset would be repeat of two seasons ago).

One major upset, however slim, is the key for dramatic improvement in recruiting. Not an easy task competing with the Big Ten legendary programs. The defense would have to ‘show up’ big time. Otherwise, Locksley is not the answer at HC.

CCx

Heck of a game last night. Won a few bucks on it too for the added bonus. Terps tried to lose it with penalties. Sloppy game by both teams with SMU just sloppier enough.

I think they knock off one upper level opponent this year that they should lose to. Grab a few more wins over the mid to low tier Big 10 teams, and off to a bowl [emoji1696]

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by PurplePill

Heck of a game last night. Won a few bucks on it too for the added bonus. Terps tried to lose it with penalties. Sloppy game by both teams with SMU just sloppier enough.

I think they knock off one upper level opponent this year that they should lose to. Grab a few more wins over the mid to low tier Big 10 teams, and off to a bowl [emoji1696]

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Penalties are excessive along with lack of composure (immaturity). Michigan obviously won’t be so accommodating. Locksley HAS to learn how to motivate his players by preaching discipline and leadership. They’ll never pull upsets without those two commodities. The players DO have heart (desire) and they believe in themselves. Football is still a game of emotion.

CCx

Not satisfied with bowl eligibility (6+ wins). Ultimately Terps have to compete in the Big Ten. Start with achieving a winning record inside the conference which is 5-4. Low expectations (3-6 is “realistic”) is what fans can afford - not the coaches and players. You might as well move back to the ACC for football. Maryland’s football program has to improve by holding their head coach accountable - not the schedule maker.

CCx