Maryland Football: 2015 season predictions

Nov 22, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Wes Brown (4) rushes in the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Where do the Terps finish in the Big Ten East?

Chris Bengel: The East is a murderer’s row of sorts. Powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan State are nearly always guaranteed to finish at the top of the standings. After that, it gets very interesting. Michigan and Penn State are traditional powerhouse programs, but haven’t been the last few years. Jim Harbaugh has Wolverines fans excited, but it’s going to take time to recover from the damage that Brady Hoke did to the program. On the other hand, James Franklin has a similar agenda in Happy Valley and has been tearing it up on the recruiting trail (unfortunately for Maryland fans). The Buckeyes and Spartans will be at the top no doubt, but I honestly think the Terps could be the third best team in the East. Penn State has a talented roster, but questions about the offensive line and Christian Hackenberg’s ability to win big games. Obviously, a lot of Maryland’s success hinges on the quarterback position and the new 4-3 defense having success. I really like a younger Maryland team to pull a few upsets and surprise a lot of people.

Ryan Garland: Ohio State and Michigan State should remain at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively in the Big Ten East again this season. After that, it’s anyone’s game. Michigan, Penn State, and Indiana should be slightly improved in 2015, and the Terps will have difficulty defeating all three teams again this season as they did last. Maryland may not finish third in the division as they accomplished last year, but should still remain in the middle of the pack. Michigan will leapfrog Maryland in the standings under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, as will Penn State, leaving the Terps in fifth, ahead of Indiana and Rutgers.