Maryland Football: Five storylines to watch for Maryland/Texas

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MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 09: Alex McGough #12 of the FIU Panthers in action during the first half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at FIU Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Getting pressure on Shane Buechele

The pass rush was one of the most underrated departments for Maryland last season.

The Terps recorded 37 sacks (third in the Big Ten), which averaged out to 2.8 per contest. That only trailed Michigan and Penn State, who both finished near the top of the East division.

Despite losing Roman Braglio and Azubuike Ukandu, Maryland’s front seven should still get significant push towards the quarterback.

Defensive end Jesse Aniebonam led the team with nine sacks last fall and he returns to anchor the pass rush. In addition, 30.5 of Maryland’s 38 sacks from a season ago were made by players that will be back in 2017.

The wild card for the Terps pass rush is senior linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr.

Carter really came on last season as a pass rusher as he recorded a career-high six sacks. Prior to the 2016 campaign, he hadn’t tallied a single sack in his collegiate career.

Texas quarterback Shane Buechele had a great deal of success when he had time to throw last season. He throws a strong deep ball, so Maryland’s pass rush could be the ultimate x-factor.

If they can make life difficult for Buechele, that could lead to turnover opportunities for the secondary. That’s certainly a possibility since Texas surrendered 32 sacks, which was tied for the most in the Big 12 last season.

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