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Maryland Football: Five storylines to watch for Maryland/Texas

By Chris Bengel

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 09: D.J. Moore #1 of the Maryland Terrapins carries for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the FIU Panthers at FIU Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 09: D.J. Moore #1 of the Maryland Terrapins carries for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the FIU Panthers at FIU Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Ty Johnson #6 of the Maryland Terrapins runs for a short gain during the second quarter of the game against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field on December 26, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Ty Johnson #6 of the Maryland Terrapins runs for a short gain during the second quarter of the game against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field on December 26, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Maryland’s stellar backfield

It’s no secret that Maryland has one of the most lethal backfields in the Big Ten.

The Terps finished fourth in the conference in rushing with 2,594 yards (199.5 yards-per-game) and 26 touchdowns. Ty Johnson rushed for 1,004 yards and averaged 9.1 yards-per-carry, which was one of the best seasons in program history.

In addition, Lorenzo Harrison returns after averaging 7.2 yards-per-carry and rushing for five touchdowns in nine games. Harrison missed the final five contests due to suspension.

Herman even praised Maryland’s backfield by labeling them the “Presidential Backfield.”

In 2016, Texas finished fifth in the Big 12 in rush defense as they surrendered 189.8 yards on the ground per contest. Opposing teams averaged 4.1 yards-per-carry against the Longhorns, so it’s very possible for there to be daylight for the Terps.

Maryland will have to find a way to get the ball into the hands of Johnson and Harrison early and often in an effort to wear down the Texas defense. It also doesn’t hurt to have a mobile quarterback like Pigrome that can run the ball when he has to.

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