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Maryland Football: Five things to watch for Maryland/Minnesota

By Chris Bengel

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 05: Lorenzo Harrison #23 of the Maryland Terrapins tries to escape the tackle of Delano Hill #44 of the Michigan Wolverines during a second half run on November 5, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 05: Lorenzo Harrison #23 of the Maryland Terrapins tries to escape the tackle of Delano Hill #44 of the Michigan Wolverines during a second half run on November 5, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 59-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Bouncing back on the ground

Let’s be honest: Maryland had a game to forget in every fashion last week.

However, one of the most surprising facets was their inability to run the football.

It’s been no secret that the ground attack has been the program’s biggest strength in recent years, especially since Durkin arrived. The Terps were one of the top teams in the Big Ten in terms of toting the rock.

In last Saturday’s loss, Maryland carried the ball 37 times for a grand total of 42 yards. That’s an abysmal 1.1 yards-per-carry if you’re doing the math at home.

Lorenzo Harrison III was Maryland’s most productive back as he totaled 10 carries for 48 yards. Starter Ty Johnson had one more carry, but tallied just 25 rushing yards on the afternoon.

Even with a horrific week on the ground, the Terps still rank third in the conference in rushing with 224.0 yards-per-game. Maryland is also one of just three teams averaging at least 5.8 yards-per-carry this season.

Minnesota definitely isn’t going to do Maryland any favors in terms of the battle on the ground. The Golden Gophers currently own the Big Ten’s top rush defense as they’re surrendering just 59.0 yards-per-game.

The Golden Gophers also are yielding just 2.8 yards-per-carry and are one of just three conference teams that have given up just one rushing touchdown.

If the run doesn’t work out early on, Maryland is going to need to stick with it. Even if they somehow get down by two scores, staying committed to the rushing attack could be the ultimate difference maker.

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