Maryland Football: Five things to watch for Maryland/Minnesota

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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Defense needs to reclaim their swagger

Maryland’s defense was solid through the first two games. The Terps were getting turnovers and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

In last Saturday’s contest, Maryland didn’t register a single sack or quarterback hurry. McKenzie Milton obviously was a very mobile signal caller, which was evident in his 94 rushing yards.

Maryland accumulated nine sacks in the first two games and were playing at an exceptionally high level. Seven players have at least one sack so far and linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. leads the way with 2.5 sacks.

The Terps also have done a decent job getting turnovers so far. Antoine Brooks, J.C. Jackson, and Darnell Savage Jr. all have recorded one interceptions apiece, but only Carter has forced a fumble so far.

Minnesota quarterback Conor Rhoda isn’t exactly one that’s going to do a ton of damage down the field. Maryland’s secondary may want to take a few chances and try to come up with a turnover or two early in the game.

Giving Bortenschlager a shorter field to work with certainly will be a positive.

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