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) /

5 of 6

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Saturday’s matchup is very interesting because it pits two of the most popular coaching hires over the past two offseasons against one another

Durkin was the successor to Randy Edsall, who didn’t exactly leave the program in the best standing. On the other hand, former Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck took over for Tracy Claeys, who was fired for his stance in the sexual assault case that implicated 10 Minnesota players.

Fleck had a good amount of success at Western Michigan before making the move to the Big Ten. He accumulated a 30-22 record while with the Broncos and led the program to three consecutive bowl games.

In addition, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver led the Broncos to a 13-1 (8-0 MAC) and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl.

Durkin never had a head coaching gig before coming to College Park. The Bowling Green alum served as an assistant coach under the likes of Jim Harbaugh and Urban Meyer at Florida and Stanford respectively.

Both coaches are under 40 years old and really have brought enthusiasm to their programs. It could be the first of many entertaining matchups between the two coaches.

Home/Maryland Football