Maryland Football: Five things to watch for Maryland/Ohio State

Who gets a bump in the return game?

Out of the two teams, Maryland may be much more well-rounded in the return game.

The Terps rank in the top six in the Big Ten in terms of both kickoff and punt returns. Maryland is currently in kickoff returns as they average 22.2 yards-per-return while also racking up the most return yards (399) in the conference.

Maryland ranks fifth in terms of punt returns as they average 12.4 yards-per-return.

Now why is Maryland so successful in the return game?

That’s because they use three of the most dangerous players on their roster in Ty Johnson, D.J. Moore, and Taivon Jacobs. Jacobs and Johnson have eight kickoff returns apiece while Moore has 10 punt returns on the season.

If anybody of these guys get in space, it’s been proven in the past that they can take it to the house. On several occasions this season, it’s clear that Moore was a missed tackle away from finding paydirt.

Ohio State has been impressive primarily on kickoff returns.

Parris Campbell has just six returns, but he’s accumulated 254 yards on those runbacks. He broke off an 82-yard return against UNLV that nearly went for a touchdown.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise of Campbell or Moore broke a return for a touchdown in this one. If Moore can continue to give Maryland the upper hand in the field position battle, the Terps could be there at the finish line on Saturday.