Maryland Football: Durkin looks forward to Wisconsin
By Wesley Brown
DJ Durkin spoke to the media during the week leading up to Maryland visiting Wisconsin, giving us some points to cover.
Focus against Northwestern was “inconsistent” in all three phases
Durkin admitted that this team simply needs to get back on track. After the beating they took against Ohio State, the Terrapins seemed to lose their ability to focus for 60 minutes. In the first and third quarters, Maryland outscored the Wildcats 14-6. But, in the second and fourth, they simply collapsed, being out done 31-7 in those 30 minutes. Another struggle was third downs, as the Terrapins converted just six out of 17 third downs. Having discipline for a full game is the only way Maryland has a chance to come out of Madison with a win.
Max Bortenschlager needs to make better decisions
The first step of this focus all begins with the play of Max Bortenschlager. Durkin noted the poor decisions that have prevailed in the last two matchups of Big Ten play. Against Minnesota in his first start, Bortenschlager completed 18 of 28 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Durkin noted Bortenschlager’s struggle with completing the easy passes. This can be attributed to the deficits and positions Maryland was put in, but the Terrapins will have to move the ball effectively to have any chance to right the ship this season.
League office agreed on some of the officiating issues
As Durkin mentioned after the loss to Northwestern, he contacted the league office about some of the calls made. The league responded, by admitting that the kick-catch interference call was incorrect and should have been Maryland’s ball. A plethora of incorrect calls seemed to bother Durkin and Maryland fans, but bad officiating is just part of the game. Durkin also admitted that his team cannot worry about officiating, even though there was a widespread issue last week.
What is next?
When asked about Wisconsin and what they may take advantage of, Durkin pointed to their control of the line on both sides of the ball. Their offensive and defensive line schemes, as well as physical bodies are going to be hard to overcome. They are “well coached” according to Durkin, and on offense, the Badgers have a particular weapon that Maryland needs to stop.
Freshman running back Jonathan Taylor has amassed 10 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards in Wisconsin’s first six games. Taylor has rushed for over 200 yards in three games so far as well. Maryland averages giving up just over 178 yards rushing per game, so containing Taylor will be huge for the Terrapins in their quest for the upset.