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Maryland Football: Durkin prepares for Rutgers

By Wesley Brown

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 29: The Maryland Terrapins offense lines up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defense during the first half of their game at Byrd Stadium on November 29, 2014 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 29: The Maryland Terrapins offense lines up against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defense during the first half of their game at Byrd Stadium on November 29, 2014 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Coming off a big home win against Indiana, DJ Durkin looks ahead to Rutgers on the road.

Build on the momentum

After losing three straight games in the Big Ten, including games against Ohio State and Wisconsin, it was a big step for Maryland to finish a game on the winning side. The running game built off of it’s rebound performance against the Badgers, notching 174 yards rushing and two short scores by Jake Funk.

Special Teams have continued their positive form with Darnell Savage Jr’s blocked punt and return for a touchdown.

Maryland needs to use this matchup against Rutgers to boost all sides of the ball ahead of their tough three game stretch to close out the season.

Rutgers is building momentum too

The Scarlet Knights have come on the winning side of things just a tad more this season, making the Big Ten notice. Rather than being the winless laughing stock, Rutgers have pulled off two wins in conference play, both against West Division opponents.

Their ground game is what will win games for them going forward, as they have eclipsed 1,200 yards as a team. This has been led by senior Gus Edwards, who has over 500 yards rushing so far this year. The Scarlet Knights have scored 17 of their 22 touchdowns on the ground.

Game location being changed isn’t huge

DJ Durkin was asked about if the venue being changed from Yankee Stadium to Rutgers’ home field made a difference in how his team prepared. He admitted that playing at Yankee Stadium would have been nice, but it “doesn’t change anything at all.”

No focus on a Bowl Bid

Just as he pointed out this time last year, Durkin simply noted that this team is not thinking about the two wins they need. “I don’t understand how you could do that”, Durkin said of working out the math on wins needed to get a bid.

You can see Coach Durkin’s full press conference here.

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