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Maryland Football: A Milestone Big 10 Test awaits Friday

By Herbert Seward III

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins talks with Taulia Tagovailoa #3 during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 7, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins talks with Taulia Tagovailoa #3 during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 7, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins on the sidelines during the second quarter in the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2021, in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins on the sidelines during the second quarter in the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2021, in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Prediction: Maryland 28 – Iowa 21

The Terrapins are poised for a huge night on the national stage IF they can remain relatively mistake-free on both sides of the ball. As stout as the Iowa Hawkeye defense has been this season, the versatility of this year’s edition of the Terrapin offense might just be its biggest strength. Look for Offensive Coordinator Dan Enos to focus on getting the ball in the hands of the bounty of play-making talent at Taulia Tagliovia’s disposal. This may particularly be true for the integration of the Terp’s under-the-radar but talented tight-end corps, adding yet another offensive layer for Iowa’s defensive brain trust to worry about.

If the Terrapins win the down and distance game on both sides of the ball, they’re better equipped to translate those scenarios into points. Iowa has a real weapon in their defensive kicking game, so getting into a field position battle could be hairy if the terps aren’t disciplined. The law of averages almost guarantees that Iowa’s offensive production will improve to an extent, but the pass-rushing ability of the Terrapin defense in favorable down-and-distance situations could be a real problem for Iowa’s offensive line. In the end, the terrapins limit the mental mistakes and the versatility of the Terrapin offense proves to be too much for that defense.

Until the next time!

#TerrapinStrong

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