Maryland Terrapins 2016 NCAA Football Preview
MARYLAND TERRAPINS
Big 10 Conference – East Division
2015 Record – 3-9
ATS – 7-5
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
East Division – #7
Conference – #14
2015 Recap
We think it is safe to say that the Randy Edsall experiment was a failure. Granted, they have dealt with a lot of injuries the past few seasons, particularly at QB where they have had major injury issues. Last season they started with a win over Richmond and finished with a victory over Rutgers. In between, it was a hot mess with only one win to show for their troubles, a victory at home vs USF. Edsall was fired mid-season.
OFFENSE
Perry Hills returns for what seems like his 11th season. Hills has had a lot of injury trouble in his career and we hope he can stay in one piece this year. Maryland QBs threw an impossible 29 interceptions last season so it is entirely possible that we see a true freshman get some serious playing time. We are skeptical that they have anybody able to carry the offense.
The Terrapins have depth at RB but it is not clear if they have a true #1 guy. The offensive line is a bit of a concern as they only return two starters, but if they can perform anywhere close to the last two games of 2015 when they rushed for OVER 700 combined yards, this offense may have a shot at being decent.
It is a similar situation at the wide receiver position. They have some experience but it is unclear if they have a true home run hitter. Having said that, they have had some pretty nice weapons in recent seasons, so it is not impossible to think there may be a star in waiting. Of course, with the question mark at QB, it seems unlikely this unit will reach their potential this season.
DEFENSE
New HC DJ Durkin did a great job with the Michigan defense last year and the hope is that he can make a significant difference with the Terrapins. They have some decent players to build around, particularly MLB Jermaine Carter who led the team in tackles, and star CB William Likely. The huge concern is the loss of a combined TWENTY sacks between two DL who do not return in 2016. The offense turned the ball over so many times last season it made your head spin. That did not help the defense out at all. They might be able to get below 30 points per game allowed but the defensive line has us worried.
SPECIAL TEAMS
JUGGERNAUT ALERT – CB/PR/KR William Likely is one of the most exciting players in college football with the ball in his hands on returns. Last season he averaged 17.7 yards on 23 (!) punt returns and took a couple back for TDs. There was also a 100-yard kick return TD thrown in for good measure. The man is a weapon.
We are not sure about the PK and punting situation. Pete Lembo should help the overall performance of the unit.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.5
MEGALOCKS says:
The schedule is very helpful. They start out with three winnable games against Howard, FIU and UCF before getting a week off. They start October with a home game against Purdue and that means a 3-1 or 4-0 start is not out of the question.
Overall, we give the TERRAPINS a 5.5 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season. If only we had a crystal ball regarding the QB situation. On the 5% chance that Hills starts 9+ games and does not get pulverized and knocked out for the season, we see potential for this team to be a decent bet especially when catching a bunch of points. If they end up going with a freshman QB, no matter how talented, we feel that this season is going to be a struggle with the view of building for 2017. The main concern is the offensive and defensive line play. Watching and waiting.
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Website
http://www.umterps.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=120713
Forum
http://www.scout.com/college/maryland/forums/2580-free-state-forum
http://maryland.247sports.com/Board/Maryland-Basketball-and-Maryland-Football-Scoop-67
https://maryland.forums.rivals.com/forums/terps-football-forum.18/
News
http://bleacherreport.com/maryland-terrapins-football
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/maryland/
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/
https://twitter.com/TerpsFootball @TerpsFootball
https://twitter.com/DMartinCSN @DMartinCSN Daniel Martin
https://twitter.com/romanstubbs @romanstubbs Roman Stubbs