Maryland Terrapins 2022 College Football Preview
July 31, 2022
2021 Recap
Record – 7-6
ATS – 5-8
Yes, guy.
Maryland rocketed off to a 4-0 start, and whilst they sputtered to the wire losing six of their final eight regular season contests, they still managed to book their first winning season since 2014. Ya, it was just a bowl game, but we like what we saw in the Pinstripe Bowl as they absolutely CREMATED Virginia Tech (W 54-10). That should have these guys ready to fire in 2022. Let’s go!
Maryland Terrapins 2022 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Terps did some damage last year, particularly vs weak opponents, and finished the year ranked #32 in the FBS in total offense (441 YPG) and #13 in passing offense. They got a sparkling performance out of QB Taulia Tagovailoa (69%, 3,860, 26-11 TD to INT) and all he needs to do is cut down on mistakes in order to be REALLY good. BABY TUA will be glad to know that he gets back his top-two targets who are legit Big Ten weapons in WR Rakim Jarrett (829, 5 TD LY) and Dontay Demus (507, 18.1). The RB room looks like a bit of a BLACK HOLE after the departure of Tayon Fleet-Davis and it’ll be interesting to see if a #1 back emerges from the depth chart. The best news might be the fact that the offensive line brings back five (!) starters and over 90 career starts. Our DEEP BIG TEN INSIDERS think that Maryland will average 30+ PPG for the first time since 2010 (!).
DEFENSE
The defense was MEH last season as they didn’t really do much of anything particularly well (#70 FBS run defense, #88 pass efficiency D). The exception was a pass rush that managed to get to the QB 31 times (#5), and that was the first time they tallied 30+ sacks since 2016. Things should get slightly better in 2022 as they return seven starters on this side of the football and don’t appear to have a glaring weakness. They’ve got good size up front but could use a pass rusher or two to emerge. The LB group looks ok and will be bolstered by the addition of West Virginia transfer Vandarius Cowan, and the secondary features a pair of above-average CBs. They’ve got a legit shot to allow fewer than 30 PPG for the first time since 2018, but they only way that seems possible is if they can replace the sack production of their top-two doods from 2021 (11 sacks).
SPECIAL TEAMS
This looks like an average group at best. The good news is that PR Tarheeb Still took a punt back to the CRIBBY HIZZY WIZZY last season and they scooped up a solid PK in Chad Ryland thru the transfer portal (Eastern Michigan).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – The Terps should be able to start 3-0 before they tackle Michigan in their Big Ten opener. We like the draw from the West (Badgers, Cats, Boiler Up) and they should be able to bag a last grasp win if needed in the final week (home to Rutgers).
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Nothing overly-spooky has hit our radar.
Season Win Total
Per BetOnline July 31
Over 6 -115
Under 6 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over
The only thing on PLANET EARTH less trustworthy than the DEATH JAB is Mike Locksley’s ability to win football games. Having said that, this team is way too talented to miss out on a bowl game.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
The Diamondback TERRAPIN is a turtle species native to Maryland. Amaze the multi-gendered Karen next door with that trivia bomb.
Your pal Mike Locksley has a career record of 15-49 (.234) and a 27-37 ( 42%) mark vs the point spread.
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
It took a while, but FEAR THE TURTLE finally put together a decent season whilst inhabiting the Big Ten. They’ll be able to SCORE the FOOTBALL and think that they’ve got more upside than many teams in the Big Ten. We fully expect them to make a bowl game and wouldn’t be surprised if they SHOCKED the WORLD with a big upset at some point during the 2022 season. Let’s do ittttttt!
Want more Maryland football ?
WEBSITE
https://umterps.com/sports/football
FORUM
http://maryland.247sports.com/Board/University-of-Maryland-Sports-53
https://maryland.forums.rivals.com/forums/terps-football-forum.18/
NEWS
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/maryland/
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/terps/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/_/id/120/maryland-terrapins