Sep 52 min read

Maryland Terrapins Host Michigan State in Big Ten Opener

Billy Edwards — © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

The Maryland Terrapins (1-0, 0-0) will host the Michigan State Spartans (1-0, 0-0) at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 in College Park, Md. Both teams will be playing in their Big Ten Conference opening game.

What's at Stake?

Early positioning in the Big Ten standings. The bad news for Maryland is they are only returning four starters from last year’s offense. The good news is one of those four returning is star running back Roman Hemby. All five of Maryland’s losses last year came in Big Ten play, so getting an early conference win will go a long way in Big Ten positioning.

This year, Michigan State is in a rebuild with first-year head coach Jonathan Smith. Any wins in Year 1 for the former Oregon State coach will help establish the culture that Smith is trying to build. The Spartans only averaged 90 rushing yards per game in 2023. Smith, known for his ground-and-pound style of offense, has been brought in to fix the run game.

Tai Felton — © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Key Players: Maryland Terrapins

Offensive: RB Roman Hemby will be getting the majority of the carries in 2024. Hampered by injuries in 2023, Hemby is ready to announce to the Big Ten that he should be in the conversation of top Big Ten RBs. WR Tai Felton showed Terps fans that he is ready to step in as the No. 1 receiver, catching 7 passes for 178 yards and 2 TDs in a Week 1 win over UConn. QB Billy Edwards won the starting job in fall camp for Maryland and finished 20-of-27 for 311 yards and 2 TDs while also getting 39 yards on the ground.

Defensive: FS Glendon Miller was the star in the opener against UConn, finishing with 6 tackles and an interception. LB Ruben Hyppolite was second in 2023 with 66 tackles and will need to step up to help stop the revamped Spartan rushing attack.

Key Players: Michigan State Spartans

Offensive: QB Aiden Chiles, who came to Michigan State with Smith from Oregon State, struggled in the opener against FAU, finishing 10-of-24 for 114 yards with no TDs and 2 INTs. Chiles rushed for 28 yards and 1 TD. RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams rushed for 101 yards and 1 TD. Michigan State’s hopes of winning will rest on Lynch-Adams' shoulders.

Defensive: DB Angelo Grose led the MSU defense against FAU, getting 12 tackles, 9 solo, 1 INT and a forced fumble. DE Khris Bogle had 5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Trends to Watch

Both teams won their Week 1 opener but in a very different fashion. Maryland obliterated UConn 50-7 and looked very good in doing so. Michigan State barely got by FAU, winning 16-10 and struggled mightily on offense.