Scarlet Saturdays: #5 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Maryland Terrapins Preview

Ohio State Buckeyes, Uploaded on November 10, 2020 — 'Ohio State Buckeyes' Photo Credit: Erik Drost via Flickr

Broadcast Info:

Maryland (5-0) at #5 Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0)
Saturday, October 7th. Kickoff Noon EST.
Ohio Stadium
Fox Big Noon Kickoff

What's at Stake?

The Buckeyes come off a bye week to host the Maryland Terps who will come into Columbus undefeated. This is Maryland's first time starting 5-0 since 2001, winning each game by 18-plus. Maryland will enter Columbus with a veteran QB in Taulia Tagovailoa who has 14-300 yard passing games in his career which is the most in program history. This match-up has a chance to be a battle of scoring points where both teams are loaded at the receiver position. Ohio State which has produced a ton of high-power receivers into the NFL, hangs their hats on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka but Maryland comes in with a loaded receiver room in Tyrese Chambers and Jeshaun Jones. The Buckeyes will be tested early. Can they get the sacks and get pressure on Taulia and will McCord be able to find the endzone against a tough Maryland defense?

Defense Continues its Dominance

The Silver Bullets have been producing at a level we have not seen since 2014 when the Buckeyes won their national title. Ohio State will have to have their best foot moving forward on Saturday against Maryland where Taulia Tagovailoa is producing an insane amount of passing yards for the Terps this year. The key this week will be can Ohio State produce the sack numbers they have been able to produce on Maryland in the past. Last year the Buckeyes had five total sacks against the Terps. A repeat performance at that level will be what the Buckeyes need in order to give their DBs an advantage against the speed Maryland has at their receiver position. Jim Knowles was quoted saying, "It's got to be a coordinated rush" when speaking on Ohio State attacking Tagovailoa and getting pressure on him. I look for the Buckeyes defensive line to be the key match-up this week against the Terp's offensive line.

Rushing Attack

In order to continue to make Kyle McCord feel comfortable the Buckeyes are still trying to find a ground game rhythm. Coming off a big performance with Trevyon Henderson against Notre Dame, I look to see Ohio State continue to try to pound the rock against Maryland. Maryland is currently ranked second in the country in forcing turnovers in FBS. One way I see Ohio State trying to keep Maryland from creating turnovers is to attack them with their running back force in Trevyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum. Henderson enters the game with 44 carries for 295 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season and Trayanum enters play with 25 carries for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year. The Buckeyes look to solidify this front 5 for their ground game as the season progresses and I look for the Buckeyes to continue doing so here against Maryland as well. As much as Ryan Day loves to throw and get his receivers involved in the game, I think he knows the running game is what will win them the big games down the run and he has to find a rhythm sooner rather than later.

Who to Watch For:

JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State DE- JTT has been getting the pressure the Buckeyes have needed and came up big against Notre Dame with two huge plays to get the offense back the ball for the go-ahead score to win the game. Look for JTT to get the sack numbers he has been wanting for what could be his last year in Columbus. His skill set against a team like the Terps I believe can make a long day for Tagovailoa.
Miyan Williams, Ohio State RB- Some reports have indicated his lack of touches against Notre Dame and Western Kentucky was due to him potentially being in the "dog house." This is wishful thinking but I would watch out for Williams to be back this week and provide a rushing attack to compliment Henderson against the Terps.
Roman Hemby, Maryland RB- Hemby comes into this game ranked 6th in the Big Ten in rushing for this season. With so much focus on the Terps passing game look for Hemby to try to provide a push for the Terps. Ohio State gave up several yards to Notre Dame's rushing attack, look for Maryland to try to find a spark rushing as well.
Tarheeb Still, Maryland DB- Still comes in with three interceptions on the season for the Terps. He is taking place for a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in Deonta Banks. Still will have a tough task whether he is up against Marvin Harrison or Emeka Egbuka, either way; he is key for Maryland to slow down Ohio State's offense.

Dawgs Best Bets for Ohio State Buckeyes:

Player Props and a lot of lines for this game in particular are not currently posted yet. Will be posted on the discord Saturday morning for those who like to parlay with player props.