The Terps hit the road in search of their second conference win.
Maryland football (4-3) heads to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers Saturday fresh off one of its biggest wins in years.
The Terps trailed by 14 points with about 10 minutes remaining in the game last Saturday against USC. But two touchdowns, a two-point conversion and a blocked field goal later, the field at SECU Stadium was swamped by Maryland fans, as they just witnessed the team’s largest fourth-quarter comeback since 2020.
With a Big Ten win under its belt, the Terps look to head into their second bye week on a two-game winning streak.
Saturday’s game will begin at 3:30 p.m. and air on FS1.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten)
Minnesota has remained a respectable program over the last few seasons under eight-year head coach P.J. Fleck, who was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2019. However, the Gophers took a slight step back last year, finishing with their first losing record — aside from the shortened 2020 season — since 2017, Fleck’s first year as head coach.
Minnesota looks improved this season, though, defeating UCLA, 21-17, and USC, 24-17, over the last two weeks. Two of its three losses also came by three points or less, including a 27-24 loss to Michigan.
Players to watch
Daniel Jackson, fifth-year wide receiver, No. 9 — Jackson has been a consistent pass catcher for the Gophers over the last five seasons, but he grabbed national attention last year, when he posted 59 catches for 831 yards and eight touchdowns en route to an All-Big Ten second-team selection.
This season, Jackson has already posted 42 receptions and 451 receiving yards — which are almost double any other Gopher — but he only has one touchdown catch.
Aireontae Ersery, redshirt senior offensive lineman, No. 69 — An All-Big Ten second-team selection in 2023 and honorable mention in 2022, Ersery has been a stalwart on Minnesota’s offensive line for the last three seasons. As a left tackle, Ersery is tasked with some of the Big Ten’s best pass rushers, but has dominated anyway. He allowed just two sacks last season — both of which came against Michigan — and he has allowed just one this year, according to Pro Football Focus.
Koi Perich, freshman defensive back, No. 3 — Following the departure of first-team All-Big Ten member Tyler Nubin, the Gophers needed a replacement at safety, and Perich has stepped in beautifully. He leads the conference with four interceptions, while also recording 10 tackles (six solo) and a forced fumble.
Dragan Kesich, fifth-year kicker, No. 99 — While rare to see a kicker in this section, no one deserves it more than Kesich. The 2023 Big Ten Kicker of the Year, Kesich’s ability to expand the field is unrivaled. Last season, he converted 23-of-27 field goal attempts, including 3-of-4 from 50 or more yards, with his longest make being 54 yards.
However, he has struggled a bit more this year, going 7 for 13 on field goals, and 2 for 5 from 50 or more yards. He is 22 for 22 on extra points, though.
Strength
Pass defense. Led by Perich, the Gophers boast one of the best passing defenses in the conference. They allow the second-least passing yards per game (139.6) and have recorded the most interceptions with 13, four more than any other team in the Big Ten and tied for the second most in the country.
Weakness
Run offense. As good as Minnesota is against the pass, its rushing offense is equally as bad. The Gophers average the second-least rushing yards per game in the Big Ten, only beating out UCLA, who is 2-5. Their leading rusher is sophomore running back Darius Taylor, who has recorded 432 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry this season.
Three things to watch
1. Can Octavian Smith Jr. remain productive? On Saturday, Smith posted career-highs in both receptions (8) and receiving yards (84), while also catching a highlight touchdown over a USC defender. Smith provided a third element to and balanced out Maryland’s passing attack. If Smith, along with Tai Felton and Kaden Prather, can remain productive, the Terps’ passing offense will be tough to stop.
2. Can Maryland’s secondary continue to improve? The Terps’ secondary looked solid against a good USC passing attack, breaking up five passes and recording an interception, while limiting big plays, with USC’s longest being 26 yards. Head coach Michael Locksley said this young secondary grew up before our eyes against USC, but we’ll have to wait until Saturday to see if this game was just a one-off.
3. Tough schedule awaits. The Terps enter their toughest stretch of the season following Saturday. After their second bye week, the Terps will travel to No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State and host Rutgers and Iowa, who are both 4-3. If Maryland wants to hit the six-win mark and qualify for bowl eligibility, Saturday is one of the best chances it has left to pick up another win.