As college football season draws ever-closer, we’re running down Indiana’s schedule to preview all 12 opponents for 2023.
At the end of September, IU travels to Maryland to kick off the remainder of its Big Ten slate.
- Opponent: Maryland
- Date/Time/TV: Saturday, September 30, TBA
- Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, Md.
- 2022 record/postseason result: 8-5, 4-5 Big Ten, defeated NC State in Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Returning production, offense: 64 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN)
Offensive outlook: Maryland has some key cogs back in its offense that was one of the better units in the Big Ten in 2022. Redshirt senior Taulia Tagovailoa is back at quarterback, and he’s one of the top returning starters at the position in the conference. Additionally, the Terps bring back running back Roman Hemby, who came just shy of 1,000 yards last year with 10 rushing touchdowns. And Maryland also has its two leading receivers back in wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (44 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns) and tight end Corey Dyches (39 receptions for 494 yards and three touchdowns).
The Terps will have new starting wideouts on the outside — likely FIU transfer Tyrese Chambers and West Virginia transfer Kaden Prather, both of whom had solid seasons last year. And Maryland has some real turnover on the offensive line, with just one returning starter. Pro Football Focus graded Maryland’s offensive line top-40 in the country in pass blocking; if the unit takes a step back this year with new faces stepping in, that could be a blow to the offense. But if the O-line holds up, Maryland’s offense could be really good.
Returning production, defense: 63 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN)
Defensive outlook: Maryland has five returning starters on defense, with stability at linebacker and safety. Four of those players — safeties Beau Brade and Dante Trader Jr., linebacker Jaishawn Barham, and nickel back Tarheeb Still — ranked, in order, as Maryland’s top four tacklers last year. Barham led the team with 6.5 tackles for loss, and Brade tied for a team-high with two forced fumbles.
The Terps’ defensive line will look different, with all three of last year’s starters gone. Saint Francis (Pa.) transfer Donnell Brown could be a name to watch, as he was a two-time FCS All-American and 2022 NEC defensive player of the year. Maryland will have new cornerbacks as well; Cincinnati transfer Ja’Quan Sheppard was a nice pickup in the portal.
As a whole, Maryland’s defense consistently ranked in the lower middle part of the Big Ten, statistically — eighth in scoring defense and rushing defense, 10th in passing defense, ninth in takeaways and total defense. Maryland was able to overcome that last year because of its offense, but the Terps will hope for better performance this year from its defense.
Returning starters, special teams: Holder Colton Spangler, long snapper Jake Foggia, kickoff returner Octavian Smith Jr., punt returner Tarheeb Still
Special teams outlook: Maryland loses All-Big Ten kicker Chad Ryland and starting punter Anthony Pecorella. Redshirt sophomore Jack Howes will step in at placekicker this year, and Spangler will take over punting duties. The Terps bring back everyone who factored into the return game last year.
Overall Outlook: The Terps are in the same boat as Indiana is with the Big Ten schedule — they will be ecstatic to get out of the Big Ten East gauntlet. But even with those tough games against the conference’s elite, Maryland should be really solid once again in 2023. It’s easy to see the Terps entering the IU game at 4-0, and potentially entering their game at Ohio State the following week in the AP Top 25. A bowl game shouldn’t be a problem for this team — missing out on bowl season would be a big disappointment for this squad. Eight or nine wins could be on the table if the Terps rise to the occasion this season.
Prior Outlooks:
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