Game Day: Football vs. Maryland
Nov 28 | Football
By Tom Luicci
ScarletKnights.com
RUTGERS (4-7, 1-6) vs. MARYLAND (2-9, 0-7)
WHEN: Today (Kickoff at 12:01 p.m. ET)
WHERE: High Point Solutions Stadium (Piscataway, N.J.)
TV: Big Ten Network (BTN2Go, Channel Finder)
RADIO: Rutgers IMG Sports Network (WOR 710-AM, WCTC 1450-AM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WTMR 800-AM)
SATELLITE RADIO: Sirius 136, XM 196
SERIES: Rutgers and Maryland will meet for the 11th time and the second since both joined the Big Ten Conference. The series is tied at five, but the Scarlet Knights have won the last two matchups, including a school-record 25-point comeback in a 41-38 victory last season.
WHEN RUTGERS HAS THE BALL: A solid offensive effort against Army - the result of being able to re-establish the running game - should have the Scarlet Knights primed for another strong showing against a Maryland defense that continues to struggle (and one that squandered an 18-point lead against Indiana last week). The 254 rushing yards last week marked Rutgers' highest total since the Sept. 26 Kansas game, and what made the effort more impressive is that it was accomplished with a re-vamped offensive line. Paul James (116 rushing yards and three touchdowns vs. Army) reminded everyone of the impact he can have on games when healthy and Robert Martin (a team-leading 721 rushing yards with six touchdowns) continues to add to a sophomore season that should set him up nicely for the next two years. If Josh Hicks returns from defense, the rushing game gets an added boost. Though the passing game hasn't been able to find its mark lately, that could change in a big way with Leonte Carroo healthy again. If Maryland's top corner, William Likely, continues to be slowed by an injury, Carroo could finish his career with a flourish - and possible in record-setting fashion. One thing the Scarlet Knights have to be aware of when they do take to the air: Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue already has a school-record 13.5 sacks. He's a bright spot on a unit allowing an average of 33.8 points and 411.3 yards per game.
WHEN MARYLAND HAS THE BALL: The big question for the Terps this game: Who starts at quarterback? An even bigger question, based on how injury plagued the position has been is this: Who finishes the game at quarterback? Former fullback Shane Cockerille played the second half at quarterback last week after backup Caleb Rowe was injured. And Rowe only started because seven-game starter Perry Hills was sidelined with mono. Predictably, because of the constant change at the position, Maryland has the most interceptions of any team in the country (28 overall - 15 by Rowe in just 133 pass attempts) and is in the bottom three nationally in turnovers with 35. What the Terps do have going for them on offense is dependable running back Brandon Ross (790 yards, seven touchdowns and a 6.5-yard average), with the senior rushing for 250 yards and three scores against the Hoosiers. Mostly out of necessity, Maryland has leaned heavily on that ground game and the results have generally been promising: An average of 182.9 yards per game on the ground, 14 rushing touchdowns and a 5.0-yards per carry average for 399 rushing attempts. Lavern Jacobs (35 catches for 425 yards and three touchdowns) and D.J. Moore (21 catches for 308 yards and three scores) have had decent seasons despite the quarterback issues, although cornerback and return specialist William Likely also played offense last week in an effort to give the passing game a boost.
SPECIAL TEAMS: The showdown between two of the nation's top return specialists may or may not materialize, depending on how quickly the Terps' William Likely recovers from an ankle injury. Likely is No. 3 nationally in punt return average at 17.7 (with two touchdowns) and averages 22.1 yards on kickoff returns, with another score there. Rutgers' Janarion Grant averages 15.2 yards on punt returns (with one touchdown) and has returned three kickoffs for scores this season while averaging 25.1 on those returns.
The kicking game edge could tilt toward Rutgers if Maryland placekicker Brad Craddock, who also handles kickoffs, is unable to go because of an injury. The Terps have also used three players for their 67 punts this year. Scarlet Knights placekicker Kyle Federico (10-of-14 on field goals) and punter Joey Roth will make their final home appearance in this one.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wide receiver Leonte Carroo is on pace to join Brian Leonard, Ray Rice and Brandon Coleman as the only non-kickers since 1998 to lead Rutgers in scoring during a season.
