Maryland Terrapins: Top five must-see games for 2015
Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end C.J. Olaniyan (86) and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (99) combine to sack Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (16) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Maryland defeated Penn State 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
PSU could win as many as nine or ten games in the regular season, as junior QB Christian Hackenberg should have a monster year with the weapons around him. The highly regarded NFL prospect not only possesses a few very good receiving weapons in tight end Kyle Carter and WRs DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis, but also a dependable running back in junior Akeel Lynch. The defense should be pretty stout again with senior tackle Anthony Zettel, junior linebacker Nyeem Wartman and senior cornerbacks Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams leading the charge, too.
That said, Penn State can only really take a step forward if its offensive line can keep Hackenberg upright more often than they did in 2014 (44 sacks allowed). Maryland knows where Penn State is likely to be most vulnerable, but can their front seven exploit it?
Regardless of how close this one ends up, the atmosphere in Baltimore should be top-notch, as both schools will enjoy a solid turnout of fans and alumni given the manageable driving distance.
" >
1B
Maryland vs. Penn State
Baltimore, Md. (Oct. 24), Big Ten
The first game between these schools as Big Ten East opponents did not disappoint, with the Terps igniting the rivalry by refusing to shake hands with the Nittany Lions before defeating them 20-19. Penn State has completely owned this series in the past, winning 35 of the 38 games, so it was nice to see Maryland come in and make the necessary splash to give this game some substance in the coming years.
Keeping their winning streak over the Nittany Lions alive will prove to be a difficult task, though.
PSU could win as many as nine or ten games in the regular season, as junior QB Christian Hackenberg should have a monster year with the weapons around him. The highly regarded NFL prospect not only possesses a few very good receiving weapons in tight end Kyle Carter and WRs DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis, but also a dependable running back in junior Akeel Lynch. The defense should be pretty stout again with senior tackle Anthony Zettel, junior linebacker Nyeem Wartman and senior cornerbacks Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams leading the charge, too.
That said, Penn State can only really take a step forward if its offensive line can keep Hackenberg upright more often than they did in 2014 (44 sacks allowed). Maryland knows where Penn State is likely to be most vulnerable, but can their front seven exploit it?
Regardless of how close this one ends up, the atmosphere in Baltimore should be top-notch, as both schools will enjoy a solid turnout of fans and alumni given the manageable driving distance.
Next: Maryland @ Rutgers