Iowa Football: 2018 game-by-game predictions
7. Maryland (Oct. 20)
Homecoming in Iowa City is always an exciting event, topped off by the homecoming football game. This year, Maryland enjoys the pleasure of being Iowa’s opponent on homecoming weekend. The Hawkeyes and the Terrapins last met in 2015, which resulted in a 31-15 Iowa victory. There isn’t much history between the two schools, but each time they’ve played has been competitive.
Maryland finished 5-7 last season in the extremely competitive Big Ten East. A lot of the losing had to do with injuries as the Terrapins, for most of the season, were down to third string quarterback Max Bortenschlager. D.J. Durkin is a bright young coach and he showed it at times last year, especially in the Terrapins season-opening win in Austin against Texas, but he will definitely have his work cut out for him this season in College Park.
Iowa has won three out of their last four homecoming games and the trend is likely to continue. Maryland has talent on the offensive side, bit their defense has left a lot to be desired. Iowa will have no issues controlling the clock and methodically marching the ball up and down the field on the Terrapins defense. This one won’t be close.