Quarterback C.J. Brown scrambles out of the pocket during Maryland’s 37-15 loss to Michigan State on Nov. 15, 2014.
Game 12: Rutgers
Location: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Maryland
Kickoff: 3:32
Terps fashion: Red uniforms, black pants, black helmets
Broadcast: ESPNU
Noon weather forecast: 46 degrees, partly cloudy, zero percent chance of precipitation.
Captains: Quarterback C.J. Brown, cornerback Jeremiah Johnson, holder Michael Tart.
Flags Bearers: Offensive tackle Jake Wheeler (USA), outside linebacker Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil (Md.).
Momentum: The Terps (7-4) toppled Michigan at The Big House on Saturday to win their fifth road game of the season. Rutgers (6-5) got blown out, 45-3, at Michigan State last weekend.
TERPS THREE TO WATCH:
– Quarterback C.J. Brown sparked last week’s win in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his running ability. The sixth-year senior is likely aiming to impress in his final game at Byrd Stadium.
– Wide receiver Deon Long came to this university two seasons ago as a five-star junior college prospect but hasn’t done much to boost his draft stock in the past two seasons. Today’s bout with the Scarlet Knights is one of his last chances to leave an impression on NFL scouts and coaches.
– Kicker Brad Craddock is a perfect 17 of 17 on the season and was named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award (best place kicker) this week. A few more successful boots Saturday could help Craddock sure up the national honor.
Scarlet Knights three to watch:
– Offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen was the head coach at this university from 2001 to 2010 and played for the Terps in the 1960s. Though Friedgen had relative success here, winning 10 games three times and posting a 75-50 overall record, athletic director Kevin Anderson chose not to renew Friedgen’s contract after a 9-4 2010 season.
– Running back Robert Martin barely played during the Scarlet Knights’ 5-1 start but has taken over as Rutgers’ most heavily used back in the past three weeks. The true freshman is averaging five yards per carry this season.
– Defensive end Kemoko Turay typically only plays in passing situations but leads the Scarlet Knights with 7.5 sacks. The redshirt freshman’s greatest asset is his speed, so he could cause trouble for Brown if the Terps are faced with third-and-longs Saturday afternoon.
For updates: Follow Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper), Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) and DBK Sports (@DBKSports) on Twitter for in-game news and commentary.
Related Readings:
[ READ MORE: Wes Brown cements Maryland victory at Michigan with late-game running ][ READ MORE: C.J. Brown leads two late drives to key victory over Michigan ][ READ MORE: Four takeaways from Maryland’s win over Michigan in the Big House ]
