Season Opener: Howard
Stadium: Maryland Stadium, College Park, Maryland (First game since the name change)
Kickoff: Noon
TV: Big Ten Network- Chris Denari and Scott McBrien
Radio: ESPN 980 AM & 105.7 WJZ-FM (Baltimore)- Johnny Holliday and Tim Strachan. Student broadcast: WMUC Sports (online)-Liam Beatus and Justin Meyer
Noon weather forecast: Overcast, 72 degrees with a low percent chance of precipitation and high winds
Momentum: Maryland has won 12 consecutive home openers, including a 50-21 victory over Richmond, another FCS opponent.
Three Terps to watch:
Quarterback Perry Hills: After being named the starting quarterback last week, all eyes are on Hills to see if he can prove to be a viable option. Facing an FCS opponent whose record was 1-10 can take the pressure off the senior.
Wide receiver/cornerback Will Likely: Maryland’s all-around MVP will be busy, as the coaching staff plans on using Likely at every facet of the game. Likely is on a handful of NCAA award watch lists, and he was named one of the six most versatile players in college football by NFL.com.
Linebacker Jermaine Carter: Following an imposing sophomore campaign, the 2015 team leader in tackles (103) returns to a Maryland defense that lost some of its key playmakers in the front seven. He was named to the 2016 Butkus Award Watch List for top linebackers.
Three Bison to watch:
Quarterback Kalen Johnson: Although he has not officially been named the starter yet, Howard head coach Gary Harrell said that the junior has the edge over redshirt freshman Jason Collins. As a sophomore, Johnson completed 56 percent of his throws while accumulating over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.
Running back Ricquazz Brannon: Brannon will also return to the Howard offense alongside Johnson. Last season, Brannon led the team with 341 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Safety Craig Johnson: Johnson frustrated opposing offenses last season, racking up 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Maryland has to keep their eye on the blitzing safety.
For updates, follow beat writers Kyle Stackpole and Callie Caplan on Twitter, as well as @DBKSports and @TerpsWatch for live updates and commentary throughout the game.
