Opponent: Temple (1-0)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Kickoff: Noon EST, Saturday, Sep. 14
Last Matchup: Sep. 15, 2018, College Park, Maryland — Temple 35-14
Last Week: Maryland beat No. 21 Syracuse 63-20, Temple had a bye week
Odds: Maryland -7, per SportsLine
TV: CBS Sports Network –– Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst)
Streaming: CBS Sports
Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C.) — Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), C.J. Brown (analyst), LaMont Jordan (analyst)
Student Radio: WMUC Sports — Max Marcilla, Ben Curtis
Three things to watch for Maryland
1. Offense
The Terps offense is averaging 71 points per game thus far, which is by far the best in the nation. They are averaging roughly 637 yards per game with over 335 rushing yards per game and just over 300 passing yards per game. Quarterback Josh Jackson has thrown seven touchdowns, which puts him seventh in the nation. We’ll have to wait and see if Maryland can continue the scoring frenzy.
2. Keandre Jones
The transfer from Ohio State has shown the world what he can do as a pass rusher. The linebacker has 3.5 sacks through the first two games, which is fourth the nation. Jones has 12 total tackles this season, as well as a forced fumble on Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito. He has been all over the field for the Terps and will look to continue his success against the Owls.
3. The running backs
Anthony McFarland Jr., Javon Leake, Tayon Fleet-Davis, and Jake Funk are among the nation’s best running back crew. The four running backs combined for six touchdowns last week, and three against Howard. McFarland has five total scores already this season, which is the third-most in the country. The four backs have combined for 542 yards and nine touchdowns through the first two games. We’ll see if they can continue their dominance and juggernaut the Terps offense.
Three things to watch for Temple
1. Coming off the bye
Temple enjoyed a bye week last week, having last played a game on Saturday, Sep. 1 against Bucknell. One might say that the Owls will be well-rested and prepared for this game, having had two weeks to key in on the Terps. This could also mean Maryland does not have much film to watch on Temple. It could also be argued that Temple will be rusty with just the season opener under their belt. We’ll have to find out on Saturday.
2. Anthony Russo
The starting quarterback led the Owls to a 35-14 victory over Maryland last season, completing 15-of-25 passes for 228 yards, one touchdown and an interception. In the season opener against Bucknell, Russo went 32-of-41 with 409 yards, four touchdowns and one pick, leading the Owls to a 56-12 win. With another year of experience, the redshirt junior will look to beat the Terps for the second straight season.
3. The defense
In the season opener, the Owls defense did not allow a single offensive touchdown, as Bucknell scored off an interception and two field goals. They allowed 190 passing yards and just 21 rushing yards. Maryland strung 79 points in the season opener and 63 points last week, so we’ll have to see if Temple’s defense can slow down the surging Maryland offense.
