#5-MARYLAND TERRAPINS

The Maryland Terrapins debut in the Big Ten Conference this season and boast one of their strongest teams in years. Like Rutgers, the conference has done them no favors in the scheduling department however head coach Randy Edsall has reason to believe the Terps can make a big splash during their inaugural campaign.

Experienced quarterback C.J. Brown leads and offense possessing plenty of weapons downfield. Five star receivers Stefon Diggs and Deon Long return from injury and highlight a deep and talented group of ball catchers. Brandon Ross and West Brown will help out C.J. Brown with a running game that should be among the best in the league. Can the Maryland defense make enough plays to win the several close games they’ll be in this fall? The defensive line and linebacking core appear to be a strength particularly with Andre Monroe returning. The secondary looks to improve with experience after a shaky 2013.

Even Maryland’s non-conference schedule features multiple tests. After a cupcake in week 1, the Terps travel to South Florida for an interesting matchup with the Bulls. The following week West Virginia visits before Maryland goes back on the road to face Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. Indiana and Rutgers start and end conference play respectively for Maryland but this 6 game stretch in-between is as tough as it gets: Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan.

PREDICTION: 5-3 IN CONFERENCE PLAY, 9-3 OVERALL.