Records
Ohio State (8-0), Maryland (3-6)
Broadcast, TV, Game Time
Date: Saturday, November 9
Game Time: Noon ET
Network: FOX
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Capacity – 104,944
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 5-0
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Maryland 52-51 in 2018
You feeling good Buckeye Nation? You should be after another dominant win for Ohio State, this time over a very good Wisconsin team.
Now, the Jekyll and Hyde Maryland Terrapins come to Columbus for a high noon showdown. There seems to be no in-between with the Terps. Mike Locksley’s squad started the 2019 season on fire averaging 71 points in the first two games, however quickly fell off pace with only one win (Rutgers) over the next seven games.
Things don’t get any easier for Maryland as Ohio State looks to stay sharp and start the November slate strong.
Next … The game plan
Ohio State game plan for victory
The Buckeyes are rolling… Maryland is not. Last year, the Terrapins gave Ohio State a scare. But Halloween is past and there is nothing scary about these Terps.
This Maryland offense has not been good since putting up 63 against an overrated Syracuse team in the second game of the season. Virginia Tech transfer quarterback Josh Jackson has been pedestrian at best. He’s battled injuries and his line hasn’t helped him much allowing 15 sacks.
The Buckeye defensive front, led by Chase Young, should be salivating at the matchup on Saturday. Yes, Maryland put up 51 points against the Silver Bullets last year, but this is a much improved defensive unit. It’s always nice to get an upgrade, and the 2019 version of the defense looks entirely different than the 2018 model.
Offensively, Ohio State should have its way as Maryland is giving up 30 points per game. Keep an eye on Keandre Jones who transferred to his home state Terrapin program after three years in the Scarlet and Gray. Jones leads the Terps with six sacks.
The Maryland pass defense is bottoms in the Big Ten, which likely means another big day for Justin Fields and the deep and talented receivers.
Bottom line, don’t change what’s been working and the Bucks should be just fine.
Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 1 p.m. ET.
Next … The key players for Ohio State
Two Key Players For Ohio State
Chris Olave, Wide Receiver. Olave is a certified star and the next big name receiver in Scarlet and Gray. Facing a weak pass defense, No. 17 should have a field day playing pitch and catch with Justin Fields. He hauled in seven receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns in awful conditions against Wisconsin.
Chase Young, Defensive End. Chase Young vaulted himself squarely in the middle of the Heisman conversation with a dominant performance against a very good Wisconsin line. He should do just about the same facing a Terrapin offensive line who’s allowed Josh Jackson to be sacked 15 times this season. Time to pad those Heisman stats.
Next … How it’ll all do down
The prediction
Even though Maryland played up to the level of the Buckeyes last year in College Park and gave OSU fans a scare, let’s be honest, that level wasn’t all that high. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.
New year, new team and I don’t expect anything close to last year. Actually, I see this one being a laugher. Although Maryland started off the season hot, the Terps have since looked like a defeated bunch. And Saturday isn’t going to help that look.
The first College Football Playoff rankings come out on Tuesday and the Buckeyes could be ranked as high as No. 1, and certainly no lower that No. 3. One month left in the season and things are starting to get real. This Buckeye team looks focused and ready to show the nation it is for real.
Ohio State will have its way with Maryland. Look for more of the same. A steady dose of JK Dobbins, Justin Fields, and Chris Olave will score early and often.
Even though Halloween is over, Chase Young and company will be a nightmare for the Terrapin offense. I see Young adding to his nation leading sack total and the secondary forcing several turnovers.
Don’t be late to the show, the second act will be in before you know it.
Final Score
Ohio State 56 , Maryland 0
Line
Ohio State -42.5
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