By Sebastian Obando
After seeing a decreased usage in the rushing attack the past three games, senior running back Brandon Ross is expected to be the Terps’ first choice running back once again this Saturday against Indiana, as starting running back Wes Brown has been suspended indefinitely, Maryland announced Monday.
Ross, who began the season as the Terps’ starting running back, has only received 13 carries the past three games, averaging just 17 yards per game in that span. However, Ross is just one of the many offensive players who have struggled during the Terps’ current seven game losing skid, as the offense is ranked last in the Big Ten in total yards gained, averaging 336 yards per outing.
“We have to find a way on the offensive side of the ball to execute better and take better care of the football,” interim head coach Mike Locksley said. “What we’ve got to do is mature a bit more as a team and take advantage of some of the opportunities that we have created and be more effective on the offensive side of the ball.”
The offense under Locksley has been slowly improving, however, compared to the offense under Randy Edsall at the beginning of the season. In his last three games as Maryland head coach, Edsall’s offense averaged only 272 total yards per game. During Locksley’s four game tenure, the offense has averaged 328 yards per game.
“We knew we had to play better on both sides of the ball,” running back Brandon Ross said regarding the mentality of the team after Randy Edsall was fired. “Guys took it upon themselves and looked in the mirror and decided to make some changes and give more effort. Play harder, play smarter, and really try to do everything we didn’t do those first six games.”
Ross will be looking to benefit from a potential increased role on Saturday, as the senior running back’s performances vastly improve when used on a consistent basis. When receiving at least ten carries in a game this season, Ross averages 6 yards per carry. When receiving less than ten carries, Ross’ average drops to just 3.2 yards per rush.
The senior is currently the Terps’ second leading rusher this season, trailing quarterback Perry Hills by two yards. Additionally, Ross is just the 12th player in Maryland history to surpass the 2,000-yard career milestone at No. 1 Ohio State on Oct. 10 and is only 16 yards away from overtaking Willie Joyner as the Terps’ 11th all time in career rushing yards.
