By Connor Bell
A much more calm and collected Randy Edsall approached the media this past Tuesday in Tyser Tower. Immediately coach Edsall opened with the statement regarding Maryland’s upcoming game against Wisconsin on Saturday.
“We have a tremendous challenge ahead of us this week,” Edsall said. “Wisconsin is a very well-coached team with a great disciplined offense.”
Wisconsin averages 343 yards rushing per game which puts them as the 2nd best running game in the country all thanks to the nation’s leading rusher Melvin Gordon. Gordon, who has totaled an impressive 1046 yards and 13 touchdowns rushing so far this season, was described by coach Edsall as “a very special running back with a combination of speed, vision, and explosive power.”
Edsall emphasized containing Gordon by “containing the edges” to push the speedy back inside to defensive lineman Andre Monroe, who has 31.5 career tackles for loss and is Maryland’s active career leader in sacks with 20.
The Maryland defense will need to make sure this strategy of containing the edge versus Gordon works in order to get their high-powered offense back on the field. Just like coach Edsall said, however, it will be a difficult challenge seeing as Wisconsin is 8th in the country in time of possession and specializes in long drives that wear out opposing defenses.
If the Terps can contain the run, then expect Maryland to cause many problems in the Wisconsin passing game with Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List player Will Likely. Likely, who has all preseason honors, with four interceptions on the season and two returned for touchdowns, is always a major factor for offenses when playing Maryland.
Moreover, Maryland’s offense averages 24 points a game, and will look to extend that streak versus the Badgers, with receivers Stefon Diggs and Deon Long who’re the biggest threats to the Badger’s defense.
Most importantly however, Maryland will look to continue its streak of road wins, which dates back to last season’s OT win at Virginia Tech. If Maryland comes out with a win, they will have won six straight road games and become bowl eligible sitting at 6-2 on the season. They will also put pressure on Ohio State and Michigan State to win out the rest of their games to hold onto their 1st place spot in the Big Ten East Division.
This week’s game marks the first time Maryland has ever faced Wisconsin. Game time is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT and 12:00 p.m. EST. Expect a tremendous atmosphere from the home crowd as they play their 550th game in Camp Randall Stadium.
