Rutgers-Maryland preview: Keys to victory, X-factor and more as ‘rivals’ meet again

The Big Ten has made it clear: Rutgers and Maryland will be rivals no matter what the teams say. The two squads that entered the conference together in 2014 will remain a “protected game,” meaning as the schedule changes year to year, this game will remain.
In terms of the rivalry, however, Maryland has dominated the recent history, winning three straight and five of the last six. None of those games have been particularly close, either. Overall, Maryland has averaged 34 points per game in the last decade against Rutgers while boasting a 7-3 record. In those seven wins, Maryland has averaged 40.2 points per game and has won the last three by a combined score of 119-40.
Could things change this year?
Maryland (4-5, 1-5 in Big Ten play) boasts the same kind of explosive offense as the last few years, but its defense has been its biggest issue. The Terrapins have also lost four of five, surrendering 38.8 points in five games against No. 5 Indiana, Northwestern, Minnesota, No. 1 Oregon and Southern Cal. Rutgers (5-4. 2-4) has similarly lost four of its last five Big Ten games but has some momentum after knocking off Minnesota last week, 26-19. Can Rutgers parlay that momentum into a bowl berth?
KEYS TO VICTORY
Play disruptive defense: Rutgers’ defense had its breakthrough moment early in the fourth quarter and then just kept turning up the heat after that. The end result was a final stat line — four sacks and eight tackles for loss — that finally gave the Scarlet Knights hope for a defensive rebirth. After the game, coach Greg Schiano said defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak “stripped the defense down to the studs” during the bye week and invigorated a unit that was giving up 39.7 points per game during its four-game losing streak. Against Minnesota, Rutgers held the Golden Gophers to 88 second-half yards and -14 rushing total.
Keep the offense humming: Even without its top running back, Rutgers put together one of its best offensive games thanks to another steady performance by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. The junior passer had his best half of the season, completing 14 of his 20 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and an interception before the break. Things slowed down significantly in the second half, but the final product was another encouraging performance for Kaliakmanis.
Coverage counts: Maryland’s passing offense has an All-America candidate in wide receiver Tai Felton, but he’s not the only playmaker capable of breaking things open. While Felton leads the Big Ten with 80 receptions for 979 yards and six touchdowns, he’s just one of the top targets for quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. Also keep an eye out for Kaden Prather, a one-two combination that gives Maryland a “professional wide receiver room,” per Schiano. The last time Rutgers played a duo this good was against USC. Rutgers struggled with yards after catch in that game so it will be on the secondary to not only cover well in this game but improve its tackle, too.
X-FACTOR
Will Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai play?
Like it has been for most of the season, the health and availability of its top players will be a major storyline for Rutgers. Monangai missed last week’s game, snapping a streak of 26 consecutive starts. Rutgers found a way to win without Monangai, but his availability will make a big difference in balancing out the offense. The Roseland, New Jersey native needs 69 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the second year in a row.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rutgers ranks first nationally in fewest penalty yards against (29.56) and second in fewest penalties (3.89). That discipline has been a big boost and helped the Scarlet Knights secure their biggest win of the season — a 21-18 victory over Washington on Sept. 27.
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Patrick Lanni may be reached at [email protected].