The Terps cruised past Villanova last week, easily defeating the FCS opponent, as Tai Felton went off once again, recording 14 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown.
Things will get a bit tougher this week, as the Terps will take to the road for the first time in conference play, where they will face an undefeated Indiana team in Bloomington.
Below, TSR takes a look at three things to watch for Saturday when the Terps take on Indiana in their first Big Ten road game of the season on Big Ten Network.
Can the Terps secondary slow down the Indiana passing game?
The Hoosiers enter Saturday's game with one of the most explosive passing offenses in the country. Ranked 23rd nationally in passing yards per game, the Hoosiers are ranked 15th nationally in passing yards per completion, averaging a hefty 14.97 yards per catch.
It starts for the Hoosiers with Ohio transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who through four games has thrown for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has yet to throw an interception. At 6-foot-5, 233 pounds, Rourke has the ability to really scan the field and is tough to take down.
While Maryland's passing offense is led by senior wideout Tai Felton, the Hoosiers spread the ball around to a number of receivers. Coming into Saturday, Indiana has three receivers with double-digit catches and a receiving touchdown this season, with another double-digit pass catcher and another receiver with single-digit catches but three touchdowns already on the year.
On the flip side, Maryland's defense comes into Saturday's game ranked 103rd nationally in passing yards allowed. The Terps' young corners have struggled early in the season, especially with getting their heads turned around and seeing the ball as it is in the air. The Terps' depth a corner is likely to be tested versus Indiana and they will need some of their youngsters to grow up quickly if they want to slow down the Hoosiers' air attack. One thing to possibly watch out for is whether one of Maryland's veterans in the secondary like safeties Dante Trader Jr. and Glen Miller can come up with an interception.
What kind of role will weather play?
With rain having fallen overnight and expected throughout the day, the weather is likely to factor into how Saturday's game is played. A wet ball and 10-plus mile-per-hour winds could mean less throwing the ball and more running the ball for a pair of offenses that have made a living moving the ball through the air so far this season.
Indiana having to run the ball more could be an advantage for Maryland, given their struggles in the secondary. It could also possibly lead to some unexpected turnovers, as the Hoosiers are yet to turn the ball over this season.
The weather could also play a role in the kicking game. Indiana's place kicker has yet to miss a kick this season, while Maryland place kicker Jack Howes is 7-of-9 on field goal attempts with one missed extra point. A miss by either kicker due to weather conditions could play a major factor should the game come down to the wire.
Can Felton keep his 'Taisman' campaign going strong?
One of the biggest surprises of the season has been the play of senior wideout Tai Felton. He has been arguably the top wideout in all of college football through four weeks, with 41 catches for 604 yards and five touchdowns. His play has been a big reason for the Terps' early success and they will likely need that to continue Saturday in Bloomington to come away with a road victory.
Indiana enters Saturday's game with a defense currently ranked 10th nationally in passing yards allowed per game (124.8 ypg). Their secondary is led by sophomore D'Angelo Ponds, who came over from James Madison with head coach Curt Cignetti. He was a freshman All-American a season ago and finished 11th in FBS last season with 15 passes defended. The South Florida native will likely be matched up with Felton throughout the game.
