5 Bold Predictions For Maryland Football In 2015

By Ben Linton

Bold Predictions For Maryland Football In 2015

Maryland Terrapins — The Maryland Terrapins enjoyed a successful introduction to the Big Ten, going 7-5 (4-4) in its inaugural season in the conference last year. The Terps face a tough challenge this season as a number of young players are expected to step into key roles and produce. Maryland's 2015 season begins tomorrow at noon when the Terps battle the Richmond Spiders. Here are five bold predictions about how Maryland's season will unfold.

5. Maryland Will Shine On Special Teams

NCAA Football: Boston College at Maryland

5. Maryland Will Shine On Special Teams

NCAA Football: Boston College at Maryland — The Terrapins will possess one of the best special teams units in the country this season with an explosive return game and a clutch kicker. Brad Craddock, the 2014 Lou Groza Award winner for best kicker, returns after connecting on 18 of 19 attempts last season. Cornerback Will Likely averaged 31 yards per kick return and 11.2 yards per punt return with two touchdowns in 2014, providing another weapon on special teams for Maryland.

4. Ross And Brown Will Combine For 1,200 Rushing Yards

NCAA Football: Florida International at Maryland

4. Ross And Brown Will Combine For 1,200 Rushing Yards

NCAA Football: Florida International at Maryland — Maryland struggled to run the ball in 2014, finishing 11th in the Big Ten with 121.8 rushing yards per game. The Terps' offensive line bulked up in the offseason to average 308.1 pounds, an 18.4 pound increase from last season. Expect Maryland to run behind its experienced offensive line, which has 74 starts combined. RBs Brandon Ross and Wes Brown will have plenty of running room after only combining for 773 rushing yards last season.

3. Penn State Will Get Revenge In Baltimore

NCAA Football: Maryland at Penn State

3. Penn State Will Get Revenge In Baltimore

NCAA Football: Maryland at Penn State — A rivalry was renewed when the Terrapins shocked the Nittany Lions, 20-19, in Happy Valley last season. Penn State will be fired up when it faces Maryland this season at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. James Franklin's team should be vastly improved in 2015, and Maryland might take a step back this season after losing all that talent from 2014. The Nittany Lions will get revenge against the Terps on Oct. 24, igniting this reborn rivalry.

2. All Three QBs Will Play This Season

NCAA Football: Maryland at Temple

2. All Three QBs Will Play This Season

NCAA Football: Maryland at Temple — Perry Hills won the three-way quarterback competition and was named the starter for the Terps' opening game against Richmond. He proved that he's capable of running the offense when he started seven games in 2012, but I expect coach Randy Edsall to use all three of his quarterbacks depending on the situation. Caleb Rowe could be used when Maryland is trailing and needs to throw, and Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Garman could also see time.

1. The Terps Will Go Bowling ... Barely

Maryland Terrapins

1. The Terps Will Go Bowling ... Barely

Maryland Terrapins — It's hard to be optimistic about the Terps' chances this season because Maryland must replace a number of key contributors from last year's team. That could lead to the Terps being overlooked by their opponents and a few surprise victories. Maryland will head into the final game of the season against Rutgers with a 5-6 record, and the Terrapins will beat the Scarlet Knights to become bowl eligible for a third consecutive year under Randy Edsall.

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Maryland Terrapins

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