Previewing NC State’s Opponent in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Maryland

Maryland is led by Junior Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who earned 2nd Team All-Big Ten honors this season. Tagovailoa completed 68.6% of his passes for 2,787 yards and 17 touchdowns (6 interceptions) with a passing efficiency rating of 147.2 in 11 games.

One of Tagovailoa’s challenges in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl will be the fact that 4 of his receiving targets have opted out of the bowl game: Wide Receivers Rakim Jarrett, Dontay Demus Jr., Jacob Copeland, and Tight End CJ Dippre. Jarrett tied for the team lead with 40 receptions for 471 yards and 3 touchdowns. Demus and Copeland combined for 48 catches and 599 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dippre had 30 catches for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Tagovailoa will have to lean heavily on Senior Jeshuan Jones, like he has all year long. Jones led the team in receptions (40), yards (478) and touchdowns (4). Tight CJ Dippre might have transferred to Alabama, but Maryland still has Sophomore Tight End Corey Dyches, who outperformed Dippre statistically, with 35 receptions for 449 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Considering the fact that Maryland ranked 3rd in the Big Ten in Passing Yards per game (259.3), the loss of these receivers is less than optimal for the Terrapins.

Inevitably, new receiving targets will have to step up for the Terrapins, but it is safe to assume that they will lean heavily on their running attack that is led by 2 Freshmen. Roman Hemby rushed for 924 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Hemby also ranks 4th on the team with 31 receptions for 276 yards and a touchdown. Antwain Littleton averaged 5.1 yards per carry, and rushed for 6 touchdowns.

Maryland ranked 7th in the Big Ten in Rushing Yards per Game (146.8)

On Defense, the Terrapins are led by two Seniors: Defensive Back Jakorian Bennett and Defensive Lineman Ami Finau, who both received All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Bennett led Maryland with 10 pass breakups and Finau had 5 tackles for loss. While Finau and Bennett were the two recognized in the All-Big Ten voting, it was Freshman Linebacker Jaishawn Barham (78.7) and Junior Safety Beau Brade (74.8) with the two highest grades on the Terrapin defense according to ProFootballFocus. Barham led Maryland in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (4). Brade led Maryland in tackles (78), forced fumbles (2), and interceptions (2), and also had 4 tackles for loss and 5 pass breakups.

The Terrapin defense ranked 8th in the Big Ten in Scoring Defense (24.1), 10th in Total Defense (362.2), 9th in Rush Defense (142.7) and 11th in Pass Defense (219.5).

Maryland has had 14 players enter the transfer portal, and 4 opt out for the NFL Draft, and will not play in the Mayo Bowl.