Ohio State will host a reeling Maryland team and look to set the tone heading into a season-defining four-week stretch. 

Fresh off a convincing victory in Iowa City, Ohio State looks to build on the momentum on Homecoming against Maryland. Here’s how the matchup shapes up and what Ohio State needs to do to set themselves up for success.

Opponent Profile

The Terrapins limp into Columbus on a three-game losing skid, outscored 137 to 52 over that span. Since the start of the 2024 season, Maryland is 10-19 with two conference wins. As you can imagine, head coach Mike Locksley’s job security is at an all-time low. That said, nobody in the Big Ten is going to feel bad for you, and the Buckeyes are no exception this weekend.

Maryland’s defense ranks around average in the FBS in yardage categories. The issue for this unit is keeping teams out of the end zone; it ranks 116th in the country, allowing 30.2 points per game. To make matters worse, Maryland ranks 114th in the country in penalties, committing 69.2 yards per contest. A lack of discipline and defense is never a recipe for success, especially in the Big Ten.

A bright spot and something to watch with the Maryland squad is the passing game led by quarterback Malik Washington. The 6’ 5” sophomore was the No. 5 QB in this class according to 247 Sports. With his frame and ability to push the ball downfield, Washington makes defenses think twice about testing his arm.

However, he has had turnover issues, throwing 6 interceptions this year. Despite this, he has the Terrapin passing game up to top 30 in the country, averaging over 277 yards per game.

Maryland’s availability report this week lists more than 15 players as out or doubtful, with 7 more listed as “questionable.” This is grim news for a team already reeling in Big Ten play. Additionally, after Saturday’s contest, Maryland’s program may decide to move in a different direction in the coaching department as well. Only time will tell.

Bey (and Wilder) Watch

The Legend Bey saga has been captivating since the start of fall camp, when he was held out for disciplinary reasons. This was followed by Legend taking the first two kick returns of the season out of the endzone despite Brandon Inniss throwing on the stop sign both times. Coach Day has been candid that Bey has to keep “building trust,” but with zero snaps in the last two games, that trust appears fractured yet again.

That said, his explosiveness is glaringly obvious. Even though OSU hasn’t necessarily struggled on offense, having an X-factor like Bey in Arthur Smith’s back pocket could change the whole dynamic. Just imagine what Legend could do in the wildcat formation that was brought out against the Hawkeyes.

Khary Wilder has had a similar arc on defense. He flashed early in the year as one of the few edge players who impacted the pass rush. However, as a Big Ten play started, his snaps dwindled, and he even got zero snaps against Iowa.

For both Wilder and Bey, the issue is not talent by any stretch of the imagination. Ryan Day said this week that they didn’t see the field because of “accountability.” “If we can have a good week here, then I’m hoping we can see those guys on the field,” Day said about the dynamic young duo and their practice habits this week. Against a Maryland team that is literally and figuratively limping into this Saturday, this week is a prime opportunity for both guys to make a comeback.

Build Momentum and Stay Healthy

With OSU favored by five touchdowns by most sportsbooks, the Buckeyes shouldn’t have to expend too much to handle the Terrapins. Younger guys like Bey, Wilder, Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd, etc. will hopefully make hay with the reps they get.

Beyond that, Ryan Day will want to conserve energy and health for the stretch ahead featuring @Indiana, @USC, and Oregon. Surviving Saturday without any impactful injuries will be paramount, although Jeremiah Smith adding to his Heisman campaign wouldn’t hurt either.

After a decisive win in Iowa City, this team has finally seized momentum lost in the fourth quarter against Texas. If this team wants to handle business and position itself for a playoff run, sustaining this momentum will be a major cog in doing so. Adversity will come in plenty over the next two months. Now is the time to step on the pedal and go full steam ahead into a season-defining gauntlet.

Prediction: Ohio State 42, Maryland 10

Game Details:

Maryland 2-3 (0-2) vs. No. 5 Ohio State 4-1 (2-0)

Spread-Total: 34.5- O/U 56.5

4:15 PM ET on BTN

Passing Leaders

Julian Sayin: 103/142 for 1,530 yards, 13 TD and 1 INT

Malik Washington: 124/198 for 1,288 yards, 7 TD and 6 INT

Rushing Leaders

Bo Jackson: 66 carries for 353 yards and 2 TD

Iverson Howard: 52 carries for 411 yards and 4 TD

Receiving Leaders

Jeremiah Smith: 44 catches for 823 yards and 9 TD

Chris Durr Jr.: 42 catches for 462 yards and 4 TD