Eric Boggs
As the 2024 college football season approaches, Maryland fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a pivotal year for the Terrapins under head coach Mike Locksley. The program has made steady progress in recent seasons, but with key departures and emerging talent, the Terps face a new set of challenges and opportunities that will define their season.
Quarterback Competition: A New Era Begins
The biggest storyline for Maryland heading into the season is the quarterback position. With Taulia Tagovailoa, the all-time leading passer in Big Ten history, now gone, the Terps are searching for their next leader under center. The competition is tight, with three main candidates vying for the starting role: Billy Edwards, Cam Edge, and NC State transfer MJ Morris.
Billy Edwards, who has some experience from spot starts and was the MVP of last year’s Music City Bowl, is considered the frontrunner. His mobility is his standout trait, though questions remain about his passing ability. Cam Edge, on the other hand, showed promise with limited action last season, including a solid performance in the bowl game against Auburn. Finally, MJ Morris, who was the first true freshman to start at NC State since Philip Rivers, brings a high ceiling but limited experience in Maryland’s system.
While Edwards appears to have the edge, the position remains unsettled, adding an element of uncertainty to the Terps’ offense.
Shifting Identity: From Air Raid to Ground Game
Under Tagovailoa, Maryland was known for its high-flying passing attack, but with his departure, the Terps may pivot to a more run-heavy offense. Running back Roman Hemby, who has been a consistent performer, is set to lead the charge. Backing him up will be senior Colby McDonald, who has been effective in limited action, averaging five yards per carry over the past two seasons.
The offensive line, however, could be a concern. Maryland lost all five starters from last season, including standout DJ Glaze. Although Locksley brought in four transfers to fill the gaps, the lack of continuity and experience could pose challenges. Early struggles in the trenches, especially with a new quarterback, could make the offensive transition even more difficult.
Defense Takes the Spotlight
With the offense in flux, Maryland’s defense is expected to take on a more prominent role. The Terps return several key players who will be crucial in maintaining stability on that side of the ball. Jordan Phillips, a defensive lineman who made Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” for his athleticism, is expected to be a force in the middle, both as a pass rusher and a run stopper.
Linebacker Ruben Hippolite, back for his fifth year, will be another key figure on defense. Known for his tackling ability, Hippolite will be tasked with leading a unit that could become the backbone of the team in 2024. The secondary, which lost notable players like Tarheeb Still, will need to step up to maintain Maryland’s defensive edge.
Non-Conference Play: A Promising Start
Maryland opens the season with three non-conference games that should favor the Terps. They begin on the road against UConn, followed by a home game against Virginia, and conclude with a home game against Villanova. These matchups provide Maryland with an opportunity to build confidence and potentially start the season 3-0.
Early Big Ten Matchups: Winnable Games
Maryland’s first three Big Ten games offer a mix of challenges and opportunities. They host Michigan State, a team under new leadership, followed by a road game against Indiana, and then a home game against Northwestern. These games are seen as winnable and could provide the Terps with significant momentum heading into the tougher portion of their schedule.
The Mid-Season Gauntlet: USC and Beyond
The real test for Maryland will come in the second half of the season. The Terps host USC on October 19th, a game that could be pivotal for both teams. However, the challenges only escalate from there, with back-to-back road games against Oregon and a home game against Rutgers. The season concludes with two more tough matchups: a home game against Iowa and a road trip to Penn State.
Projected Outcomes: Floor and Ceiling
Opinions vary on how Maryland will fare this season. The best-case scenario sees the Terps finishing 8-4, with losses to top-tier teams like USC, Oregon, and Penn State. The floor is a 5-7 finish, with the possibility of losing early games they shouldn’t and struggling through a brutal second half of the season.
Most predictions place Maryland somewhere in the middle, with a 7-5 or 8-4 record being the most likely outcome. The key to their success will be navigating the early winnable games and carrying that momentum into the tougher matchups later in the season.
Final Thoughts
As Maryland enters the 2024 season, the program is at a crossroads. The departure of a program-defining quarterback like Tagovailoa is always difficult, but with a solid recruiting class and a defense that looks ready to step up, there’s reason for optimism in College Park. If the Terps can find stability at quarterback and cohesion on the offensive line, Maryland could be a tough out in the Big Ten this year.
