Maryland-Michigan game time changed due to Hurricane Joaquin

Two Big Ten games will now be broadcast on the BTN at noon: Michigan vs. Maryland and Minnesota vs. Northwestern. The Terrapins are 2-2 and coming off an embarrassing showing against West Virginia, where it got knocked around in a 45-6 loss.

Of course, game will also be streamed on BTN2Go, BTN’s digital extension, via the web, smartphones, tablets and connected devices. Maryland is the flawless team for Michigan right now.

Here’s an understatement: the Michigan defense is really good.

Forecasts for the path of the hurricane and its landfall remain varied, but moving the start time was determined to be the prudent decision according to a statement from Michigan athletics director Jim Hackett. These are the real games where every win and loss will determine who will be making that trip to Indianapolis in December, and that first step begins this weekend. Defensive back Jabrill Peppers leads a tremendous group in the secondary, and the front-seven is no joke either, with hybrid linebacker Mario Ojemudia and defensive end Chris Wormley dominating opposing backfields. Then, they come home for games against Indiana, Delaware and Washington before making their final road trip to Ohio State on Holloween.

Though still predicted to be south of Maryland on Saturday night, “those participating, working and attending the game would not have to travel in the evening in potentially unsafe conditions”. Any amount of rain and wind could severely impact the way Michigan plays football, and could cause major problems on special teams and on offense. For Michigan, it’s a chance prove it can win on the road under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh.