Maryland to bring improved passing game to West Virginia

This is when we start to determine our lineup and who is going to pitch in what role. The West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) have had the Terps’ number, for the most part, over the past few years. After the game, Edwards said he “must have been watching a little too much TV and Gronkowski”, the New England Patriots star tight end known for spiking the ball in his touchdown celebrations.

“We got a lot of guys back from last year’s team”, WVU head coach Randy Mazey said.

It is imperative that the Mountaineers get to the quarterback. Howard has 11 touchdown passes in his last four games.

UNTESTED DEFENSE: West Virginia has allowed no first-half points this season and figures to get a test from Maryland if the Terrapins can hold onto the ball. Maryland hasn’t won in Morgantown since 2002, and enters Saturday’s game as a 16.5-point underdog. He was the first Maryland tight end to score two touchdowns in one game since Matt Furstenburg against Clemson in 2011.

Zeller, described as one of the team’s leaders on offense, took some time to speak to us about that war in the trenches, where improvements have been made and what he thinks about leadership. Edsall’s original contract contained no buyout provisions, so even firing him for his poor performance would have put Maryland on the hook for $2.1 million a year through 2016.

THAT LIKELY KID: Maryland’s Will Likely scored on a 69-yard punt return against the Mountaineers a year ago and has two TDs on returns already this year. Maryland can be run heavy and will look to make West Virginia respect it’s 203.7 yards per game.

Scouting the passing game: Rowe had three picks last week and this will be the best pass defense he or the Terrapins have seen this season. Rowe has thrown five interceptions compared to just four touchdowns this season. The Terps have struggled to get their running game going since the season opener and Kwiatkoski will do everything he can to keep it that way on Saturday.

Scouting the running game: The Terrapins could have an edge up front if they can figure out the polymorphous 3-3-5 Mountaineer defense.

In reality, the only way this game can and will be close is with a balanced attack from Maryland and that cannot happen with a turnover prone quarterback, especially against West Virginia’s secondary. “A lot of guys are gamers instead of practice players so that really helps identify who is going to step up when the uniform color changes in the other dugout”. Starting next Saturday, the team will begin an October slate against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Baylor and TCU, with three of the four games coming on the road. It is our goal to get to 3-0. He has 231 total yards on the season, but his touches are likely to increase against a better opponent in Maryland. It was a great bounce-back for Nixon and his cohorts after a humbling effort against Bowling Green. He took the second one back 33 yards to set up a clinching touchdown. Rowe was named the starter with speedier wide receivers on the outside to boost the passing game.

Earlier this season, Edwards spoke about wanting to emerge as one of the top playmakers in the Maryland offense.

Team chemistry is important to any good team, whether it be baseball, hockey, basketball or football. If he’s got Edsall’s trust, he could be the answer the Terrapin offense needs as Big Ten play quickly approaches.