While it might seem premature to label Michigan a playoff contender, the Wolverines coach will arrive in College Park on Saturday with one of the hottest teams in the country.
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Then again, the Terrapins have a game changing element on their side, in the form of punt returner/cornerback Will Likely, who can break a game wide open if the Wolverines’ special teams are not up to the task. The Terps are having a rough time with their quarterback consistency, the pass defense, and finding anything positive to work around, but beating Michigan would all but wipe the slate clean.
OPENING ACT: Michigan is 82-25-2 in Big Ten openers and has won 44 of the last 47.
On Wednesday morning, the Big Ten Network canceled its scheduled broadcast of “BTN Football Pregame” from outside Byrd Stadium and cited “safety concerns for the fans and the production crew and the uncertainty surrounding the storm’s path”. According to Gallen, they wore the jersey for the first time in the 2012 loss to Florida State and wore them again in a 29-26 loss a year later against Boston College.
“Staying positive and making sure we do our job, ” kicker Brad Craddock said. “We have somewhat of a chip on our shoulder [after the 31-0 loss at Michigan]”.
“I have never been one to make too many judgments on anything in September”, said Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz, now in his 17th season. He’s got a high motor and plays very soundly.
Michigan-Maryland will start at Noon. Running back Brandon Ross did however provide a bit of spark for the team rushing for 130 yards on only 15 carries.
Smith has made progress this week and returned to practice, and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno “implied” to reporters that he expects Smith to play. “I think you really have to get into October”.
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One to two inches of rain were expected by evening, however, the State of Emergency in Maryland, issued earlier in the week when it was unclear what direction Joaquin would take, was lifted on Friday. We know that theyre good, so, great challenge for our coverage units this week.
