Scouting MSU vs Maryland - Week 2

For Week 2, MSU will travel to Maryland for a game on Saturday, 9/7, with a kick-off scheduled for 3:30. The opening line was MSU at +8, but it has since shifted in favor of Maryland to MSU +9.5.

Maryland faced a weak UCONN team in the first week and dominated them. On the other hand, MSU had a lackluster performance against FAU in a game that ended up being closer than expected. Evaluating teams based on a single game is not ideal, so I will consider a combination of observations from week 1 and pre-season expectations.

One tool for gauging roster comparisons early in the season is ESPN's Preseason SP+, a predictive measure based on returning production, recruiting, and recent history.

• Maryland entered the year at No. 46 in the preseason edition. Maryland ranks No. 82 offensively, No. 23 defensively, and No. 59 in special teams.

  • MSU is 82 overall, ranked 125 in offense and 30 on defense

• Maryland returns 41% of offensive production – ranked 116/132.

  • MSU returns 46%, coming in at 109/132

• Maryland returns several defensive starters, with 60% of returning production, ranked 67/132.

  • MSU returns 75% of defensive production, coming in at 19/131

• Recent results do play a role. Maryland is coming off back-to-back 8-5 seasons, with a 7-6 record before that. Mike Lockley has been the coach since 2019.

  • Meanwhile, MSU went 4-8 last year and 5-7 the year before.

    
    

Here's how Maryland's position groups look and how we match up.

Quarterback

• Billy Edwards is set to start following an impressive performance in week 1. He was named MVP of the 2023 Music City Bowl. With this being his 3rd season with the team, the coaching staff is well-acquainted with him, and he has the most experience in the system.

• What This Means for MSU: This presents a great opportunity for the MSU Defense to face a younger and less seasoned quarterback. Edwards has started in fewer than 5 games. MSU's defense must take advantage of this situation.

RB

• Roman Hemby had a strong performance in week 1, recording 14 carries for 64 yards and 1 TD, with a long run of 13 yards. He also made 3 receptions for 15 yards from the backfield.

• Nolan Ray, Colby McDonald, and complete the group. Ray had 6 rushes for 60 yards (longest 48) and 1 TD. McDonald had 8 rushes for 44 yards. Ray is known as the fastest player on the team and a constant threat to score.

• What This Means for MSU: Maryland's running backs seem decent, but we have confidence in our Run Defense for this scenario. Maryland is likely to rely on the running game to support the quarterback. However, if we anticipate their running plays and our strong linebackers like Haladay and Turner can stop them, the key will be how Hall and Matthews handle 3rd downs. We must stop the run effectively without extra pressure or overcrowding the defense because...

WR

• Tai Felton (2023: 48-700-6) and Kaden Prather (2023: 44-666-5) are both returning as starters for Maryland. They have collectively accumulated over 100 receptions and 1,000 yards in their careers. In the first week, Felton recorded 7 receptions for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Prather had 6 receptions for 60 yards.

• What This Means for MSU: Tai Felton and Kaden Prather will present a challenge to Ed Woods, Rucker, Bentley, Hughes, and others. Maryland's wide receivers have the

• advantage.

TE

• After being TE2 last year, Prenton Howard is prepared to take on the starting role as a R-SO. He is a talented athlete who appeared in all 13 games. Some analysts predict he could have 30-40 receptions and gain 300-500 yards.

• Dylan Wade, who saw some action as a true freshman, is 6-2 / 236. He is known for his athleticism and is considered a reliable TE2.

• Leon Haughton is a valuable rotational player and will serve as TE3 this season.

• What This Means for MSU: Maryland appears to have a strong group of tight ends. It will be interesting to observe their player personnel choices and whether they opt for 12 sets (1 RB, 2 TEs).

OL

• Andre Roye possesses an athletic 6-6 body with Big10 size, and he is in his first year as a starter.

• Overall, the team is talented with young players in the 2-deep roster, showing depth across the board.

• What This Means for MSU: After thorough research, the Maryland O-Line does not pose any significant threats. If Maryland manages to run the ball effectively, it could signal trouble for MSU's upcoming games. To win this game we need to stop the run without dedicating too many resources in order to help out the DBs.

D-Line

• Taizse Johnson: A senior who played in every game last season (2 starts). He recorded 15 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, and a fumble recovery.

• Jordan Philips: A returning impact player. Named to the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason Fourth-Team All-Big Ten. Last season, he featured in all 13 games (11 starts) and accumulated 28 tackles and 1.5 TFLs.

• Neeo Avery: Finally back to full health after battling injuries, Avery possesses good size and is poised to step up. With versatility to play both inside and outside, he is expected to line up in various positions. While he may serve as a substitute, this rotation strategy helps keep the team's players fresh.

• Dillan Fontus is anticipated to be a valuable rotational player.

• Overall: According to beat writers, this group is described as deep and talented.

• What This Means for MSU: A significant challenge for MSU. Johnson and Philips have demonstrated their abilities in the past. The offensive line of MSU remains a major concern, and its performance in this area will be a crucial indicator for the team's prospects throughout the year.

LB

• Ruben Hyppolite is a returning impact player who has been recognized on multiple award watchlists and Preseason Big Ten teams. He serves as the team captain and was named to the 2023 Third-Team All-Big Ten. Having started the last three seasons, he finished second on the team in tackles last year with 66, along with 2.5 TFLs and 1 sack.

• Michael Harris, known for his natural speed, successfully achieved his offseason goal of gaining weight. Being part of a full LB room, his playing time is yet to be determined. However, he possesses the size and speed to make a significant impact, especially in keeping up with MSU RBs in the run game and TE in the passing game.

• Daniel Wingate gained experience as a freshman last year and is expected to make significant progress in a competitive LB room. He is set to receive substantial playing time this year, showcasing his great size at 6-4 / 230.

• What This Means for MSU: Hyppolite is a formidable player. The offensive line must prevent him from reaching the hole uncovered and disrupting the play.

CB

• Perry Fisher, who stands at 6-3, possesses the size to disrupt MSU wide receivers. He made a significant impact in a bowl game last year.

• Jalen Huskey transferred from Bowling Green after receiving ALL-MAC honors. He is anticipated to vie for a starting position.

• Braydon Lee, an early enrollee this Spring, is a highly rated recruit who is tall but slender. He is expected to be a contender.

• Cornerback Kevis Thomas is a valuable rotational player.

S

• Glendon Miller: Versital player. Can play multiple positions. Took a big step in development this offseason.

• Dante Trader: Heads into his Senior year as one of the top returning impact players. Over 100 career tackles and 4 INTs. Preseason 4th team All-Big Ten.

Maryland Secondary

• What This Means for MSU: This is a solid DB room, blending returning players, transfers, and potential breakout players.

What to watch for:

• Player: It's all about whether Chiles can bounce back. I want to believe last week's performance was Chiles floor. If that's the case and he steps up a bit the offense will be much smoother. Carter and Velling being more productive would be a boost as well.

• Match-Ups: The WR-DB match-up puts our weakness against their strength on both sides of the ball. I'm equally worried about our wide receivers' ability to perform against Maryland's defensive backs and Maryland's wide receivers being a challenge for our defensive backs. With MSU WR Alante Brown out, Tatum injured, and Woods not at full strength, our match-up is even worse. These two matchups will be crucial factors in the game.

By the end of the first quarter, we will know whether Chiles looks sharper and how we handle the WR-DB match-up on both sides.