Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Game Preview

Maryland vs. Purdue prediction and game preview. Projecting who will win when the Terrapins face the Boilermakers in a Big Ten clash.

Maryland vs. Purdue Game Preview

When: Saturday, Oct. 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Maryland Stadium, College Park.
TV Broadcast: Big Ten Network

Maryland is on the verge of its first 4-0 start since 2013, but this one would feel a little differently. First-year head coach DJ Durkin has brought his defensive approach with him from Michigan, with the Terps not allowing more than 17 points through regulation in any of their first three. Another solid performance on that side of the ball help Maryland surpass last year’s victory total while winning for just the second time in its last 10 conference games.

Purdue also can move past last season’s win total in its first road game of the year and also match coach Darrell Hazell’s most wins since taking the job in 2013. The Boilermakers moved to 2-1 with Saturday’s 24-14 win over Nevada, but they still have a lot to clean up before facing Durkin’s defensive scheme.

What to Know About Maryland

The Terps outscored opponents 93-27 through their first two games but had a tougher test September 17 when they needed overtime to beat UCF, 30-24. Maryland had its worst statistical game of the season in terms of yardage allowed, but it forced four turnovers after having only one takeaway in the first two games.

Speaking of turnovers, offensive coordinator Walt Bell’s unit hasn’t committed a single one. Perry Hills hasn’t been asked to throw more than 23 times yet and rushed for a touchdown two weeks ago, helping a solid ground attack featuring plenty of balance with Lorenzo Harrison, Trey Edmunds and Ty Johnson. The protection will need to be better against Purdue, though, after Hills was sacked five times against UCF.

What to Know About Purdue

Hazell’s job likely depends on how Purdue fares in Big Ten play. It is 2-22 in conference action since Hazell’s arrival with defeats in each of the last seven on the road. That skid could reach eight if the Boilermakers don’t start taking care of the ball better.

Purdue committed five turnovers in a loss to Cincinnati on Sept. 10 then had four more last week against Nevada. Each giveaway against the Bearcats was a David Blough interception, and he threw another pick last week. The offense centers around running back Markell Jones, who rushed 22 times for 124 yards and a touchdown against Nevada.

Advantages

Offense: Maryland – Hills also has receiver D.J. Moore in the passing game.

Defense: Maryland – Durkin’s defense could give Blough fits.

Special Teams: Maryland – Adam Greene has hit 4 of 5 field goals within 40 yards.

Coaching: Maryland – The Terps’ staff as a whole is far better.

Intangibles: Maryland – Finally playing at home after back-to-back games in Florida against a team that has struggled to win on the road.

Matchup To Watch

Blough vs. Maryland’s defense

The Purdue quarterback has had his problems this season and there have been calls from fans for him to be replaced. Hazell gave him another vote of confidence this week, but if he’s turnover-prone against the Terps’ ball-hawking defense, that might not be the case again.

Betting Odds

Spread: Maryland -10
Over/Under: 56