Grading Maryland football’s position groups after its loss to Indiana

The Terps dropped their second Big Ten game of the season.

On the road against one of the best offenses in the country, Maryland football held tight until the final 15 minutes, eventually falling to Indiana, 42-28.

After a relatively low-scoring first half, both offenses improved in the second half, scoring seven combined touchdowns.

With the loss, the Terps drop to 0-2 in Big Ten play and 3-2 on the season.

Here’s how Maryland position groups performed against the Hoosiers.

Quarterback

On paper, Billy Edwards Jr. had another impressive, mistake-free performance, completing 26-of-41 pass attempts for 289 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. However, Edwards missed a fair amount of throws, failing to see open receivers and overthrowing multiple targets.

But the biggest flaw in Edwards’ game Saturday was his pocket presence. He continually held on to the ball for far too long, waiting for the Indiana pass rush to sack him instead of escaping the pocket or simply throwing the ball away. The Hoosiers recorded five sacks Saturday, multiple of which were primarily Edwards’ fault.

While Edwards did not have a bad game, he certainly contributed to the Terps’ seven-point first half.

Grade: C+

Running back

Roman Hemby was one of the lone bright spots for Maryland Saturday, rushing for a season-high 117 yards and a touchdown on just 10 attempts. One of them was a 75-yard touchdown, during which he received some unintentional help from a referee.

Hemby also hauled in five passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Nolan Ray and Colby McDonald each rushed five times for 29 combined yards.

Grade: B+

Wide receiver

Maryland’s wide receiver group lacked its typical production, in part due to injuries. Kaden Prather finished with five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown — and nearly added another touchdown in the fourth quarter but was barely ruled out-of-bounds — while Tai Felton tallied five catches for just 38 yards, his first game under 100 yards this season.

Both Prather and Felton left the game during the second half with injuries, providing opportunity to some new names. Braeden Wisloski, Maryland’s usual punt and kick returner, posted a career-high three receptions for 59 yards. Shaleak Knotts also caught three balls for 41 yards.

Grade: C+

Tight end

Similar to the receivers, starting tight end Preston Howard was injured during the game, leaving a massive hole in the tight end’s production. Dylan Wade led the room with three catches for 15 yards and a touchdown, which came on a twice-deflected pass that wasn’t even intended for him.

Leon Haughton Jr. also got some run, catching one pass for nine yards.

Grade: C-

Offensive line

The offensive line played relatively well in between the whistles, providing ample running holes and time for Edwards. However, the Terps committed 10 penalties on Saturday, the majority of which were attributed to the offensive line.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, an illegal snap, a facemask and two holding penalties proved costly. At one point, the Terps faced a second-and-31 while looking for their first touchdown of the game.

Committing this many penalties kills momentum and cuts drives short. While the offensive line did not play terribly, this many penalties is simply unacceptable.

Grade: D

Defensive line

Maryland’s defensive line was gutted Saturday, as Indiana’s running backs rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry. It was only credited with one sack, which came in the first quarter.

Quashon Fuller forced a fumble as well, but the rare bright spots did not outshine the consistent struggles of the unit.

Grade: C

Linebacker

Maryland’s linebackers were by far its strongest defensive unit Saturday. Michael Harris recorded a team-high 10 tackles (four solo), a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. He was also the Terps highest-graded player with an 89.9, according to PFF (Pro Football Focus).

Ruben Hyppolite II finished next in line with six tackles, Caleb Wheatland and Kellan Wyatt were used effectively as situational pass rushers, as they each recorded a sack.

While Indiana’s offense was not met with much resistance, Maryland’s linebackers played well.

Grade: B+

Secondary

Maryland’s achilles heel of the 2024 season was yet again torched, as Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns with a 66.7% completion percentage.

The unit remained competitive in the first half, allowing 202 passing yards and a touchdown while recording two interceptions, but fell flat in the second half, surrendering multiple explosive plays.

Grade: C-

Special teams

Bryce McFerson was phenomenal yet again, punting seven times on a 46.7-yard average, including one punt that was pinned at the 1-yard line.

Jack Howes was limited in his role as a kicker. He did not attempt a field goal, but he was four for four on extra points.

In the return game, Wisloski returned one punt for 8 yards, while Octavian Smith Jr. returned two kicks for 39 yards.

Grade: B+

Coaching

Maryland’s offensive play calling was extremely stale, which stood out as the biggest issue from the coaching staff. While Edwards held on to the ball for too long, the coaching staff failed to scheme even its best receiver open, as Felton ended the first half with two catches for 7 yards.

Some of Maryland’s penalties can be credited to a lack of discipline, which is particularly concerning because head coach Michael Locksley mentioned it as a point of emphasis heading into the game.

Grade: C-