The Oregon Ducks have played nine games this season, and they’ve won nine games. They’ll take on the Maryland Terrapins this week in a game they’ll hope to make their 10th win. The Terrapins are 4-4 this season, and they’re coming off their second bye week of the year.
Maryland isn’t near the top of the Big Ten standings, and they aren’t among the most challenging teams Oregon has faced or will face this year. But still, there are things Maryland does that could give Oregon a headache if they aren’t prepared.
Below are my three keys to victory for Oregon this week. I see a Ducks win as a strong likelihood, but these three things should ensure the 10th victory of 2024 for the Ducks.
Shut down the Terrapins’ passing game
My eyes popped when I saw that Maryland’s 314.5 passing yards per game is leading the Big Ten in 2024. The Terrapins have yet to face a top defense, but that figure deserves plenty of credit. Oregon has one of the top defenses in the Big Ten, but it will need to be at the top of its game this week to contain the Maryland passing game. Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon’s No. 1 cornerback, will need to have a strong day, as he’ll be matched up against Maryland’s top receiver Tai Felton. This season, Felton has accumulated 73 catches (first in Big Ten), 907 yards (first in Big Ten), and six touchdowns.
Keep up the Air Raid
On the flip side, the Terrapins allow the most passing yards in the Big Ten in 2024 with 275.8 per game. Oregon has one of the best passing offenses in the country, and they should be able to get after Maryland’s secondary early on. The Ducks are without deep threat Tez Johnson this week (and probably beyond), but there are plenty of other explosive threats on the team that Dillon Gabriel will be looking to get the ball to.
Protect the ball
The easiest way to lose games against teams like Maryland is by being silly with the ball. If Maryland is allowed extra possessions, they could capitalize and steal some scores, putting the Ducks in a precarious position. If Oregon protects the ball, as they’ve been done for most of the season, they should be in good shape to win this game.
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