Will Maryland show up against USC after disastrous blowout loss?

Maryland just lost at home to Northwestern by 27. The Terrapins have to play a lot better to stay with USC. The obvious question: Will they?

Maryland plays USC football this weekend. Last week, Maryland no-showed in a 37-10 face-plant loss at home to Northwestern. This is the element of Maryland football which drives Terrapin fans crazy: The Terps actually play the big boys in the Big Ten on even terms. Maryland has given Ohio State and Michigan some really tough battles in recent years. Maryland does play really good football for at least two quarters against the Buckeyes and Wolverines. The Terps have come close to beating those programs and have certainly pushed them hard. Then, however, when playing Northwestern or some of the other lower- or middle-tier teams in the Big Ten, Maryland falters.

We talked to Maryland expert and analyst Patrick Stevens, a sportswriter at the Washington Post, to get more insight into the Terrapins as they prepare to play USC. We discussed whether Maryland is likely to pick itself up and give USC a good game, or if the Terps will continue to fall flat and give the Trojans a smoother day at the office. We have our own opinions, but you can judge for yourself here:

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