GBMWolverine
Fansided

Michigan Football: Everything you need to know about Maryland

By Matthew Helmkamp

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Mike Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins looks on during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Point Solutions Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Mike Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins looks on during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Point Solutions Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 17: Javon Leake #20 of the Maryland Terrapins runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at Capital One Field on November 17, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Special teams

Michigan football must practice containment for the matchup with Maryland as they have one of the most dynamic kick returners in the country with Javon Leake. Through eight games, Leake has recorded 18 returns for 477 yards, averaging 26.5 yards-per-return.

Punt return duties have fallen on DJ Turner, the speedy 5-foot-9 receiver who sees limited action outside of special teams. You can’t sleep on him, however, as he does have a return for a TD this season.

Let’s just say kicking and punting are not the specialty of this Maryland attack.

Matt’s musings

After the offseason spout between Locksley and Gattis, I wouldn’t be surprised if coach Harbaugh and Josh decide to run up the score on Mike’s turf to send a message.

If this team comes in with half of what they put forth in the last six quarters, this game will be over before half time. Maryland is a bottom of the barrel team with little hope for a bowl game, which may give them extra motivation to knock off a top 25, which would require more than just a little bit of motivation.

Against Notre Dame, the Wolverines proved to be a power once again, and little Locksley’s team is sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Home/Michigan Football