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Michigan Football: 3 keys for Wolverines to beat Maryland

By Josh LaFond

Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh walks on the field during a warm up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh walks on the field during a warm up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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A potential trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship, a birth in the College Football Playoff — everything is on the table for the Michigan Wolverines. But first, they have to beat the Maryland Terrapins.

Who would have thought that after the 2020 COVID-19 shortened season that resulted in a 2-4 record, that the Michigan football team would be in this spot. Sitting at 9-1 and a potential date with the Ohio State Buckeyes next week in a game where everything is on the line.

These Maryland Terrapins — despite their 5-5 record — present Michigan football issues led by Taulia Tagovailoa and a dynamic passing game that’s accounted for 3,105 yards. A top 10 passing unit nationally is something that might give the Wolverine defense fits.

When you factor in that dynamic aerial assault, with the potential for a trap game sandwiched between Penn State last week and Ohio State next week, Michigan can’t afford to look ahead.

Will the Wolverines succumb to a potential trap game on the road? What do they need to do to avoid the upset? What are their keys to victory?

Let’s get into it.

1. Pressure Taulia Tagovailoa

Coming in top 10 nationally in passing at 3,105 yards Taulia Tagovailoa is arguably the best quarterback Michigan football will have faced to date.

However, his offensive line has struggled thus far.

To date, the Maryland offensive line ranks 105th nationally in tackles for loss allowed and bottom half nationally in sacks given up at 22 (!).

Led by head coach, Mike Locksley, the Maryland game plan will be much the same as what Penn State wanted to do on offense. Get the ball out quick and try to avoid the Michigan pressure.

The Terrapins want Tagovailoa to get the ball out quick, take advantage of their best group of talent. Their skill positions.

Locksley wants this game to be a back-and-forth shoot-out. However, when your offensive line is as bad as Maryland’s is, the game plan might not matter.

Michigan’s game plan is simple: Get after Tagovailoa early and often. The Terrapin offense is reliant on this passing game — as it goes they go.

They won’t be able to shut the Maryland offense down completely, but getting pressure on Taulia Tagovailoa is a crucial key to winning this game.

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