With Ohio State looming next week, Maryland is a "trap game" for the Michigan football program, but one that the Wolverines are used to.
There is always talk of the game before Ohio State being a trap game. It's understandable. However, none of Michigan's good teams in recent memory have succumb to it.
As far as Maryland is concerned, Michigan football has won eight straight over the Terps. There have been a couple of competitive games, but for the most part, the series has been one-sided, outside of the one home loss for U-M when Brady Hoke was the head coach.
Maryland is a talented team. They have a freshman quarterback in Malik Washington, who has thrown for more yards and touchdowns than Bryce Underwood (more interceptions, too). There are some skilled pass rushers and evidence that Mike Locksley is keeping talent from the DMV home.
But can the Terps pull an upset as a 14-point underdog? Here are three reasons why the answer is no.
Maryland can't stop the run or run the ball
To be frank, Maryland isn't a great running team. The Terps average 4.2 yards per rushing attempt but they just don't like to run the ball. Washington averages 37 pass attempts per game which leads the Big Ten.
Defensively, Maryland allows 171 yards per game and 4.3 yards per attempt. If Jordan Marshall was healthy, it feels like he would run all over Maryland.
As it stands, Bryson Kuzdal could be the lead back on Saturday. Jasper Parker and Max Bredeson could get some carries, too. Marshall might be a game-time decision. He also might be dressed out just in case, but it feels like the Wolverines want to avoid using him if they can.
The offensive line has been outstanding in the run game. Maryland's defense isn't tough enough to hold up and like it did against Northwestern, Michigan should have a big edge in rushing yards.
I wouldn't be shocked if Maryland had less than 50.
Michigan's freshman QB is playing better
Some people will try to tell you that Washington is having a better season than Bryce Underwood. That's just not true. Underwood averages 7.7 yards per attempt compared to 6.2 for Washington.
Their interception percentage is basically the same. Washington throws more touchdowns, but Michigan isn't a team that cares much about stats. J.J. McCarthy didn't have as many touchdown passes as other quarterbacks, either. Underwood is also higher rated (QB rating) and a better run threat.
Washington is talented. He's a legit QB. But in the last four games, he's only completed 51 percent of his passes. He's thrown three touchdowns compared to five interceptions, and he needs to play against the Michigan defense on Saturday without a running game.
Michigan does give up shot plays, so who knows, but the pass rush should have a field day. And if one quarterback is mistake prone on Saturday, expect it to be Washington.
It's a must-win
The 2023 Maryland game was a perfect trap game. J.J. McCarthy wasn't100 percent. Michigan was fresh off a big win, didn't have its head coach, and played Ohio State the next week.
What's funny though is that that Michigan team could have afforded a loss to Maryland more than this one. The Wolverines can't lose this game or their playoff hopes are cooked, regardless of what happens in "The Game."
Michigan nearly met playoff mortality last week, but escaped with a win over Northwestern. You'd think that would be fresh in their minds. Another sloppy game and it will come down to the fourth quarter.
Maybe that's the fate of this team, or maybe this team dominates, like the 2021 team did against Maryland, one week before starting the current four-game winning streak over Ohio State.