Despite starting six freshmen on offense, Michigan football has just two games to go, and every goal is still on the table.
That alone is impressive. This team, with a true freshman starting quarterback, has won three road games. Say that you will about Northwestern, that's a team that will probably find a way to play in a bowl game. Nebraska has won seven games. Yet, Michigan won in Lincoln, too.
This Michigan team is much different. Andrew Marsh is the clear No. 1 WR. Bryce Underwood has grown, despite three interceptions in his past two games, and Justice Haynes might be out for the season. Michigan football might be down to Bryson Kuzdal in this game.
The Wolverines are a bigger favorite this week than they were last week. Maryland is 1-6 in the Big Ten. The Terps have struggled since a fast start. They are talented, though. Maryland has a true freshman quarterback and some true freshman pass rushers who can make life difficult.
Looking ahead to a final road test of the regular season, here are five questions facing Michigan against Maryland.
Can Michigan run without Jordan Marshall?
It feels like Michigan will hold out Marshall this week. But can it afford to? Kuzdal ran the ball well against Northwestern. He picked up two key first downs, and the offensive line has been playing well, especially when it comes to run blocking.
Maryland allows 392 yards per game with 171 coming on the ground. The Terps give up an average of 4.3 yards per attempt. Bryce Underwood might need to get more involved with Marshall out, but it doesn't far-fetched that Kuzdal could rush for close to 100 yards.
Can Underwood avoid mistakes?
For three quarters, Bryce Underwood played his best game as a Michigan football quarterback against Northwestern. He was accurate, made quick decisions, and took care of the ball.
Underwood forced a pass on his first interception. It felt like he was determined to throw the ball there, and the defender just read his eyes.
On the second interception, he was baited into an interception. It was a good play by he defender, but one that Underwood should learn from. He's got all the tools. He's starting to make better decisions, and one thing lost in the game is that Michigan gained 495 yards while using a third-string RB for an entire quarter.
Michigan is in the top 25 in total yards but 60th in points scored. That's an issue, but one that comes with a freshman quarterback. If Underwood cuts out the mistakes, this offense could break out for 40.
Will special teams start to figure it out?
It was good to see Dominic Zvada make the game-winning field goal. It would be even better to see him make a kick or two this week, if he gets an attempt.
Zvada was a difference-maker against Ohio State a season ago. The weather isn't supposed to be good for "The Game" and it might come down a field goal, just like it did in 2024.
You want Zvada to have confidence. It will also be interesting to see if Andrew Marsh remains the punt returner. It's more of a risk. But it's always a good thing when the ball is in his hands.
Regardless, JB Brown needs to clean things up. The special teams have been a negative in almost every game this season.
How many times will Malik Washington throw?
Maryland's true freshman quarterback is throwing the ball 37 times per game. That's 12 fewer passes per game than Bryce Underwood.
One of the reasons Maryland has had to throw the ball so much is that the running game has only averaged 4.2 yards per attempt. Maryland has also lost thee straight games by at least two scores.
When you get behind, it makes it more difficult to stick with the run. Maryland will surely try to stay balanced, but if Michigan can force Maryland to be one-dimensional like Washington, the results could be similar.
It could be a long day for Malik Washington.
Will Michigan finally put someone away?
The Wolverines have had double-digit leads in each of the past three games, however, they have won those three games by an average of just six points.
Michigan football has struggled to score in the red zone. That, combined with some costly turnovers, have kept other teams in the mix.
The Wolverines were able to finish against Washington, although they played with their food too much in that game, too.
Going into Ohio State, Michigan needs confidence and momentum. Building a double-digit lead, and keeping it, would certainly help.