When two of the nation’s top college football teams square off, it’s sure to be an epic battle. Maryland and Purdue are no exception. Both schools have rich football traditions, and their fans are passionate about their teams.
Maryland: A Rising Star
The Maryland Terrapins have been on the rise in recent years. After finishing 7-6 in 2015, they went 10-3 in 2016 and 9-4 in 2017. Last year, they finished 10-3 again and won the Big Ten Championship Game.
Maryland’s success is due in part to its strong offense. The Terrapins have averaged over 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons. They are led by quarterback Kasim Hill, who threw for 3,262 yards and 23 touchdowns last year.
Purdue: A Team on the Rebound
The Purdue Boilermakers have had a more up-and-down history in recent years. After reaching the Rose Bowl in 2017, they went 6-7 in 2018 and 4-8 in 2019. Last year, they rebounded to go 9-4 and finish second in the Big Ten West Division.
Purdue’s success in 2021 was due in part to its strong defense. The Boilermakers allowed just 20.8 points per game, which was second in the Big Ten. They are led by linebacker Jaylan Alexander, who had 124 tackles last year.
Key Matchups
When Maryland and Purdue meet on September 3rd, there will be several key matchups that could decide the game.
- Quarterback play: Maryland’s Kasim Hill is a rising star, while Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell is a veteran leader. Which quarterback will be able to make the big plays when it matters most?
- Offensive line play: Maryland’s offensive line has been a strength in recent years, while Purdue’s defensive line has been a weakness. Which unit will be able to control the line of scrimmage?
- Wide receiver play: Maryland has a talented group of wide receivers, led by Jeshaun Jones and Rakim Jarrett. Purdue’s wide receivers are less experienced, but they have the potential to be a big-play threat.
- Defensive back play: Maryland’s defensive backfield is led by Deonte Banks, who had five interceptions last year. Purdue’s defensive backfield is young, but they have some talented players, led by cornerback Cory Trice.
Prediction
Maryland and Purdue are both evenly matched teams. The Terrapins have a slight edge on offense, while the Boilermakers have a slight edge on defense. In the end, I think Maryland will win a close game, 27-24.
Table 1: Maryland vs. Purdue Team Statistics
| Category | Maryland | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Overall record | 9-4 | 9-4 |
| Conference record | 6-3 | 6-3 |
| Points per game | 31.4 | 28.9 |
| Yards per game | 409.0 | 385.7 |
| Points allowed per game | 24.5 | 20.8 |
| Yards allowed per game | 366.1 | 344.5 |
Table 2: Maryland vs. Purdue Key Players
| Player | Position | Maryland | Purdue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasim Hill | QB | 3,262 yards, 23 TD | Aidan O’Connell |
| Jeshaun Jones | WR | 1,081 yards, 12 TD | David Bell |
| Deonte Banks | DB | 5 INT | Cory Trice |
| Jaylan Alexander | LB | 124 tackles | George Karlaftis |
Table 3: Maryland vs. Purdue Pros and Cons
| Team | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Strong offense | Inexperienced defense |
| Purdue | Strong defense | Inexperienced wide receivers |
Table 4: Maryland vs. Purdue What Matters Most
| Factor | Maryland | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback play | Edge to Maryland | Edge to Purdue |
| Offensive line play | Edge to Maryland | Edge to Purdue |
| Wide receiver play | Edge to Maryland | Edge to Purdue |
| Defensive back play | Edge to Maryland | Edge to Purdue |
| Home field advantage | Edge to Purdue | Edge to Maryland |
