The Terps open the 2017-2018 season with a trip to Austin as they face the University of Texas and new Coach Tom Herman.
Sophomore, Tyrrell Pigrome will get his second career start after winning the quarterback competition. Pigrome has appeared in 11 games and had a game winning 24 yard touchdown run against UCF last season.
Head coach, DJ Durkin, has plenty of options at quarterback but, for now, Pigrome will have every opportunity to prove the job is his.
“Every guy at that position, and it’s true across the board, has different strengths and weaknesses, so you factor all those in,” Durkin said. “[Pigrome] obviously has running ability, a dynamic runner. Everything was factored in. … That’s who we feel gives us the best chance right now.”
With Pigrome being a dual-threat QB, expect Maryland to incorporate some design runs behind an ever improving offensive line. The O-Line brings back three seasoned vets in junior Damian Prince (19 starts), junior Brendan Moore (13 starts) and sophomore Terrance Davis. Last season, the line helped the Terps eclipse 2,500 yards rushing for the first time since 2003.
Texas’ defense will prove to be a good test for the offensive line. The Longhorns 41 sacks were fifth-best nationally and led the conference, while their 91 TFL also led the Big 12.
Returning running backs, Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison, represents 80% of last year’s rushing yards and will need to play a big factor on offense. In the passing game look for the Terps to rely heavily on DJ Moore. Currently, Moore has the second longest consecutive games with a reception streak at 21. He has a chance to pass Torrey Smith’s 30 game streak.
Last season, Maryland ranked second in the Big Ten conference in sacks. Pressure will be key if the Terps want to shutdown, Texas’ sophomore quarterback, Shayne Buechele. Jesse Aniebonam and Jermaine Carter, Jr. will play a major role in bringing the heat to Texas in their passing game.
Keeping Buechele upright proved to be a task last season as the Longhorns finished 97th in sacks allowed.
As Maryland moves into this season’s challenging schedule, Coach Durkin understands the importance of getting better each week.
“We’re really focused on us getting better and improving every day and what we’re doing. Playing Texas forces you to be a little bit more on your game and know that you’ve got to be ready week one. There’s no like easing into the season. It’s ready to go.”
Additional Notes
- Junior Ty Johnson rushed for 1,004 yards. He’s the 9th player in school history to reach the miletone.
- Senior linebackers Jermaine Carter, Jr., & Shane Cockerille totaled 213 tackles last season.
- Texas has won 17 consecutive home openers and has won 17 of their last 18 season openers overall.
- Texas is favored by 18.5
