Maryland football’s final test before the bulk of its Big Ten slate is Villanova. The Wildcats are ranked No. 5 at the FCS level, and present a unique challenge for the Terps.
Maryland comes off a dominating second-half performance on the road against Virginia with plenty of confidence. This week’s contest should be a tune-up game for the Terps before entering conference play. Villanova is very talented for the FCS level, though, and could present a threat if it can execute its scheme and take advantage of Maryland mistakes.
The Terps will wear red jerseys and red helmets against the Wildcats. The game will kickoff at noon and be broadcasted on Big Ten Network.
Villanova Wildcats (3-0, 1-0 CAA)
2023 record: 10-3 (7-1 CAA)
Head coach Mark Ferrante enters his eighth season hoping to maintain his team’s reputation as one of the FCS’s best. He has led Villanova to at least nine wins in three of the last five seasons, and his veteran squad is well on its way to doing so again.
Villanova’s run-pass option-based offense presents plenty of opportunities for the Wildcats to create chunk plays, especially against a defense that’s been jumpy at times. More than half of Villanova’s passing plays have play action. Its running game is one of the best at the FCS level, and anything can happen if the Wildcats can force a few turnovers and move the ball well.
Players to know
Connor Watkins, graduate quarterback, No. 4 — Watkins is well-versed in Villanova’s scheme and isn’t prone to making many mistakes. His passing numbers don’t jump off the screen — 38-for-70 for 453 yards and four touchdowns — but he’s yet to throw an interception in 2024. Watkins is also a threat on the ground, averaging 6.6 yards per carry on more than eight carries per game.
Isaiah Ragland, redshirt freshman running back, No. 20 — Ragland is the other key piece to the Wildcats’ elite ground game. He leads the team with 36 carries and is averaging a staggering 7.3 yards on those carries. Villanova will need to control the pace of play if it wants to compete with Maryland, and Ragland will be a big part of that.
Brendan Bell, graduate linebacker, No. 28 — Bell is an experienced leader in the middle of the Wildcats’ defense. He plays all over the field, including along the defensive line, and leads the team in tackles with 33. He was a second-team All-CAA selection last season.
Capri Martin, sophomore defensive lineman, No. 93 — Martin is having a breakout season and can cause trouble from multiple spots along the line. He plays outside, in a five-technique and as a true defensive tackle. Martin racked up seven pressures and a quarterback hit in a monster performance against Colgate before recording three pressures and a sack against Towson. If offensive tackle Andre Roye Jr. can’t go, or isn’t 100% healthy, Martin could have a big day.
Strength
Red zone defense. The Wildcats are one of the FCS’s best teams at keeping opponents out of the end zone. In eight red zone trips, Villanova has held opponents to just two touchdowns and two field goals. Holding Maryland to three points instead of seven is crucial if the Wildcats want to keep the game close.
Weakness
Size up front. Villanova’s defensive line doesn’t have a single player over 300 pounds. The Terps will hand the ball off a lot on Saturday, and they’ll have a massive size advantage while doing so. That could make it really hard for Villanova to do much on defense down the stretch.
Three things to watch
1. Can Maryland start the game strong? The Terps stumbled out the gate against Virginia, only scoring seven points in the first half. Villanova’s path to a massive upset is to get ahead early and limit Maryland’s explosiveness on offense. The Terps need to come out the gate firing — not just for the sake of today’s game, but for momentum heading into Big Ten play.
2. Will MJ Morris play? Morris ran a few drives in Maryland’s season opener against UConn before leaving the game with an injury. He’s off the injury report, and against a much-lesser opponent in Villanova, it will be interesting to see if and when head coach Michael Locksley decides to give his backup quarterback some run.
3. Roye’s status. Roye was injured and pulled from the game late against Virginia. Locksley said Tuesday he expects Roye to play, but with a solid backup in redshirt senior Marcus Dumervil, it’s possible the Terps won’t want to risk worsening Roye’s injury.
