I hit the MD Ov 5.5 for the season rather hard because I, as well as most followers, are expecting a better season for them. Rarely do you see such a total for a team with the offense that MD has. If Lia Tagovailoa stays healthy, I feel strongly that they go over this total.
The Maryland offense is finally getting some hype and for good reason. They have a very good QB that can throw and run, they have what I would call a top 5 receiving group in the country, a trio of RBs and an offensive line that returns all their starters and has some depth. This team will score points. They legitimately have 4 WRs that could play on Sundays. Jarrett, Demus, Jones and Copeland (FL transfer) can all play. Demus (stupid decision to have him return kicks) got hurt after a torrid start last year and Jones has had injury issues for years, but both are healthy now. People forget about Jones, but he is very good. Copeland was FL's leading receiver last year and has fit into the program really well. Jarrett could be a late first round pick. Teams focused on him last year, but they will not be able to do that this year. They also have more depth at the position with a couple of good looking freshman. Defenses are going to struggle on how to cover all these guys. They have 2 TEs that can play. Dippre is 6'5" 260 and will also create coverage issues. Looks like the RS freshman Hemby has won the starting RB job due to his speed, but they have a few RBs that can rotate and Roman Brown is a freshman to watch. Locksley is an offensive guy and you saw what he could do a Alabama with talent. I watched the recent scrimmages and the offense looked strong. When healthy, I think this team will be putting points up on anyone in the conference. Lia has to stay healthy because they really do not have much else at the QB position.
Now the defense is another story. They actually have some experience coming back but a lot are off injuries. They have a senior laden defensive line and experience at linebacker. Their top recruit, Barham, will be starting at LB and could be very good. They have experience at CB but none really at the safety position. Overall, there is talent there, but there is a lot of uncertainty. This unit will be the key to the season. If they are better than projected MD will be a tough out for everyone. If not, there will be a lot of high scoring games. I have to see them play before I am willing to lay a number like 24 in a game.
One of the best additions to the team is kicker Chad Ryland from Eastern Michigan. Its been a while since they have had a reliable kicker and he is very good. Solid from 55 in and can put it out of the end zone.
Overall there is a lot of buzz about this team and the locals are as upbeat as ever. Maryland traditionally starts off strong and then dies when they get into their conference as their half of the conference is just brutal. I expect the first two games against Buffalo and Charlotte to be rather easy and then they get SMU at home ahead of Michigan. I think we will see what this team has in the SMU game. If they can take care of business with a big game coming up it will be a good sign, A couple seasons ago they started off huge and then laid an egg against Temple and the season went to shit. If they can go 3-0 into Michigan it will be interesting. I still think 6-6 is worst case and I am predicting 7-5.
For the Buffalo game I will be on the TT OV no matter what the number and I will post it once I play it. I just do not think Buffalo will be able to stop the passing game. Their defensive strength is against the run. MD's offense should give a team like Buffalo fits. If they blitz, they can not cover everyone man to man and will get burned. If they sit back in coverage, they will slowly pick them apart. I expect the offense to put up 45+ in this game. I am hesitant to lay 24 given the uncertainty on the defensive side. The game could also get sloppy in the second half if MD gets up big early. I am also not sure of Buffalo's ability to score so laying off the over for the game. I think the prudent play is the TT Ov.
