Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC

Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. EST, Monday, March 27

Line: Maryland +14.5, per FanDuel

Last matchup: November 11, 2022, in College Park. South Carolina won, 81-56.

TV: ESPN

Stream: fuboTV

Radio: SiriusXM Channel 203

What to watch for Maryland: Will Miller make the difference?

While South Carolina may have already defeated Maryland earlier this season, the Terps were missing their leading scorer, Diamond Miller, who was absent from the match with a knee injury. Months later, Miller will be looking to take the helm against South Carolina which has allowed the fewest points per game in the NCAA. With the Gamecocks allowing just 50.4 points to opponents on average, Maryland will need to avoid hitting scoring droughts like it did against Notre Dame on Saturday. Consistency on offense is going to matter for the Terps in this one.

What to watch for South Carolina: Will they sweep the Terps?

The still-undefeated Gamecocks will be looking to close out this season’s series against Maryland as they compete for their spot in the Final Four. South Carolina trampled Maryland in its last matchup as Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston led the team with 18 and 16 points, respectively. The Gamecocks managed to outscore the Terps in almost every quarter, hitting a brief scoring drought at the end of the second. Having finished that game with 25 more points than Maryland, South Carolina will be looking to keep the production on offense just as high, if not higher— now that they will have to watch out for Diamond Miller on the defensive end. 

Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD

Kickoff: November 19, 2022 at 3:36 p.m. EST

Line: Ohio State -27 per Odds Shark

Last matchup: October 9, 2021 in Columbus, OH, Ohio State won 66-17

TV: ABC

• Joe Tessitore (play-by-play)
• Greg McElroy (analyst)
• Katie George (sideline)

Stream: Watch ESPN

Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., SiriusXM 98)

• Johnny Holliday (play-by-play)
• Steve Suter (analyst)

What to watch for Maryland: Can they prove that this season is different?

Since joining the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland has been dominated by three teams that all happen to be in their division: Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. Since joining the conference, the Terrapins have a combined 3-21 record against these three teams and no wins have come against Ohio State. 

This season looked as if it might be different for Maryland, starting out 6-2 with only two close losses to Michigan and Purdue. However following Taulia Tagovailoa’s return from injury, the team has become completely stagnant on offense. They put up 10 points against Wisconsin in week nine and was embarrassingly shutout by Penn State last week in State College.

If the Terps want to prove they have taken a step forward as a program this year, they need to show they are not going to be a pushover to the Big Ten powers anymore. Now, beating Ohio State is no easy task, as shown by their record, but they need to put up a better fight than they did last week. 

What to watch for Ohio State: Are they the class of the Big Ten?

Ohio State dominated the Big Ten for the past eight years, winning five conference championships, making four College Football Playoff appearances and winning the national championship in 2014, the last Big Ten team to do so. Last year, their 8-year winning streak against their arch-rival Michigan came to an end as the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 42-27. The loss ended Ohio State’s chances at the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff. 

This season, both teams are undefeated so far and are awaiting a matchup in Columbus next week. The winner will represent the Big Ten East in the Big Ten championship game. Michigan narrowly defeated Maryland in Ann Arbor in week four. If the Buckeyes can handedly defeat Maryland in College Park, it should give them plenty of confidence ahead of Michigan next week. Both teams have national championship aspirations this season. 

Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills: Now established as the most dominant Terp in the NFL, Diggs has continued to show up and show out in every game this season, averaging 14.3 yards per catch with over 850 receiving yards in just eight games. After a season-low of five receptions last week, Diggs is expected to bounce back against Minnesota if quarterback Josh Allen manages to overcome his lingering elbow injury. If not, Diggs’s production will fall reliant on the ability of backup quarterback Case Keenum this week.

D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers: Just two weeks ago, D.J. Moore had his most productive game of the season with 152 receiving yards and a single touchdown. Surprisingly, backup quarterback PJ Walker was the one throwing the ball to Moore last week. Moore is shaping up to have a promising week against a shaky Atlanta secondary. With a healthy Baker Mayfield at the helm again, we’ll have to see if Moore is targeted as much as he was with Walker. Last week against the Bengals, Moore had just two receptions from Mayfield for 24 yards. 

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: On Tennessee’s first offensive snap of the game, rookie quarterback Malik Willis completed a short pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo that was taken 48 yards into Kansas City territory. Unfortunately for Okonkwo, that would be his last reception of the day despite being targeted two more times in the Titans’ 20-17 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. Okonkwo will likely remain in a limited snap count again this week against Denver, but having six receptions for 100 yards in just eight games goes to show he is developing into a versatile tight end who can serve as a deeper threat on the field.

Jake Funk, RB, Indianapolis Colts: On Tuesday, the Saints cut Funk less than a month after signing him to their practice squad. Funk, who never saw the field with New Orleans, just signed with a team that has had a tumultuous week, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts fired head coach Frank Reich on Monday, following an abysmal 26-3 loss in New England. Indianapolis hired their former all-pro center Jeff Saturday as interim head coach, a move that has been criticized by many in the football world.

Firing a head coach in the middle of the season does not typically translate to team success, however bad teams tend to have ample opportunity for players to prove themselves. Additionally, the Colts’ star running back Jonathan Taylor has been battling an ankle injury recently, so Funk may have a chance to see the field soon.

Darnell Savage, FS, Green Bay Packers: With 24 solo tackles — and 31 combined — Darnell Savage has proven himself a valuable asset to Green Bay’s defensive unit with the eighth most tackles on the team. Savage will have a big responsibility this week having to stop Dallas’s talented wide receiver corps consisting of CeeDee Lamb, Noah Brown, Dalton Schultz, and Michael Gallup. 

Nick Cross, SS, Indianapolis Colts: Nick Cross has had a quieter role behind Rodney McLeod at strong safety this season. His best week was week two against the Jaguars in which he recorded five tackles, three of which were on his own. The Raiders are -6 point favorites against the Colts this weekend, meaning Cross could see extra playing time if McLeod struggles covering Davante Adams on deeper routes. It should be interesting to see how the new coaching situation in Indianapolis could impact Cross in terms of playing time.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Another member of the Colts defense, Yannick Ngakoue has the second most combined tackles,17, at the defensive end position behind Kwity Paye who has 24. Ngakoue currently leads the defense with 4.5 sacks and looks to build upon that number against the Raiders’ offensive line which has allowed a whopping 19 sacks so far this season. 

Opponent: Niagara Purple Eagles (0-0)

Tipoff: Nov. 7, 2022, 7:00 p.m. EST

Last Matchup: March 19, 2013. Maryland won 86-70.

Line: Maryland -17, via DraftKings

TV: No coverage

Stream: Big Ten Plus

Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., One Maryland App)

• Johnny Holliday, play-by-play
• Chris Knoche, analyst
• Walt Williams, sideline

What to watch for: The Kevin Willard era kicks off tonight

This will be Maryland’s first game under new head coach Kevin Willard. The former Seton Hall head coach was hired to steer the Terps back to competitiveness. Maryland’s former head coach Mark Turgeon parted ways with the program in December due to pressure and failing to meet expectations. Danny Manning stepped in as interim head coach, but the Terps continued to struggle, going 15-17 en route to their first losing season in 29 years. Maryland has an incredibly proud history and Willard seems up to the task of bringing the program back to dominance. 

Against Niagara, watch for a new style of offense. Maryland fan’s were often frustrated with Turgeon’s slow-paced, pick-and-roll heavy offense. Willard said Maryland will play very fast-paced this year, shooting a lot of three pointers. While this offense can be volatile, it should be exciting to watch. Additionally, watch for Donta Scott, who has transformed his body this offseason. The forward is down nearly 30 pounds from last year and is expected to have more playing time this season.

Location: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, Nov. 5

Line: -5 Wisconsin, per OddsShark

Last matchup: Oct. 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin won 38-13

TV: Big Ten Network

• Jeff Levering (play-by-play)
• Anthony Herron (analyst)
• Meghan McKeown (sideline)

Stream: fuboTV / One Maryland App / Audacy Radio App

Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., XM 385)

• Johnny Holliday (play-by-play)
• Steve Suter (analyst)

What to watch for Maryland: Will Tagovailoa keep on keeping on?

Maryland is looking for its first win against Wisconsin in program history. It all starts with success from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who has become one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks with a 72.5% completion rate. Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta is a key threat on Wisconsin’s defense, however their secondary is weaker. Maryland will want to make good use of the passing game. Defensively, quarterback Graham Mertz has been sacked a whopping 15 times this year. Linebackers Jaishawn Burham and Durell Nchami are expected to have success in forcing long plays from the Badger’s offense.

What to watch for Wisconsin: Can Maryland keep up with its powerhouse offense?

The Terrapins first priority will be slowing Wisconsin’s high-caliber offense that has averaged almost 32 points per game. Running back Braelon Allen, who is currently ranked fourth in the Big Ten at his position, has averaged 5.8 yards per carry and already has scored nine touchdowns this season. Graham Mertz tends to favor wide receiver Chimere Dike with targets but Skyler Bell is an additional threat, with each scoring six and four touchdowns, respectively. ‘The Reapers’ and the rest of Maryland’s secondary will need to watch out for these receivers.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills: Highly regarded as one of the league’s best receivers, Diggs has lived up to his expectations and then some. Diggs’ seven receiving touchdowns has him and Travis Kelce tied for most in the league. Diggs has scored in three straight games, including a touchdown catch on Packers’ corner Jaire Alexander, who Diggs engaged in trash talk with before the game. Safe to say Diggs got the last word in. Diggs and the Bills will travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for a divisional matchup against the Jets on Sunday.

D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers: In a divisional battle against the somehow first-place Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers appeared dead. With under 25 seconds to go, Panthers’ QB P.J Walker uncorked a desperation 62-yard heave towards the end zone that Moore miraculously brought in to tie the game. While celebrating, Moore removed his helmet, inducing a 15-yard penalty, albeit a controversial one. The penalty was tacked onto the extra point attempt, making it a 48-yard kick. Panthers’ kicker Eddy Piñeiro missed the extra point and Carolina proceeded to lose in overtime. 

Jake Funk, RB, New Orleans Saints: Since signing with the Saints’ practice squad three weeks ago, Funk hasn’t made the jump to the active roster. New Orleans has a talented running back room featuring veterans Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram II and Dwayne Washington.

Jared Bernhardt, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Bernhardt’s incredible journey to the league is a story for the ages. Unfortunately for Bernhardt, the page hasn’t turned for him since the season’s start. Still deep on the depth chart of receivers, Bernhardt isn’t seeing the field. To make matters worse, Bernhardt was placed on the injured reserve due to a groin injury that kept him inactive for four-straight games. This week, Atlanta hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in what should be a fun interconference matchup.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts’ defensive end started slow, and he’s continued to perform in an underwhelming manner. Through eight games, Ngakoue has recorded only four sacks. He recorded just a half-sack against Washington. Ngakoue and the Colts will battle with another struggling AFC squad this Sunday in the Patriots. 

Nick Cross, Safety, Indianapolis Colts: After starting the first two weeks for Indianapolis, the rookie safety is serving as a backup in the defense. His snap count is down drastically and he’s only seen the field in two games since Sep. 18. Cross saw action for two straight games, in which he recorded one tackle. Unfortunately for Cross, he sat on the bench against his hometown team, the Commanders.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: Okonkwo certainly isn’t getting the kind of targets he got when he was at Maryland, but the rookie has earned his spot, playing in the Titans’ last four games. Against the Colts, Okonkwo broke out for three catches and his only touchdown this year. Since then, Okonkwo has only caught two more passes, but he’s seen the field as a solid backup who can block. Okonkwo certainly can be a guy that will improve over the years and see his role increase. 

D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers defeated Tom Brady and the Buccaneers for their second win of the season despite trading away dynamic running back Christian McCaffrey. DJ Moore had his best game of the season, making seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Carolina travels to Atlanta for a riveting NFC South matchup against a Falcons team that’s allowed a league-worst 307 passing yards per game. Moore should have a field day. 

J.C. Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers: It is safe to say that this season has not gone to plan for Jackson. He suffered a major knee injury in the Chargers’ loss to Seattle last week and will miss the rest of the season. Things have gone awry since he signed a 5-year, $82.5 million contract this offseason. He was sidelined with an ankle injury early in the season and was benched against the Broncos for poor play. Here’s to a full and speedy recovery for him.

Darnell Savage, S, Green Bay Packers: Savage and the Packers are coming off a frustrating loss to the Washington Commanders. Despite their solid pass defense, the Packers allowed two touchdowns from Taylor Heinicke. Savage has struggled this season. Pro Football Focus gave him a 47.5 grade, the lowest of Green Bay’s starting defenders. While he is certainly looking for more consistency this week, he will be challenged with covering fellow Terp, Stefon Diggs.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ bye week means Diggs should be well-rested for his Sunday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers’ secondary has allowed opponents to complete 69 percent of passes, the second-highest mark in the league. However Green Bay has allowed just 169 passing yards per game, the lowest in the NFL. Expect Diggs to be involved, but he may not produce as much as usual.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts lost to the Tennessee Titans, however, Ngakoue had himself a solid day. The journeyman defensive end registered five tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack. Still having a quieter year than usual, Ngakoue will hopefully improve on last week’s performance against the Commanders.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: The Titans defeated the Colts in a low-scoring game last week. Okonkwo had one target and no receptions. Since scoring his first career touchdown two weeks ago, he has been quiet. Okonkwo will have a chance to perform well against the one-win Houston Texans this Sunday.

Jake Funk, RB, New Orleans Saints: Funk has seen no playing time after signing with the Saints practice squad two weeks ago. Still not listed on the Saints’ depth chart, it seems unlikely that he will play against the Raiders on Sunday.

Jared Bernhardt, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Bernhardt has been on the field for nine snaps this season, the last coming in week two. Barring an injury to another Atlanta wide receiver, it is doubtful that Bernhardt will play against Carolina.

Nick Cross, S, Indianapolis Colts: Since week two, Cross has only seen the field for two defensive snaps and he had none against the Titans last week. However, he has seen significant playing time on special teams. Cross is only a rookie, so hopefully with more development he will see the field more.

Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, Maryland

Kickoff: 3:30p.m EST, Saturday, Oct. 22

Last Matchup: Oct. 24, 2020 in Evanston, Northwestern won 43-3

Odds: Maryland -14 (Odds Shark)

TV: Big Ten Network 

• – Brandon Gaudin (play-by-play)
• – Jake Butt (analyst)
• – Rick Pizzo (sideline)

Stream: fuboTV , One Maryland App

Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (FM 105.7 Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., XM 382) 

• – Johnny Holliday (play-by-play)

• – Steve Suter (analyst)

What to watch for Maryland: Can Maryland lock up bowl eligibility if Taulia Tagovailoa is unable to go? 

Last year, it came down to the final week of the regular season to determine whether or not Maryland would make its first bowl since 2016. With everything on the line, Maryland throttled Rutgers, 40-16, clinching a trip to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Things are different this year, in a good way. It’s week eight, and Maryland is one win away from securing a spot in a bowl. Although Northwestern is a weaker opponent on paper, uncertainty looms due to the pending status of quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Last weekend against Indiana, Tagovailoa left the game after reaggravating a sprained MCL. He is a game-time decision for Saturday.

If Tagovailoa cannot play, then Maryland will start Billy Edwards Jr. The redshirt freshman came in for Maryland while they trailed in the fourth quarter. He led the offense to two scoring drives, propelling Maryland to victory. Edwards Jr, however, didn’t complete a single pass on either of those scoring drives. Maryland’s rushing offense must be proficient again if Tagovailoa is out. Some of the Big Ten’s top teams lie ahead on the Terps’ schedule, so locking up a bowl this Saturday is pivotal.

What to watch for Northwestern: Can Northwestern bounce back from its gut-wrenching skid?

In the first week of the season, Northwestern pulled out an improbable comeback win over Nebraska. The wildcats have lost five straight since then, with losses to weaker nonconference opponents such as Miami Ohio and Southern Illinois. Last week, the Wildcats were dismantled at home by Wisconsin, 42-7. The week before, they hung close with Penn State but ultimately fell 17-7. 

The offense has struggled recently, with the Wildcats failing to score more than once for two straight weeks. Quarterback Ryan Hilinski has played poorly, as his six touchdowns are matched by six interceptions. Maryland’s defense has forced five turnovers in the past two weeks, so Northwestern must protect the ball to limit Maryland’s chances on offense. Sitting at 1-5, Northwestern can only afford one more loss before being eliminated from bowl contention. It’s been a rough season thus far for Northwestern, but perhaps they have a shot at pulling an upset, especially if Tagovailoa isn’t able to go.

Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, Oct. 15

Line: Maryland -11.5, per OddsShark

Last matchup: October 30, 2021 in College Park. Maryland won 38-35.

TV: ESPN2

• Anish Shroff (play-by-play)
• Brock Osweiler (analyst)
• Taylor McGregor (sideline)

Stream: fuboTV / One Maryland App

Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., XM 382)

• Johnny Holliday (play-by-play)
• Steve Suter (analyst)

What to watch for Maryland: Will the offense live up to expectations?

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa will be looking to exceed 300 passing yards in this conference matchup and should have no problem doing so given the mismatches at the receiving positions. The defense will have to find a way to stop quarterback Connor Bazelak who has spread the ball well to his receivers this season. Indiana’s offensive line struggled in its latest game against Michigan, allowing seven sacks. Freshman linebacker Jaishawn Barham has proven to be a difference maker in the Terps’ pass rush department. If Maryland applies pressure on Bazelak early in the game, it should be enough to slow the Hoosier’s production. 

What to watch for Indiana: Can the defense hold up against Maryland’s passing attack?

Coming off of three straight losses, Indiana faces an uphill battle against the 4-2 Terrapins on Saturday. Linebackers Aaron Casey and Cam Jones pose the biggest threat to Maryland’s run game, with 54 and 45 combined tackles respectively. However, against a pass-heavy team like Maryland, improvements will need to be made on the outside. On offense, expect to see a lot out of running back Shaun Shivers, who has rushed for 370 yards in six games and scored four touchdowns so far.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills: “The school that Stefon Diggs attended.” Following Diggs’ domination of the Tennessee Titans, scoring three touchdowns, this was the Maryland Terrapins’ Twitter bio. Diggs then cooled off and went two-straight games without a touchdown. Against Pittsburgh, Diggs bounced back with eight catches, 102 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City’s defense has been subpar so far this season, so Diggs should have another opportunity to show out in week six. 

D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers: Carolina’s current quarterback situation is tumultuous. Baker Mayfield has struggled and will miss 2-6 weeks with an injury. Phillip Walker will take the starting job. Additionally, the Panthers fired their head coach Matt Rhule this week. Carolina’s offensive struggles have reflected poorly on Moore, who has one touchdown this year. The Panthers’ turnover has spurred trade rumors for Moore despite signing a lucrative three-year contract extension in the offseason. Moore may struggle to produce this weekend against the division-leading Buccaneers who have a staunch defensive secondary.

Jake Funk, RB, New Orleans Saints: The local Damascus High School product has had a hectic week. After only seeing action on special teams thus far, Los Angeles released Funk on Tuesday. Fortunately for Funk, he cleared waivers and was signed the very next day to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. It should be fun to watch Funk the rest of this season, given his knack for overcoming adversity.

Jared Bernhardt, WR, Atlanta Falcons: The former Tewaaraton Award winner’s story to make a 53-man roster is one people won’t soon forget. However, still sitting behind Drake London at the depth chart, Bernhardt has yet to see any action.

Darnell Savage, Safety, Green Bay Packers:  A first-round selection in 2019, Savage has proven to be  a reliable safety in Green Bay. Savage has eight interceptions in his young career. However, Savage hasn’t forced a turnover through the season’s first five weeks. In a loss to the New York Giants last week, Savage recorded three solo tackles. The Packers host the New York Jets this weekend. The Jets are playing surprisingly well this season and have a solid passing offense, so Savage should have chances to make his first turnover of the season.

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Through five games, Ngakoue has been quieter than in previous years. On a positive note, Ngakoue has come alive recently, recording a sack and a half against Denver in a game that featured horrendous offense from both teams. Ngakoue can continue to improve against his former team this weekend, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

J.C. Jackson CB, Los Angeles Chargers: Since joining the Chargers in the offseason, Jackson’s had to overcome the adversity of an ankle surgery he received back in August. The corner that many proclaimed as “Mr. INT” in previous years is yet to pick one off in 2022. Los Angeles faces a struggling Russell Wilson this weekend, so perhaps this is the time Jackson gets back his mojo.

Nick Cross, Safety, Indianapolis Colts: After starting on defense through the first two weeks, Cross has seen a significant decrease in his time on the field and seems unlikely to play this weekend. He has played one defensive snap since week three. On Sunday, the Colts and Jaguars square off for the second time. Cross recorded five tackles in the Colts’ 24-0 loss to Jacksonville in week two. 

Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: Okonkwo made his return to the DMV last Sunday as the Titans battled the Commanders at Fedex Field. Okonkwo went without a catch in Tennessee’s win. Okonkwo made an impressive catch in the back of the endzone only to land out of bounds. Tennessee has their bye in week six.