Penn State Prepares to Take on Maryland for Homecoming
When Maryland (4-0) was first added to the Big Ten, most people assumed they would be the joke of the conference. In fact, when Penn State first played them, it was assumed that the game would be a blow-out in Penn State’s favor. Not so. In the two times that Penn State has played Maryland since the early 1990s, Penn State has both lost by one point (20-19, 2014) and won by one point (31-30, 2015). Maryland clearly packs more of a punch than the general public thinks.
This weekend, the Terps return to State College, hopefully bringing with them a handshake or two to mend some bad blood.
With it being Homecoming weekend as well, everyone knows this game will be a tense one for all in attendance.
In fact, Penn State has won nine out of the last 11 homecoming contests, with a solid 29-7 victory against Indiana last year for Homecoming.
However, Maryland will prove to be a hard-fought game. They are ranked fourth in the Big Ten in total offense and total defense, and have one of the best red zone defenses (sixth, to be exact) in all of college football, allowing scores on just over 60 percent of possessions.
Penn State still trounces Maryland in some areas, though. Penn State has 256.8 passing yards to Maryland’s 166.2, and averages 43.3 yards per punt, four more than Maryland.
Fans can expect to see Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.) once again notch some amazing passes while also adding in some dynamic plays that are becoming a staple of his quarterback career.
Wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins (Hubert, N.C.) was nothing but complimentary of McSorley in this week’s press conference.
“ is really calm. One thing he asks us from every drive is that we just go out there and play hard,” said Thompkins. “He’s the kind of guy that takes the reigns and runs with it.”
Despite the difficulties that Penn State has faced as of late with their linebackers, Head Coach James Franklin remains overwhelmingly positive and full of praise.
“I think <Coach Brent Pry> and the defensive staff have handled it unbelievably well,” said Franklin. “I’m really proud of our defense and our defensive coaches and our players and their mentality, next man up.”
Penn Staters will be up bright and early to tailgate for this year’s Homecoming game, which kicks off at noon in Beaver Stadium.
This weekend, the Terps return to State College, hopefully bringing with them a handshake or two to mend some bad blood.
With it being Homecoming weekend as well, everyone knows this game will be a tense one for all in attendance.
In fact, Penn State has won nine out of the last 11 homecoming contests, with a solid 29-7 victory against Indiana last year for Homecoming.
However, Maryland will prove to be a hard-fought game. They are ranked fourth in the Big Ten in total offense and total defense, and have one of the best red zone defenses (sixth, to be exact) in all of college football, allowing scores on just over 60 percent of possessions.
Penn State still trounces Maryland in some areas, though. Penn State has 256.8 passing yards to Maryland’s 166.2, and averages 43.3 yards per punt, four more than Maryland.
Fans can expect to see Trace McSorley (Ashburn, Va.) once again notch some amazing passes while also adding in some dynamic plays that are becoming a staple of his quarterback career.
Wide receiver DeAndre Thompkins (Hubert, N.C.) was nothing but complimentary of McSorley in this week’s press conference.
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Despite the difficulties that Penn State has faced as of late with their linebackers, Head Coach James Franklin remains overwhelmingly positive and full of praise.
“I think <Coach Brent Pry> and the defensive staff have handled it unbelievably well,” said Franklin. “I’m really proud of our defense and our defensive coaches and our players and their mentality, next man up.”
Penn Staters will be up bright and early to tailgate for this year’s Homecoming game, which kicks off at noon in Beaver Stadium.
