Tuesday Roundup: Penn State vs. Maryland
Following their first of two open weeks this season, Penn State hits the road for its first conference matchup of the season. The Nittany Lions begins Big Ten play on the road for the third-straight year and second consecutive year on a Friday night. Here's what we learned from Tuesday's press conference ahead of a rare Friday night matchup in College Park, Maryland.
Setting the Stage
Penn State opens its 27thBig Ten season on Friday night and has won 12-straight games at Maryland. The Terps are led by first-year head coach Michael Locksley, who previously served as an assistant in three-year stint with Alabama under head coach Nick Saben. Maryland currently holds a 2-1 record and coming off a 20-17 loss to Temple in week three. Offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery has helped his offensive unit average 537.7 yards of total offense this season, a mark that ranks 10th in the FBS.
"Obviously a great opportunity. Go on the road. I think it's going to be a really good environment," head coach James Franklin said during his weekly press conference. "I've been in that place for like Thursday night ESPN games. I think it's going to have a similar environment. We have the fight song playing at practice which I know well, for eight years. My man, Special K, is in the stadium. I don't know if you are familiar with Special K in the stadium. I know it's going to be a good game. Our guys are excited about it."
The Nittany Lions have won their last two conference openers and are opening conference play on the road for the ninth time in the last 10 years. "Honestly, I feel like the senior leadership is key to getting the team ready for Saturdays. Well, Friday, for this case," senior linebacker Cam Brown stated during his press conference on Tuesday."I feel like the team's going to be prepared because we treat every game the same. Every week is the same preparation. Only difference is we might have a little louder music at practice. Every week is prepared the same and I feel like guys are going to embrace and feel like it's a regular week."
Tariq Castro-Fields, a junior cornerback from Upper Marlboro, Maryland added: "I remember going back [to play at Maryland] as a freshman when my role wasn't that big and how much meant to me. Now being a starter and being out there with my brothers, in a state where I grew up and I have the most family at, means the world to me. I have a lot of tickets. I have a lot of family coming, coming from Canada, coming from everywhere trying to see me play."
Things to watch
When you tune in for Friday night's game at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium, take note of the rushing category. Penn State's defense is allowing just 70.7 yards per game on the ground through three contests this season. That mark ranks ninth in the FBS and has proven to be a staple of the nation's fourth-best scoring defense. Defensive coordinator Brent Pry and his unit will have to limit sophomore Anthony McFarland this week as he leads the Terps with 225 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season. "Anthony McFarland is a guy that could change the game at any moment," head coach James Franklin stated. "They have got a number of running backs that can hurt you."
Maryland is averaging 277.3 yards per game on the ground this season, however, the Terps were held to a season-low 161 yards rushing against Temple on September 14, 2019.
On the flip side, Maryland's defense is currently holding its opponents to 73.7 yards per game on the ground, a mark that ranks 10th in the FBS. Penn State is led by sophomore Journey Brown who is averaging 8.3 yards per carry and leads the team with a season long run of 85-yards against Pittsburgh. Five different backs have scored for the Nittany lions this season as Ja'Juan Seider's group will face their toughest test to date on Friday.
Game Information
No. 12/11 Penn State hits the road for their first Big Ten matchup of the season. The game will be considered a blackout for Maryland while Penn State is encouraging fans to wear white. The game can be found on FS1 or on the Penn State Sports Network. Check out GoPSUsports.com following the game for exclusive interviews and more.
