Maryland (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) has easily handled their two lower-division opponents Villanova and UConn but are winless against Big Ten opponents. Michigan State outgained the Terps 484-to-339 total yards, as UM was held to a mere 2.8 yards per carry by the Spartans defense.
They also allowed 510 total yards to Indiana and have consistently shot themselves in the foot with miscues, ranking 117th nationally averaging 75 penalty yards per game. Northwestern (2-3, 0-2 in Big Ten) owns wins against Miami-OH and Eastern Illinois. Both Northwestern and Maryland are searching for signature wins in Big Ten play, with the Wildcats losing their last two contests to Washington and Indiana in convincing fashion.
While Northwestern’s defense is a respectable unit that ranks 34th in points per scoring opportunity and 39th with a 5.3% explosive play rate, their offense ranks in the bottom-20 in every explosiveness metric and ranks 119th nationally averaging 15.5 PPG.
It’s hard to argue with the decision to jettison nepo-hire OC Brian Ferentz in favor of former Western Michigan HC Tim Lester, as the Hawkeyes are averaging twice as many points through four games in 2024 (30.7) than they did last season (15.4).
In fact, Iowa has already eclipsed the 30-point barrier three times this season, which matches the sum total of 30+ point performances from the previous three years combined! HC Kirk Ferentz’ team is 3-1, dropping a 20-19 decision to arch-rival Iowa State thanks to some late-game he.
