Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins Complete Game Preview

Michigan (5-5, 3-3 Big Ten) has bounced back with two consecutive victories after being thrashed by instate rival Michigan State, 35-11, at the end of last month. The victories have kept bowl hopes alive, but Brady Hoke needs another win to extend Michigan’s season.

Michigan returns home to face Maryland (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten) for senior day, where 12 players will have their last game at Michigan Stadium. But defensive end Frank Clark will not be among them after being dismissed from the program following an arrest for domestic violence.

Clark’s dismissal was only part of the drama for Hoke during Michigan’s bye week. University president Mark Schlissel was forced to backtrack after launching a verbal assault on the academic integrity of the Michigan football program. Hoke accepted Schlissel’s apology while citing statistics that every football player who stayed through their senior season (69) had graduated during his tenure.

Turmoil continues to swirl around the football program as Michigan looks to seal a bowl bid with a victory in its home finale. The early onset of wintery weather in Michigan coupled with a 3:30 p.m. start time promises sparse attendance (at least by Michigan’s standards) for what may be Brady Hoke’s swan song as head coach.

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2014

Time: 3:30 p.m. EDT

Place: Michigan Stadium (109,901), Ann Arbor, Mich.

Series vs. Maryland: Michigan leads series 3-0

Television: BTN

Radio: Michigan Sports Network, Sirius (113), XM (195)

Spread: Michigan by 3 via Odds Shark

Live Stats: University of Michigan Statbroadcast

Last Meeting vs. Maryland:

Maryland suffered a 45-17 loss at Michigan Stadium in 1990. Michigan (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten) went on to finish the season No. 7 in the AP poll after defeating Ole Miss 35-3 in the Gator Bowl. Maryland finished 6-5-1 (4-3 ACC) and tied Louisiana Tech 34-34 in the Independence Bowl.

*Information according to University of Michigan Wolverine Football game notes.

Video Preview

Highlights from Maryland's first visit to Michigan Stadium, a 20-0 loss in 1985.

Michigan Keys to Victory

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Frank Clark will be missed on the defensive line

Engage the Ground Game


The Michigan running attack has finally sparked to life during the last two games with Drake Johnson (Indiana, 123 yards) and De’Veon Smith (Northwestern, 122 yards) gaining over a hundred yards. After a rough start to the season, the offensive line has begun opening up running lanes and most importantly the backs are taking advantage of the opportunities presented.

With brisk weather in the forecast and given quarterback Devin Gardner’s propensity to throw interceptions, Michigan’s best chance to win is relying on a strong running game.

Run Devin Gardner

Quarterback Devin Gardner is expected to have his scrambling ability back after healing up during the bye week. Gardner is at his best when he can pull the ball down and use his legs to make big plays. He should also benefit from a steadily improving offensive line that has made great strides over the last month. With tight end Jake Butt returning from a one game suspension and receiver Dennis Norfleet back from injury, the offense may be finally ready to put up some points.

Replace Frank Clark

The Michigan defense (currently ranked No. 8 nationally) has improved all season, but now it needs to replace its most disruptive player. The dismissal of Frank Clark is the last thing this team needed as it prepares for its final home game of the season. Clark's replacements, Mario Ojemudia and Taco Charlton, need to put pressure on the passing game and limit the Maryland running attack for Michigan to win.

Maryland Keys to Victory

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Stefon Diggs

Overcome Losses at Receiver

Freshman wide receiver Juwann Winfree (10 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns) has been suspended for the next two game,s and there’s no word if Stefon Diggs (52 receptions for 654 yards and five touchdowns) will return from injury for the Michigan game. The losses further deplete a position group that is already thin from previous injuries. Maryland will need to overcome the losses and get its passing game going or risk becoming a one-dimensional offense.

Make Gardner Pass

Despite being a fifth-year senior, Gardner’s inaccuracy throwing the football has increased. He has 13 interceptions this season eclipsing last year’s total (11) with two games still left to play. Tight coverage by Maryland will pay off with turnover opportunities and maybe even a pick-six.


Wear Down the Michigan Defensive Line

With Frank Clark gone, Maryland will attempt what few opponents have been able to do all season—run the ball versus Michigan. The weather conditions will favor the running game and if Maryland can wear down the Michigan defensive front, the game could shift in its favor.

Michigan Players to Watch

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Dennis Norfleet

Quarterback Devin Gardner

Fifth-year senior Gardner has been regressing all season. He’s a mere shadow of the player who showed such promise during games versus Notre Dame and Ohio State last season. The game will hinge on Gardner’s success or failure. Somehow he needs to stop making bad decisions while passing the ball.


Linebacker Jake Ryan

Ryan has successfully made the transition to inside linebacker, leading the team with 90 tackles (56 solo) and 13 tackles for loss. But the dismissal of Frank Clark leaves a big hole in the defense that Ryan will need to help fill.

Wide Receiver Dennis Norfleet

Norfleet is offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s favorite weapon on trick plays. He’s expected to be back after missing the Northwestern game with a mystery injury. He also is Michigan’s best return man on special teams. With Devin Gardner struggling, Norfleet may be Michigan’s most explosive threat versus Maryland.

Maryland Players to Watch

Nick Wass/Associated Press

C.J. Brown

Quarterback C.J. Brown

Brown is Maryland’s top offensive threat whether passing (147-of-279 for 1723 yards, nine interceptions and 11 touchdowns) or running the ball (117 carries for 375 yards and five touchdowns). Brown is heart of the Maryland offense and making the most of his sixth year of football having recovered from the shoulder and ACL injuries that caused him to petition for an additional year of eligibility.

Defensive Back William Likely

Likely leads the Terrapins with five interceptions returned for 141 yards and 58 tackles. Every time Devin Gardner drops back to pass Likely will be looking for the interception. Keeping the ball away from him could be the difference in the game.


Kicker Brad Craddock

Craddock is perfect on field-goal attempts this season (14), including eight from 40 or more yards. He has also made 20 consecutive field goals a streak that began last season. If the game is close, Craddock could make the difference for Maryland.

What They’re Saying

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Michigan

"

[On Maryland] They do a lot. They've got a pretty big package, especially when you get into third downs. They've done a nice job attacking the quarterback. I think they're one sack above us in the league when you look at it from a defensive standpoint. I think they run very well.

"

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via mgoblue.com.

"

[The how Michigan can beat Maryland] We are not very flashy, we are not going to score a lot of points, we have to play well in the kicking game, and Maryland presents a challenge there with their return game. Defensively, we have to be very good in the red zone and try to create some turnovers. We have done that the last couple of games, but we also need to take care of the football still.

"

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via mgoblue.com

"

No. 1, I think they've got players who are very skilled -- their receivers and their secondary. Their skill position guys are really, really good. I think Randy Edsall, who has been there four years now since he left UConn, has done a nice job in recruiting the (Washington) D.C. area, which has a lot of players.

"

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke via mgoblue.com

Maryland

"

[On how expansion of the football facilities will help Maryland compete]…so many different ways in terms of player development, and all of the things that you need to do to be able to compete against and win consistently against your Ohio States, your Michigans, your Michigan States, and all of the teams we’re going to be going against in future years.

"

Maryland Coach Randy Edsall via Roman Stubbs of the Washington Post

Prediction

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Drake Johnson

Michigan 17, Maryland 9

Michigan wins its season finale to send its seniors out on a high note. The win clinches a bowl berth, but the celebration won’t last long. Next up is a road trip to face arch rival Ohio State.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand