Final Score: 34-27, Michigan by 7 over Maryland SP+ Projection: Michigan by 18.5 (-11.5) CD Projection: Michigan by 25 (-18)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 4 RECAP vs. Maryland
Maybe there is something about the B1G opener in week 4 that stifles the Wolverines. Last year 3-0 Rutgers made us all nervous. This year, the previously undefeated Maryland Terrapins provided the scare.
Blake Corum will dominate the headlines for the second consecutive week. After scoring five touchdowns versus the UConn Huskies last week, Corum finished with 243 yards and two touchdowns this week, the most rushing yards from a Michigan running back since the Biakabatuka 313 game in 1995. The Wolverines needed his heroics, since JJ McCarthy was not as accurate through the air in this one. McCarthy finished 18-of-26 for 220 yards and two touchdowns, but missed at least a handful of receivers downfield.
The matchup for the Michigan defense was much more intriguing headed into this game. Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa was true to his historical form, showing flashes of brilliance mixed in with unforced errors. Junior Colson led the Wolverines with 13 tackles on a busy day of stopping inside runs. Maryland rushed 12 times for 63 yards in the first quarter (5.3 yards/rush). After Jesse Minter was able to adjust, the Terps managed just 65 more yards on 22 carries the rest of the way (3.0 yards/rush).
Both teams came into this game with strong special teams units, but neither squad had a great day. Jake Moody missed a 43-yard FG attempt well left, but did knock down a 38-yarder & a 52-yarder. However, Maryland was much more severely impacted when Tai Felton had the opening kickoff bounce off his facemask and the Wolverines jumped on it. One snap later Michigan had taken a 7-0 lead just 0:08 into the contest.
Michigan will travel for the first time in 2022 as they head to Iowa City to face an even tougher Hawkeye defense. Onward!
