Ohio State vs. Maryland: 3 Key Storylines for Buckeyes' Big Ten Showdown
The Ohio State Buckeyes head into Saturday's matchup against Maryland as massive favorites, but the Terrapins bring enough playmakers to make things interesting. Here's what to watch when the two Big Ten rivals meet in Columbus.
Maryland's top weapons to watch
Chris Durr Jr. has emerged as a Big Ten star
Wyoming transfer Chris Durr Jr. has been the best wide receiver in the Big Ten not named Jeremiah Smith. Durr leads the conference with 42 catches for 461 yards and four touchdowns through five games.
Durr is averaging 8.4 receptions per game, which ranks second in the FBS. He has recorded at least six catches in every game this season, the longest such streak for Maryland since 2024. Last week against Nebraska, Durr posted a career-high 149 yards, with 135 coming in the first quarter alone.
Quarterback Malik Washington carries the load
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington is in his second season as starter. He has attempted at least 30 passes in eight straight games, the longest active streak in the FBS. Through five games, Washington has thrown for 1,288 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Last season, Washington threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 17 touchdowns as a freshman.
Sean O'Haire gives Maryland a kicking edge
Sophomore kicker Sean O'Haire has been nearly automatic, making 40 of 44 career field goal attempts. The Ireland native has connected on seven of eight attempts this season and has never missed an extra point.
O'Haire is one of just two active kickers nationally with a perfect extra-point record.
Keys for Ohio State to dominate
Don't look past Maryland
Ohio State is favored by roughly five touchdowns, making it tempting to look ahead to next week's showdown with Indiana. But Maryland has playmakers who can cause problems, and the Terrapins are playing for a head coach widely expected to be fired.
That combination makes Maryland a dangerous opponent with nothing to lose. The Buckeyes need a complete performance before heading to Bloomington.
Start fast and put the game away early
Maryland has held opponents to seven points or less in the fourth quarter for 21 straight games, the sixth-longest active streak in the FBS. The Terrapins play hard until the final whistle.
Ohio State came out firing last week against Iowa, scoring within two minutes. A similar fast start Saturday would allow the Buckeyes to rest starters in the second half.
Build on last week's defensive improvement
Ohio State's defense struggled against Illinois, allowing 19 points and over 450 yards. Last week against Iowa, the Silver Bullets bounced back, surrendering just 238 yards and 14 points while forcing two turnovers.
The defense will be tested far more next week against Indiana, so keeping them fresh Saturday is a priority.
Notable Ohio State-Maryland connections
Matt Barnes returns to Columbus
Maryland special teams coordinator Matt Barnes returns to Ohio State, where he served as an assistant from 2016 through 2021. Barnes was elevated to safeties coach and later took over defensive play-calling duties during the 2021 season before leaving for Memphis.
Gary Williams coached both programs
The late Gary Williams spent three seasons as Ohio State's men's basketball coach from 1986 to 1989, posting a 59-41 record. He returned to his alma mater Maryland and led the Terrapins to the 2002 national championship.
Dwayne Haskins' legacy spans both schools
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins originally committed to Maryland before reopening his recruitment and choosing Ohio State. In his lone season as starter in 2018, Haskins threw for over 4,800 yards and 50 touchdowns. He was drafted 15th overall by Washington in 2019 and tragically passed away in April 2022.
What's at stake for Ohio State
A win Saturday keeps Ohio State undefeated and sets up a massive Big Ten clash with Indiana next week. The Buckeyes need to handle business cleanly, avoid injuries, and build momentum for the tougher tests ahead.
Kickoff is set for Saturday in Columbus.