Could Buckeyes Be On Upset Alert?: A Brief History Facing Maryland

Ohio State has won seven of the previous eight matchups over the Terps since 2014.

If Ohio State is the standard in the Big Ten, what would one consider Maryland? 

Middle tier? 

Underachiever? 

A flash in the pain. 

The Terrapins (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) enter Saturday's contest at Ohio Stadium as one of college football's more underappreciated teams for the 2023 season. Headlined by senior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland has the opportunity to wreak havoc in the Big Ten East standings and put every program on notice with the upset win. 

That, of course, easier said than done. Since joining the conference in 2014, Ohio State has dominated the series, winning seven of the last eight contests. 

In fact, the No. 4 Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) have only lost once to Mike Locksley's squad, which came back in the inaugural season of conference expansion. 

Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson (No. 5) makes a third-down catch against Maryland defensive back Corey Still (No. 4).  / USA Today

Games have been close between the two programs in recent memory. Maryland started hot last season, taking a 13-10 lead heading into halftime. Then, Dallen Hayden found a second wind that catapulted the offense to a 43-30 win in the final 30 minutes, totaling three rushing scores inside the red zone. 

The loss might have been the swift kick needed for the Terps to rebound heading into 2023. Since the Week 12 loss, Maryland has won its last seven contests, including back-to-back double-digit victories over Michigan State and Indiana to begin conference play. 

While the 2022 game had its swings of momentum, Ohio State has dominated offensively since 2019, outscoring Maryland 182-61. The two schools did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 condensed schedule. 

The Buckeyes, who enter Saturday as a 19.5-point favorite, could look to attack the Terps' pass defense, which currently is allowing 211.8 yards per game. 

Kickoff from Columbus is scheduled for noon and will be televised on FOX.