With the Virginia Cavaliers’ rivalry game against Maryland this Saturday night, we asked Jonathan Guglielmone of Maryland’s SB Nation site, Testudo Times, to fill us in on the Terps.

My responses to Jonathan’s questions can be read over on Testudo Times, but here are Jonathan’s fantastic answers to my questions about Maryland football this season:

1. Maryland and Virginia had a long history as rivals in the ACC. What made it such a good rivalry to Terps fans, and what would it take to renew the rivalry?

I would say the rivalry was fueled by the proximity of both schools, both schools going for most of the same players, and just the fact that a lot of the games were competitive, physical contests. I would absolutely love to see the Terps play some of their old rivals every year. The Terps have series set up with Wake Forest as well as Virginia Tech. It would be great to play at least one ACC team every year and dip into all the old rivalries.

2. What’s Maryland’s biggest positional strength in 2024? How about their greatest positional weakness?

It is honestly a toss up between the running backs and wide receivers for the strongest position group on the team for me. With the running backs you have Roman Hemby, Colby McDonald, and a budding star in Nolan Ray. But in the wide receiver room you have two stars in Tai Felton and Kaden Prather who are backed up by guys with lots of potential such as Shaleak Knotts and Octavian Smith Jr.

The weakest position group this season I would say is yet again the offensive line. They looked solid against UConn, but against Michigan State they just could not get anything going in the run game and could not open up any holes. It is going to be hard to produce when you have five brand new starters on the offensive line, but I expect things to pick up as the season goes on.

3. Taulia Tagovailoa is gone after four years as Maryland’s starting quarterback, leaving some major questions at the position heading into this season. What has Billy Edwards Jr. shown so far through two games? Is it his job for the foreseeable future?

It absolutely is Billy’s job for the foreseeable future right now. His pick toward the end of the Michigan State game was not great, but other than that I think he has looked very solid and been very decisive. The biggest questions surrounding him from previous outings were his accuracy and decisiveness, and I would say both have improved drastically. And until he has given Locks a reason to take him out, there is no need to do so unless it is for mop-up duty late in games.

4. What constitutes a successful season for Terps fans? They’ve won bowl games in three straight seasons, but is that enough? Is there a win total that they’d need to hit?

It honestly varies based on the fan. Many believe this team could get nine or ten wins this season with their easier schedule. A lot of fans only see six or seven wins with all the turnover happening in the starting roles this season.

For me, it is simply building on the previous season and to finally get a key win. The biggest knock against Locks and the Terps is that he has yet to win a big game. Do that this year while finishing the season with eight or nine wins and I would be happy.

5. Michigan State was able to air the ball out against Maryland’s secondary, as quarterback Aidan Chiles overcame three interceptions to throw for 363 yards and three touchdowns en route to the win. UVA’s sophomore gunslinger Anthony Colandrea presents a similar problem — a QB who isn’t afraid to take risks in an effort to make big plays. How will Maryland’s defense learn from their mistakes as they game plan for Virginia’s offense?

I think the defense will need to get a better pass rush. Chiles had plenty of time for the most part and it led to the big plays. If the Terps are able to put pressure on Colandrea and not let him make too many plays with his legs like they did last season, I like their chances. The secondary just needs to be smarter and not beat themselves. Most of the big plays happened off busted coverages. Just play smarter and things will get easier.

6. Similar to Virginia’s Malachi Fields, Maryland seems to have a star senior wide receiver of their own in Tai Felton. How does he look different compared to previous seasons? What do ‘Hoos fans need to know about Felton?

He seems more confident and looks like he has less pressure on him. He knows he is the top guy in the room and someone that is being looked up to. Now that there is not anyone above him, he is not worried about having to do too much to get the ball. He has just been letting things come to him instead of forcing things which led to dropped passes in the past.

7. What’s your prediction for the game this Saturday night?

I think it will be a hard-fought, physical game with lots of scoring. I think both teams have solid passing attacks with quarterbacks that can extend or make plays with their legs and it will put a lot of pressure on the secondaries to stay with their guys for longer.

To me, it will come down to whoever will be able to run the ball the best to keep the opposing defense honest, and I have more faith in the Terps running back room than I would with the Virginia running back room. Not turning the ball over is also key, and the Terps have done a great job at that. Virginia has struggled to force lots of turnovers in their two games thus far, so I am giving the advantage to the Terps:

Maryland 38, Virginia 34

Thanks for your insight Jonathan, and as always, Go Hoos!