Michigan Wolverines

Maryland Football: Pass rush will be huge factor against Michigan

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Maryland football team certainly has a tall task in front of them on Saturday.

The Terrapins will attempt to do what no team has done this season: put significant pressure on quarterback Wilton Speight.

Michigan’s offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks, which ranks third least in the Big Ten. One of the biggest reasons for the Wolverines success is Speight have plenty of time to find his talented wideouts down the field.

They’ve also helped pave the way for one of the top running games around.

However, Maryland possesses one of the better pass rushes in the Big Ten. In fact, the Terps are one of six teams that are tied for fourth in the conference with 19 sacks.

Maryland has a very quick front seven that can get after the quarterback.

Jesse Aniebonam has been Maryland’s top pass rusher and one of the most impressive in the Big Ten. He’s recorded 5.5 sacks (fourth in the Big Ten) and 8.5 tackles-for loss (ninth).

Aniebonam has a ton of speed off the edge, but he’s also very strong. The former Good Counsel defensive end can defend the run as well as anybody on Maryland’s defense.

It also benefits Maryland that they have quite a bit of upperclassmen in the trenches.

Roman Braglio, Kingsley Opara, and Azubuike Ukandu have a ton of experience up front. The Terps have the size and physicality to contend with Michigan’s offensive line.

Opara has been incredibly impressive this season as he’s accumulated 33 tackles (8.0 tackles-for-loss). He’s also one of five Terps that have forced a fumble on the season.

Braglio hasn’t stepped to the forefront in terms of sacks. He may only have three sacks, but he has the strength to find his way into the backfield.

It’s definitely going to be an uphill battle throughout Saturday afternoon. However, if Maryland can get in Speight’s face early on, they could be able to rattle him since he hasn’t been subjected to a ton of pressure this season.