Maryland (2-1) at UCLA (3-0)
When: 10:30 a.m. PT Saturday
Where: SECU Stadium, College Park, Md.
TV/Radio: Big Ten Network/790 AM
Line: UCLA by 1.5
Injury report
UCLA: OUT: DB Tao Johnson (undisclosed), WR Mikey Matthews (foot), WR Jonah Smith (undisclosed), DB Joshua Dixon (undisclosed), DB Jamier Johnson (undisclosed), OL Sam Yoon (undisclosed); QUESTIONABLE: OL Mack Indestad (undisclosed) TE Josh Phifer (undisclosed), WR Aidan Mizell (undisclosed); PROBABLE: DB Jhase McMillan (undisclosed).
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Maryland: OUT: RB John Boley (undisclosed), RB Harry Dalton III (undisclosed), RB Solomon Foye (undisclosed), RB DeJuan Williams (undisclosed), RB Terrez Worthy (undisclosed), RB DJ Samuels (undisclosed), WR Sean Williams (undisclosed), WR Josiah Teasley (undisclosed), TE Preston Howard (undisclosed), OL Michael McMonigle (undisclosed), OL Trevor Szymanski (undisclosed), DL Armon Parker (undisclosed), DL Delmar White (undisclosed), LB Zahir Mathis (leg), DB Dontay Joyner (undisclosed), DB Lloyd Irvin III (undisclosed) OL Jonathan Panagou (undisclosed), OL Teagan Cox (undisclosed); QUESTIONABLE: QB Cardell Williams (undisclosed), OL Jaylen Gilchrist (undisclosed), LB Travares Daniels II (undisclosed), DL DD Holmes (undisclosed), DB Jordan Scruggs (undisclosed).
What’s at stake? The Bruins are off to their best start in years. Not only did they dispatch Purdue 52-38 in convincing fashion, but it was arguably their best performance in their three wins. UCLA’s 52 points and 645 yards of offense were both bests in its young Big Ten tenure. With the quality of competition getting tougher, the Bruins need to continue their trajectory in their first out-of-state road game. Maryland coach Mike Locksley could be coaching for his job after the Terrapins’ 35-26 loss to Virginia Tech last week. Locksley is 38-45 through eight seasons at Maryland. Imagine if the Bruins are 4-0 heading into a showdown with Oregon next Saturday. The scene could be mind-blowing.
Who’s better? UCLA is rolling. Not only did Nico Iamaleava have his best game of the season in last week’s Big Ten opener, throwing for a career-high 276 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions, but Wayne Knight established himself as one of the best running backs in the country. Dubbed “The Dark Knight,” the 5-foot-7, 193-pound fifth-year senior ran for a season-high 177 yards and two touchdowns. He leads the country with 8.85 yards per carry (39 carries for 345 yards), 8 touchdowns and 48 points. Not only is UCLA is clicking offensively, but the defense is forcing turnovers. Maryland sophomore Malik Washington will be one of the top quarterbacks UCLA will face all season.
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Matchup to watch: Iamaleava vs. Maryland’s pass defense. Iamaleava has been growing in offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy’s scheme. If he continues to build off his latest performance, the Bruins will be in a good spot with their run game already established. The Terrapins allowed 314 yards and three touchdowns through the air against Virginia Tech. All signs are pointing to another big day from Iamaleava.
UCLA wins if: It’ll be a hostile environment for UCLA as they travel cross-country for the first time this season, but the Bruins have faced similar environments like in their season opener at Cal. If they force turnovers and take care of the ball like they did against the Boilermakers, the Bruins will likely be on their way to a 4-0 record.
Prediction: UCLA 27, Maryland 13. The Bruins will do enough on the ground to get their fourth consecutive win to start the year. Knight, Anthony Woods (29 carries for 228 yards and 3 TDs) and Jaivian Thomas (21 carries for 134 yards and 2 TDs) have been electric for the Bruins’ offense. UCLA coach Bob Chesney will rely upon his three-headed beast alongside Iamaleava to escape College Park with a win.
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