Coming off its best half of the season, inconsistent Maryland hopes to build on the positive when it hosts Villanova on Saturday in College Park, Md.
The Terrapins (2-1) are flying high after rallying in the second half to hand old Atlantic Coast Conference rival Virginia its first loss, 27-13 on Saturday.
Maryland is prepared to meet a feisty Villanova (3-0), which is coming off an appearance in last year’s FCS quarterfinals.
“I don’t expect Villanova to come in here as an FCS team and be big eyed,” Maryland coach Mike Locksley said.
In Week 2, Maryland came under fire after it surrendered 10 points in the final five minutes of a 27-24 loss at home to underdog Michigan State.
The negative swirl followed the Terrapins to Charlottesville as they trailed 13-7 after an uninspired first half. But Maryland outscored Virginia 20-0 over the remainder of the game.
Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, including one to Kai Felton, who finished with nine receptions for 117 yards.
Maryland’s defense rose to the occasion behind Big Ten defensive player of the week Dante Trader Jr., who had 11 tackles and an interception. After halftime, the Cavaliers didn’t cross midfield until their final desperation drive died at the Terrapins’ 28.
“That was a tough, gritty win for us,” Locksley said. “We found out a lot about ourselves. We found out the importance of staying in the moment, not playing to a scoreboard.”
Villanova, which is coming off a 14-13 win over Towson, is energized by the chance to play at Maryland.
“It’s a bigger stage,” Villanova coach Matt Ferrante said. “A lot of our guys within our program, and all the teams in the (Coastal Athletic Association), think they can play on that bigger stage.”
Villanova has lost nine straight times to Maryland, with the most recent meeting coming in 2007.
The Wildcats have a ground-heavy attack with rushes (100) outnumbering passing attempts (70).
Three-year starting quarterback Connor Watkins “is the guy that makes their offense go,” Locksley said, mentioning Watkins’ ability to execute zone read plays and run-pass options. On the season, Watkins has thrown for 453 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Isaiah Ragland, who rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown against Towson, averages 7.3 yards per carry, while backup David Avit averages 6.0 yards per attempt for Villanova.
Avit’s brother, Ezekiel Avit, plays wideout for Maryland.
Maryland has won 14 straight non-conference games, which is the second-longest streak in the FBS, behind Georgia’s run of 24 in a row.
