When observers first looked at Maryland's schedule, a three-game stretch in November loomed as a very challenging task -- at Michigan, home for Ohio State and back on the road at Nebraska. Through two games, the stretch hasn't just been a challenge, but a harsh reminder of how far head coach DJ Durkin's Maryland program has to go to catch up with the beasts of the Big Ten East.
The Terps kicked off the stretch by losing, 59-3, at Michigan, the third-ranked team in the College Football Playoff standings. Maryland then fell to fifth-ranked Ohio State, 62-3, before an announced 48,090 fans -- many of whom were decked out in Buckeye garb -- at Maryland Stadium Nov. 12.
The Terps have been outscored, 121-6, during the last two weeks and have lost five of their last six games. Maryland has two more chances -- at Nebraska Nov. 19 and against Rutgers Nov. 26 -- to secure its sixth win and clinch bowl eligibility.
