Sep. 19, 2024 06:12 AM EST

Maryland Seeks 15Th Consecutive Nonconference Victory As It Hosts Villanova

By The Associated Press
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton (10) tries to defend the ball against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf) Mike Kropf, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton (10) tries to defend the ball against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)
Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) drives with the ball against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)
Maryland head coach Mike Locksley signals against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)
Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) throws a pass against Virginia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Kropf)
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Villanova (3-0) at Maryland (2-1), Saturday, noon ET (Big Ten Network)

BetMGM College Football Odds: No Line.

Series record: Maryland 9-2

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Maryland has not lost to a nonconference opponent since a 2019 setback at Temple, a streak that continued with last week’s 27-13 victory at Virginia. The Terrapins forced four takeaways in that game, and own an FBS-best plus-nine turnover margin a quarter of the way through their regular season. Maryland is trying to get halfway to bowl eligibility as they close out their non-Big Ten schedule before resuming conference play at Indiana next week. Villanova is seeking its first 4-0 start since won its first six games in 2019.

KEY MATCHUP

Maryland QB Billy Edwards Jr. vs. Villanova secondary. Edwards has completed 71.2% of his attempts while throwing for 827 yards, six touchdowns and an interception in his first season as the Terps’ full-time starter. Villanova ranks 10th in the FCS in passing efficiency defense, and that unit’s work in defeats of Youngstown State, Colgate and Towson has helped the Wildcats yield just 11 points a game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Villanova: Redshirt freshman RB Isaiah Ragland has earned the his league's rookie of the week honor twice this season and has 264 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games. Ragland rushed 17 times for a career-best 141 yards in last week’s 14-13 victory over Towson and is averaging 7.3 yards a carry for the season.

Maryland: WR Tai Felton is the first receiver in program history to open a season with three consecutive 100-yard games. The senior has 27 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns, and his 149 yards per game ranks third nationally behind San José State’s Nick Nash (161.7) and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan (151).

FACTS & FIGURES

Maryland has won the last nine meetings, though this is the first time the schools have played since the Terrapins triumphed 31-14 in 2007. … The Terps are 7-0 against FCS schools since entering the Big Ten in 2014, which each victory coming by at least 29 points. … Maryland has won 14 consecutive nonconference games, the second-longest streak in the FBS behind Georgia (24). … Villanova is ranked No. 5 in both the FCS media and coaches polls. … The Wildcats are 4-22 against FBS opponents since becoming an FCS program in 1985, with victories over Rutgers (2002) and Temple (2003, 2009 and 2018).

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