Virginia is probably fairly good, but current advanced stats indicate that Maryland is better, especially on defense. Jehlani Woods and Keytoan Thompson were impossible assignments for the Illini secondary; Dontay Demus and Rakim Jarrett will humiliate them. If we come out in man coverage again, we’ll probably be down 14-0 before I can finish my first drink again. Taulia Tagovailoa is capably mobile and the Maryland offensive line certainly looks like they can keep the Illini pass rush at bay.
Maryland’s defense will not be as aggressive and disruptive, which might mean that Illinois can have some success on the ground, but they’re in a position where they’ll probably be compelled to go to the air to keep pace with a potent Terps offense.