Through Maryland football’s first four games of the season, the Terps have excelled at shutting down their opponents in the air. And with Pro Football Focus’ metrics brought up to date entering the weekend,
Maryland has truly established itself as a fearsome defense.
PFF has given Maryland’s coverage a grade of 93.6 — that mark leads the nation, beating out all FBS, FCS and Division II and III football teams graded by the company. For reference, the next-highest graded team in coverage was USC at a 92.1 rating; only 51 teams have a grade above 80. UCLA’s 43.8 coverage rating is the lowest among FBS teams.
La’Khi Roland leads the pack for the Terps with an individual coverage grade of 90.4, the highest mark of any FBS cornerback and the sixth-highest of any player with at least 30 coverage snaps. The sophomore has had an outsized impact for the Terps, allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete just four of 11 passes against him to go along with two interceptions and two passes defended.
By those same standards, safety Jalen Huskey’s 87.9 coverage grade is the 16th-best in the nation. Kevyn Humes and Dontay Joyner are also each ranked among the top 35 qualifying cornerbacks.
The Terps will look to continue their dominance against Washington — which has thrown for 276 yards per game, 29th-most in the country — on Oct. 4. That game will be played at SECU Stadium at 3:30 p.m. and be available to watch on the Big Ten Network.
In other news
Maryland field hockey plays a pair of important matches against ranked opponents this weekend. Rachel Lawrence had the preview.
Maryland women’s volleyball lost against Iowa, 3 sets to 0. Logan Midler covered the game.
Maryland women’s soccer dropped a frustrating 3-0 loss to USC. Jude Wilkenfeld gave the recap.
Maryland football’s pass coverage grade is the best of any team in the nation, per Pro Football Focus.
Sidney Stewart’s performances have placed him among the nation’s top edge rushers.
Maryland men’s basketball and head coach Buzz Williams remain hot on the trail of five-star recruit Baba Oladotun but face competition from the likes of John Calipari and Arkansas.
Maryland football extended an offer to class of 2029 defensive back Jalen Wallace.
Former Maryland kicker Chad Ryland made two field goals Thursday for the Arizona Cardinals, including a 57-yarder.
