Big Ten media days, a two-day event in Chicago, kick off Thursday. Until then, we'll be getting you prepared for what to expect by running down some of the biggest questions each program will face at the lectern and as the regular season gets started.
Up next is Maryland. Terps coach Randy Edsall will be bringing kicker Brad Craddock, cornerback Will Likely and offensive lineman Andrew Zeller. Here are some of the questions they could face:
Even with a new 4-3 scheme, can this front seven hang tough against the B1G's better rushing attacks? The Terps finished their inaugural season in the B1G with a respectable seven wins. But their rushing defense was anything but pretty. Against the B1G's best -- Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin -- Maryland allowed more than 250 rushing yards per game. And, overall, the Terps permitted 26 touchdowns in goal-to-go situations, good for a No. 115 ranking in the FBS. Maryland again lacks B1G size here, but it's hoping a new defensive coordinator (Keith Dudzinski) can start to change things around. Again, it won't be easy. Maryland returns just one regular starter along the front seven, and it's trying to play up to its quickness this season. Yannick Ngakoue and Jesse Aniebonam will play integral roles in the success of this defense, and their names will likely come up often later this week.
Will the Terps' rushing attack/offensive line be any better? First, the good news: Maryland's top two tailbacks (Brandon Ross, Wes Brown) return this season, and the Terps boast several young up-and-coming offensive linemen (Derwin Gray, Damian Prince). Now for the bad news: Maryland finished No. 12 in the B1G in rushing (121.8 ypg) last season and lost its top rusher in quarterback C.J. Brown, only two entrenched OL starters return, running back Wes Brown missed the spring, and Gray suffered a torn labrum in April. Oh, and half of their conference games come against top-25 rushing defenses this season. How will the rushing game look without Brown, and what will Edsall change? Will Gray be back in time for Week 1? And can this OL make any strides compared to last season? All good questions, and many will likely be posed Thursday.
Can QB Caleb Rowe start off hot despite missing time in the spring? Rowe, a senior, has an awful lot working against him -- so reporters will likely pepper Edsall and the Terps' lone offensive rep, Zeller, about the QB's mentality/preparation. Rowe missed the entire spring rehabbing from a fall knee injury and could see some competition from Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Garman. Rowe is still the favorite to start here, especially since he's actually played in the system, but he'll be throwing to an almost-entirely new cast of receivers. Deon Long ran out of eligibility, Stefon Diggs declared early for the NFL, Marcus Leak left for “personal reasons,” Jacquille Veii transferred, and Juwann Winfree withdrew from school. Can Rowe still find success? That's a question that may not yet have an answer, but it's one that will still be asked in some form or another.