Will Terps football get a big win? Our bold predictions for Maryland-Virginia Tech

A sold-out crowd, a first power-four opponent and a head-coaching matchup with history behind it turn this into the first true measuring stick of the season for a Maryland program that's trying to shed the past two years' failures as much as it's trying to beat the Hokies.

Jack Sheehan and I broke down the matchup from a few different angles, from the trench battle that could decide it to the shadow James Franklin casts over this series. Here's how we see it playing out.

What matchup will decide the game?

This game will be decided by whether Virginia Tech's offensive line can hold up against Maryland's pass rush. Maryland's defense is built around getting to the quarterback, and being able to consistently pressure Ethan Grunkemeyer will be imperative. If he's under duress throughout the night and Maryland's talented group of pass rushers can help the defense get off the field on third down, it's going to be difficult for Virginia Tech to sustain drives.

If Maryland can't get home, though, and Grunkemeyer is allowed to sit comfortably in the pocket and wait for his receivers to get open, the Terps could be in trouble.

JE: Maryland's offensive line vs. Virginia Tech. This needs to be the day a maligned unit takes the next step. It looks like an improved group in terms of ability and depth, but they didn't dominate UConn, rushing for 3.5 yards per carry. They also don't have their big-play running back, DeJuan Williams, to overcome any lack of wide running lanes. More on this below.

How important is this game for Mike Locksley?

JS: This game is massive for Mike Locksley.

We've seen versions of this before: Maryland starts fast, builds some momentum and then falls flat when the stage gets bigger. Locksley entered the season with pressure already mounting, and Virginia Tech represents Maryland's first real test of the year. Add in the history between Locksley and James Franklin, Locksley's continued search for a signature win and the opportunity to make a statement in a nationally televised home game, and it's easy to see how much this one means.

JE: I'm not sure it's possible to overstate how big it is. Not only is Locksley trying to solidify his job status after those back-to-back 1-8 records in Big Ten play, but he's also in desperate need of a win over his former colleague in Franklin, who's given Maryland more than his share of whippings. The difference now is, he doesn't have the Penn State machine behind him and he's in his first year of laying the groundwork. So this is a game Maryland should win and one that Locksley desperately needs to win back fans and create excitement around the program.

Which other non-conference matchup would you like to see Maryland schedule in the future?

JS: This is a fun one that I could take in a lot of different directions. The regional games against Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia are always great, but given that I've seen those matchups plenty of times, I'll go in a different direction and pick South Carolina, with the caveat that Shane Beamer and Mike Locksley are both still coaching their respective programs.

They've developed a random but entertaining mini-rivalry online, and the two programs feel relatively comparable. On top of that, Columbia seems like a great place to go watch a college football game. Give me the Gamecocks.

JE: South Carolina is definitely the top choice given the past few years of trash talk. There's been a war of words between Locksley and Beamer and the fans have regularly scuffled online. One bar there even trolled Maryland about its attendance. Locksley has said he'd like to play the Gamecocks and Beamer, who accused him of setting up a ruse in the recruitment of linebacker Jaishawn Barham and threw shade at Maryland about attendance too. Given how these games are often scheduled 5-10 years ahead of time, though, it's uncertain both coaches would still be around by the time it happened.

What should worry Maryland you most about Virginia Tech?

JS: James Franklin.

He owned Maryland during his time at Penn State, going 9-2 against the Terps, including the infamous 59-0 rout in College Park in 2019. Those Penn State teams generally had more talent than the Virginia Tech roster he's working with now, but Franklin has been in this spot plenty of times before. He knows Maryland, he knows Locksley, and he's had plenty of success in this matchup. That alone makes it difficult to feel completely comfortable with him standing on the opposite sideline.

JE: Their defensive front. They lead the nation in sacks (12) and tackles for loss, with an absurd 16 per game, albeit against overmatched VMI and ODU. Maryland's offensive line has had issues for a few years now blocking for the running game, so it needs to prove it's not the same old Terps line. And Malik Washington, who has been skittish at times, needs to remain poised all afternoon and avoid mistakes and turnovers under pressure.

Give one bold prediction for the game.

JS: My bold prediction is that Maryland scores a touchdown of more than 50 yards. I think Clint Trickett knows the Terps will have to take some shots downfield in this game, and I'll say they connect on at least one big one. Whether it comes through Chris Durr Jr., Na'eem Gladding or somebody else, I think Maryland hits Virginia Tech for an explosive touchdown.

JE: Durr goes for more 100 yards and two touchdowns. Maryland loves the shifty Wyoming transfer and is looking to feature him almost like it did with Tai Felton a couple years ago. He's been close to breaking a few big ones. I think they feed him early and often and he has a big day.

What is your final score prediction?

JS: Maryland 27, Virginia Tech 20.

I originally had this at 30-24, but I'm starting to think it will be a little more of a defensive battle. I expect both teams to have stretches where moving the ball is difficult, but ultimately I think Maryland's defense proves to be too much for the Hokies to overcome. Give me the Terps in a close one.

JE: Maryland 31, Virginia Tech 21

I think this is one of those games where the two programs are at very different stages of their life cycle. Franklin is just laying the groundwork in year one, while Locksley's tenure is mature and desperation is through the roof. I also think some are underrating their talent level, especially on defensive side. Locksley has the more developed program and needs this one more.

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