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Urban Meyer, Greg Schiano talk about slowing down Maryland’s offense
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Ohio State has one test remaining before the showdown with Michigan in the season finale. If the Buckeyes take care of Maryland this weekend, they’ll be competing for a B1G East title on the last Saturday of the season.
On paper, Ohio State is a clear favorite to defeat the Terrapins and improve to 10-1 on the year. But under Matt Canada’s guidance, Maryland has been a nuisance throughout the season, fielding some of the B1G’s top explosive playmakers.
Head coach Urban Meyer and defensive coordinator Greg Schiano understand the challenges Maryland’s offense present, particularly with Tyrrell Pigrome under center, taking over for the injured Kasim Hill.
“They have a new quarterback. He has a good arm and has a lot of experience,” Meyer said on his radio show. “They have a lot of skill. Taivon Jacobs is a guy we recruited.”
Meyer on Maryland's offense: "They have a new quarterback. He has a good arm and has a lot of experience. They have a lot of skill. Taivon Jacobs is a guy we recruited (he actually committed.)"
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 15, 2018
Pigrome has been used sparingly this season and suffered a season-ending injury in 2017. Most of his experience came in 2016, when he appeared in 11 games.
In his 2016 appearance against the Buckeyes, Pigrome completed 7-of-11 passes for 44 yards and had 10 carries for 14 yards. The Terrapins lost 62-3.
This fall, Pigrome has thrown just 31 passes, completing 17 for 195 yards with a touchdown and interception. He’s rushed for 166 yards and a score on 38 carries.
Schiano said the scouting report on Pigrome is his height, which he’s lacking. Disrupting the vision of the 5-foot-11 gunslinger is crucial, according to the defensive coordinator.
Schiano said Maryland QB Tyrell Pigrome is short, so disrupting his vision is important. But said Pigrome can both run and pass and is a dangerous QB. Pigrome takes over for the injured Kasim Hill.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 15, 2018
Pigrome is also capable of beating the Buckeyes with his legs, so they’ll need to minimize the quarterback runs, too.
The Buckeyes will get the best shot from Maryland, which needs just one win to reach bowl eligibility. Keeping those playmakers in check will be critical.
If the Buckeyes contain Pigrome and those explosive athletes, They’ll be one win away from another division title.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB