Preview: Maryland Football vs. Virginia

Maryland's football team is on the road for the first time this season, traveling just 130 miles south to face old ACC rival Virginia on Saturday night.

Saturday's game will be the 80th meeting between the two teams. Maryland holds an all-time record of 45-32-2. They also won the last meeting 42-14.

However, the Terps enter the contest hoping to rebound from a devastating 27-24 loss to Michigan State, while Virginia is coming off a narrow 31-30 win over Wake Forest.

Saturday's game begins at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network.

Virginia Cavaliers (2-0, 1-0 ACC)

Record 2023: 3:9 (2:6 ACC)

Head Coach Tony Elliott is in the midst of his third season with the program after spending 11 years as an assistant coach at Clemson. After three straight three-win seasons, the Hoos are off to their best start under Elliott, defeating Richmond 34-13 before beating Wake Forest, where they trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter.

With continuity throughout the roster and coaching staff, Virginia could surprise this year.

Players you should know

Anthony Colandrea, second-year quarterback, No. 10 — Colandrea took over Virginia's quarterback duties as a freshman last year and showed why he deserved it, completing 20 of 26 passes for 377 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his debut game against James Madison.

This season, Colandrea has been just as good, recording a 75.8% completion percentage, 654 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Malachi Fields, senior wide receiver, No. 8 — Fields has been Colandrea's preferred target this season. He leads the team with 16 catches and the league with 248 receiving yards. Although he has yet to score a touchdown this season, he caught five touchdowns last year and is a threat in the end zone. At 6'4″ and 220 pounds, the Terps may need to guard him with multiple defenders.

Antonio Clay, Graduate Safety, No. 0 — Clay is one of the Hoos' defensive leaders. After missing the entire 2023 season due to injury, Clay has returned better than ever, leading the team with 19 tackles. He also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery.

Jonas Sanker, Chief Safety Officer, No. 20 – Sanker has been arguably Virginia's best defensive player the past two seasons. In 2022, he finished second on the team in tackles (63), and in 2023 he led the team in tackles (107), pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3) and was named to the All-ACC first team.

This season, Sanker ranks second on his team with 18 tackles, but is first with 2.5 tackles for loss.

Strength

Violation of the passing game. Colandrea and the passing offense are undoubtedly this team's greatest strength. Virginia ranks sixth in the conference in passing yards per game (327) and passing touchdowns (5) and fourth in completion percentage (72.5%). However, the Hoos lead the conference in interceptions with three.

weakness

Pass defense. Virginia ranks in the middle of the ACC in nearly every statistical category, but it ranks in the bottom three in passing yards allowed per game (256.5). The Hoos have also allowed a 61.5% passing percentage to their opponents and have not recorded an interception, but they have allowed just one passing touchdown.

Three things to look out for

1. Will Maryland return to a two-quarterback system? In Maryland's season opener, MJ Morris replaced Billy Edwards Jr. for a second and third quarter drive. Head coach Michael Locksley said this was part of the game plan and he will continue to utilize Morris' skills. However, with Morris out with an injury against Michigan State, it's unclear if Locksley will continue to use him.

2. Can the Terps stop Colandrea? Against Michigan State, Maryland's defense allowed Aidan Chiles to throw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, despite throwing for just 114 yards and no touchdowns the week before against Florida Atlantic. Colandrea has played well this season and could take advantage of the weakness of the Terps' secondary.

3. A repeat of last year? Last season, Maryland dismantled Virginia, but the Hoos fought valiantly despite the final score. Virginia jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and stayed close until the fourth quarter when Maryland scored three unanswered touchdowns. With Virginia off to a good start and the Terps struggling, a win might not come so easily for Maryland this year, especially since Virginia has home court advantage.