When #4 (in the AP poll) Penn State takes on Maryland on Saturday, the game will take place amidst postseason uncertainty for the team. Assuming they beat the Terps, as they should, there is still uncertainty about what is next for Penn State. The next game could be for the Big Ten title against Oregon. However, that is dependent on Michigan upsetting #2 Ohio State. The more likely alternative has the Nittany Lions next taking the field at home in a first-round College Football Playoff (CFP) game. The only thing Penn State controls is the team’s performance against Maryland, and that is where the sole focus needs to be.
Penn State enters the final regular season game with an overall record of 10-1 and a record of 7-1 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions are fresh off a nail-biting victory on the road against Minnesota. The team’s only blemish this season continues to be a 20-13 loss to Ohio State.
The Maryland Terrapins enter the game with a record of 4-7 and are 1-7 in the conference. The only conference win for the Terps this year was a one-point decision over USC, and they come into this game losers of four straight and six of the last seven. This matchup will feel like the postseason for Maryland. They have a chance to play a major spoiler role in the CFP standings.
#4 Penn State (10-1) Takes on Maryland (4-7) Amidst Postseason Uncertainty
When & Where: Saturday, November 30, 3:30 pm ET, at Penn State (Beaver Stadium)
Last Game’s Results: Penn State beat Minnesota on the road by a score of 26-25. Maryland lost to Iowa 29-13 at home.
Last Season’s Results: Penn State finished ranked #13 after a 10-3 season that ended with a Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss. Maryland finished with a record of 8-5, including a win over Auburn in the Music City Bowl.
Series History: This is the 48th time the teams will meet. Penn State has won 43 times, Maryland three times, and there was one tie. Penn State has won seven of the last eight matchups. They last met in 2023, when Penn State won 51-15.
Penn State vs. Maryland: Nittany Lions to Watch
Both of the players to watch that are noted below are there due to injuries. It will be imperative for Penn State to overcome some unfortunate long-term injuries suffered against Minnesota.
Offensive Lineman Nolan Rucci
The offensive line is a critical component in any team’s success. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s scheme frequently uses the running game to open up big plays in the passing game. Therefore, the line is critical. Nolan Rucci, a redshirt Junior and transfer from Wisconsin, will need to step up against Maryland. It will be a good dress rehearsal for him heading into the offseason.
Rucci has become a focal point of the offensive line due to the injury to Anthony Donkoh. Donkoh, the starting right tackle, sustained an injury against Minnesota. In his Monday press conference, head coach James Franklin confirmed it was a long-term injury. Franklin, speaking of Rucci, said “We’re going to need him to have a really good week this week in preparation, as well as on Saturday, and have a lot of confidence that he will.”
When a significant injury happens to a position group like the Penn State offensive line, it sets off a domino effect. Rucci moves into the starting lineup. However, it also means that others may need to step up in the case of other injuries or for lack of performance. Players like JB Nelson and Cooper Cousins should be ready if and when they are called upon. Rucci gets the first shot. Given the importance of the line and the criticality that the tackle plays in this game and looking forward to the CFP, Rucci is a Nittany Lion to watch.
Defensive Tackle Zane Durant
This is not the first time that Zane Durant has been noted as a Nittany Lion to watch, and there is good reason for that. His strong play, his steady production, and his leadership all stand out. Similar to their counterparts on the offensive side of the ball, a long-term injury is putting more pressure on the defensive line.
In the first half against Minnesota, defensive tackle Alonzo Ford exited the game with an injury. He did not play during the rest of the game. During Monday’s presser, Franklin confirmed that Ford also suffered a long-term injury. Coziah Izzard will get the chance to replace that production.
In addition to Izzard, more will fall on Durant’s capable shoulders. He has answered the call all season long, and there is no reason to believe that will change. This season, Durant has produced 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He tied his season high with five tackles against Minnesota. Durant will also be relied upon to be a rock on the defensive line. Speaking of Durant during Monday’s presser, Franklin said “To me, he’s what you want, what you’re looking for in terms of the whole package.” His play, and his leadership, are going to be relied upon by Penn State, and make Durant a Nittany Lion to watch.
