Michigan State Football: Ranking 2019 opponents by toughness

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs into the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

7 of 13

COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 03: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans catches a pass against RaVon Davis #2 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Five games is all Maryland could win a season ago, but there is plenty of hope in College Park heading into the 2019 campaign. Mike Locksley has taken over and looks to change the culture — which was slightly toxic under DJ Durkin — and he has the pieces to win big.

Will the Terrapins contend in year one? No, but bringing in Josh Jackson from Virginia Tech and returning 1,000-yard rusher Anthony McFarland Jr. is a good start. Those two could combine to form one of the best running back-quarterback combos in the Big Ten this season and it wouldn’t surprise me to see big seasons from both.

The receiving corps for Maryland are slightly concerning as no wide out who had over 300 yards last season returns and that’ll be a huge adjustment for Jackson trying to form new targets.

The offense brings back just three starters and only two on the offensive line, so while this team has talent, it’s likely to be an adjustment year.

Home/Spartans Football