QUARTERBACKS

In the three postseason games last year that made him a fan favorite, Cardale Jones threw for 257 yards, 243 yards and 242 yards. In his last two games, he has thrown for 288 yards and 245 yards but has received a much more negative reaction.

Maryland has played three quarterbacks who have combined to complete 45 percent of their passes for nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Caleb Rowe has started the last three games but was pulled in favor of Oklahoma State transfer Daxx Gorman after his 12th interception of the season in a 28-0 loss to Michigan last week.

Advantage: Ohio State

RUNNING BACKS

Ezekiel Elliott’s touchdown runs of 55 yards, 65 yards and 75 yards in a 34-27 win over Indiana last week gives him seven TD runs of 55 yards or more in the last two seasons. He has 729 yards rushing and has rushed for more than 200 yards four times in OSU’s last eight games.

Ross Brandon (402 yards, 2 TDs) leads Maryland.

Advantage: Ohio State

RECEIVERS

Jalin Marshall made big plays for a second game in a row but his two fumbles at Indiana emphasized the need for Ohio State to cut down on turnovers (13 in five games). Corey Smith is out for the season with a broken leg.

Levern Jacobs (18 catches, 196 yards, 2 TDs) is the top target in the Terrapins’ passing game.

Advantage: Ohio State

OFFENSIVE LINE

Ohio State’s offensive line helped produce a second straight game of more than 500 yards total offense against Indiana. But going 2 for 14 on third-down conversions in that game was a sign there is still work to do.

Maryland’s right tackle Damian Price, a redshirt freshman, was five-star recruit coming out of high school. Left tackle Michael Dunn, left guard Ryan Doyle and right guard Andrew Zeller are all three-year starters.

Advantage: Ohio State

DEFENSIVE LINE

Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson predicted big things for sophomore end Tyquan Lewis and he has delivered with a team-high 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for losses.

For Maryland, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (6.5 sacks) and defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson lead the defensive front line.

Advantage: Ohio State

LINEBACKERS

OSU’s last two opponents have run the ball inside, which has led to games of 14 tackles and 16 tackles for middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan, who leads the Buckeyes with 54 tackles.

Jermaine Carter (36 tackles, 6 tackles for losses) is the leader of Maryland’s linebackers.

Advantage: Ohio State

DEFENSIVE BACKS

OSU’s four starters — cornerbacks Eli Apple and Gareon Conley and safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell — are among the best in the Big Ten but depth has become a question with Cam Burrows out with a foot problem and the suspension of Damon Webb.

Maryland cornerback William Likely was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season when he returned two interceptions for touchdowns. The other cornerback, Sean Davis, has two interceptions.

Advantage: Ohio State

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ohio State has allowed only 10 yards of punt returns this season and is first in the Big Ten in kickoff coverage. Jack Willoughby is 6 of 8 on field goals but has not made a kick beyond 31 yards.

William Likely has returned punts for 85 yards and 67 yards for touchdowns for the Terrapins. Brad Craddock is 5 of 6 on field goals.

Advantage: Ohio State

Brutus is crowd surfing in the student section during the game at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University September 19,2015
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/10/web1_EtTuBrutus.jpgBrutus is crowd surfing in the student section during the game at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University September 19,2015

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