Charlotte coach Biff Poggi returns to Maryland when the 49ers take on the Terrapins
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa scambles against Towson in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in College Park, Md. Credit: AP/Steve Ruark
Charlotte (1-0) at Maryland (1-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Line: Maryland by 24 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Maryland leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
After winning his collegiate head coaching debut, Charlotte's Biff Poggi returns to a familiar area when the 49ers face Maryland. Poggi grew up in Baltimore and coached at Gilman and Saint Frances, two Maryland high schools.
KEY MATCHUP
Charlotte RB Shadrick Byrd vs. Maryland's defense. Byrd was Charlotte's leading rusher a season ago and is on the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, but the 49ers are up against a Maryland team that has gone three straight games without allowing a touchdown dating to last year. It's the first time the Terrapins have accomplished that since 1976.
Maryland coach Mike Locksley, left, gestures during the first half of the team's NCAA football game against Towson on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in College Park, Md. Credit: AP/Steve Ruark
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlotte: DL Eyabi Okie-Anoma is a Michigan transfer who had a sack and three QB hurries last week for a Charlotte defense that allowed only three plays of more than 10 yards.
Maryland: QB Taulia Tagovailoa has set more than his share of school records in his tenure with the Terps. He began this season in impressive fashion last weekend when he threw for three touchdowns and ran for one against Towson.
FACTS & FIGURES
Maryland coach Mike Locksley, left, gestures during the first half of the team's NCAA football game against Towson on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in College Park, Md. Credit: AP/Steve Ruark
The Terrapins beat the 49ers 56-21 last season in North Carolina. ... Maryland is trying to improve to 2-0 for the eighth time in nine years. ... Charlotte beat South Carolina State 24-3 in its opener, its fewest points allowed since 2014. ... The Terps have averaged 43.1 points a game in nonconference play since coach Michael Locksley took over in 2019. That's the nation's top mark. ... Maryland's 38 points were the most of any team in the Big Ten in Week 1. ... Maryland offensive coordinator Josh Gattis won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant while at Michigan in 2021. Poggi was an associate head coach for that Michigan team.
