Rutgers 2016 Season Game 12: Maryland

                                                                                                        (AP Photo)

WHO: Rutgers (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten) at Maryland (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten)

WHEN: Saturday at noon ET

WHERE: Maryland Stadium, College Park, Maryland; ESPNews (TV); WOR 710AM, WCTC 1450AM, WENJ 97.3FM, WNJE 920AM, WRSU 88.7FM (Radio)

COACHES: Rutgers: Chris Ash (first season, 2-9); Maryland: DJ Durkin (first season, 5-6)

SERIES: This marks the 12th meeting between the schools. Rutgers is 5-6 all-time against Maryland dating back to 1920. The Scarlet Knights are 2-2 in College Park, most recently winning 41-38 in 2014 with a school-record 25-point comeback. The Terrapins won last season in Piscataway, 46-41.

LAST WEEK: Rutgers lost at home to Penn State, 39-0. Maryland fell on the road at Nebraska, 28-7.

RUTGERS WINS IF: The Scarlet Knights’ offensive line shows pride in the season finale. The unit has been bullied off the ball the last two weeks, rendering Rutgers largely one-dimensional in shutouts against Penn State and Michigan State. Can fifth-year seniors Derrick Muller (C) and Chris Muller (RG) rally this group to go out with a bang against a more manageable opponent? Establishing the run (Maryland yields 224.4 yards per game) will be critical in order for Gio Rescigno, limited with his mobility since hurting his hamstring Oct. 22 at Minnesota, to capitalize. If Rutgers can control the clock and score some points again, look for the defense led by linemen Darius Hamilton and Julian Pinnix-Odrick to reciprocate with a spirited effort and give the Knights a chance.

MARYLAND WINS IF: The Terrapins effectively gash Rutgers on the ground. Maryland is fourth in the Big Ten in rushing offense (195.3 yards per game). Rutgers is last in rushing defense (259.3 yards per game), only once limiting an opponent to fewer than 200 yards since the start of October. Maryland features a pair of underclassmen running backs, Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison, each averaging more than seven yards per carry. If Rutgers fails to secure the edge and tackle in space, a nine-game losing streak to end the season is likely. A Maryland victory clinches bowl eligibility for the Terps.

EXTRA POINTS: Ash’s first season has been a rough one. Rutgers will end the season with its most losses since at least 2002 (11), when Greg Schiano was a second-year head coach. ... Rutgers wide receivers coach Jafar Williams played at Maryland from 2000-03, totaling 90 receptions for 1,301 yards. ... Maryland quarterback Perry Hills, questionable to play (shoulders), leads the Big Ten in pass efficiency rating (150.1) and completion percentage (66.7) in nine games played. ... Maryland rosters four New Jersey natives, including New Egypt’s Nicolas Pritchard, a backup punter.

PREDICTION: Maryland 24, Rutgers 7

Game week stories

Entering final game against Maryland, Rutgers players eye big picture under Chris Ash

Darius Hamilton, Julian Pinnix-Odrick form lifelong bond at Rutgers

Rutgers coaches reflect on growing pains for freshman QB Tylin Oden

Got a comment or feedback? You can tweet me @gregp_j or email gjohnson@trentonian.com.

— Greg Johnson