3 Storylines to watch for in Week 5 when Indiana football plays Maryland

Curt Cignetti could not have gotten off to a better start in his first year with Indiana Football as the Hoosiers are off to a 4-0 start for just third the time this century.

With Maryland coming to Bloomington in Week 5, Indiana football is now looking to improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1967.

Maryland is 3-1 coming off of an 18-point win over Villanova in Week 4 but lost their only conference game to Michigan State in Week 2.

While it is a new regime, Indiana football will also be looking to get revenge for their 44-17 loss to Maryland in 2023.

Some storylines to follow for when Indiana football faces Maryland on Saturday.

RELATED: It’s just four weeks but Indiana football continues upward trend in notable metrics

How does the Indiana defense hold up against Maryland’s passing attack?

Through four games, Maryland is averaging over 300 passing yards a game and the Indiana secondary will have their hands full on Saturday.

Wide receiver Tai Felton is the key piece to the Maryland offense. He already has 41 catches for 604 receiving yards and five touchdowns in four games. His connection with Billy Edwards Jr. is obvious and is the engine of this offense.

D’Angelo Ponds will likely be tasked with matching up Felton, but Indiana cannot leave him on an island or Felton could make them pay. Safety help and not losing him on the field will be critical for the Hoosier defense..

Another big piece of slowing down the Terrapins passing attack will be getting to the passer.

Indiana football is averaging three sacks a game, and Mikail Kamara and the rest of the defensive line will have a chance to wreck the game before Maryland can get their passing attack going.

Kamara has been one of the best pass rushers in the country, and will need to make his presence felt for Indiana on Saturday.

Bryant Haines’ defense is going to be aggressive, but if they can’t get home and get pressure on Edwards Jr., it could be a long day for that unit.

Will Indiana Football continue to take care of the football?

Kurtis Rourke’s ability to protect the football has been crucial to the success of the offense. Indiana football has yet to turn the ball over through four games.

On the other side of the football, Maryland has forced 10 turnovers in four games including six interceptions. 

Winning the turnover battle is always important, but against an aggressive defense like Maryland’s, it is paramount. 

Kurtis Rourke has done a phenomenal job of not forcing the football and staying calm in the pocket and he will need to continue that on Saturday.

The Hoosiers have won the turnover battle in every game, and it has played a big role in their 4-0 start. 

We saw the power of a turnover against UCLA, as Indiana football found themselves leading 14-0 immediately because of a turnover.

If Indiana can protect the football, they should be able to put up points against the Maryland defense. 

Will the rushing attack continue its dominance for Indiana Football?

The Maryland defense has allowed just over 100 rushing yards a game on 3.3 yards per attempt this season.

Indiana football is averaging over 225 rushing yards per game on 5.7 yards per attempt. Something is going to have to give as the Hoosiers have relied on their rushing attack to open up the offense.

Three Hoosiers have at least four rushing touchdowns, but it has been Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison who have led the way. Getting them going will be crucial on Saturday.

Cignetti trusts Rourke and the passing game, but much of their success has come because of Indiana’s ability to run the football. The offense is at its best when the run is setting up the pass. 

Not only does the run game help the passing attack, but it has also helped the defense. Indiana has won the time of possession battle every game this year which wears down the opposing defense and helps rest their defense. 

The more rest the run game can give the defense against Maryland’s explosive passing attack the better. 

If Indiana can set the tone on the ground, it will be a massive boost on Saturday as they look to improve to 5-0.

SEE ALSO: Coach Q&A: Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti previews Week 5 matchup vs. Maryland

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.