The Maryland Terrapins are set to kick off their season with a Saturday matinee against the UConn Huskies at SECU Stadium. As the game approaches, there are still some questions surrounding the Terps, particularly regarding their starting quarterback. Despite the uncertainties, Maryland enters the matchup as heavy favorites, with a 20.5-point spread according to ESPN Bet, and aims to extend their week one winning streak to five games.

The Terps have a favorable history against the Huskies, holding a 2-1 record in their all-time matchups. However, UConn claimed the victory in their most recent encounter back in 2013, winning 32-21 at home against Maryland. With a desire to avenge that loss, the Terps are eager to take the field and showcase their potential.

The game is scheduled for a noon kickoff and will be televised on FS1, allowing fans to catch every moment of the action. Maryland's head coach, Mike Locksley, will be leading his team into battle, still keeping the starting quarterback announcement under wraps. The anticipation around this decision rises as both Billy Edwards Jr., who has experience in the system, and NC State transfer MJ Morris compete for the position. In recent practice sessions, Edwards appeared to have the edge, leading the drills and connecting with key receivers like Kaden Prather, Tai Felton, and Preston Howard.

On the other side, UConn's head coach, Jim Mora, enters his third season with the objective of revitalizing his team after a challenging year in 2023. The Huskies finished with a 6-7 record in Mora's first year, their best since 2015. While their offense struggled last season, averaging a mere 19.1 points per game, Mora looks to leverage the arrival of key transfers to strengthen their offensive capabilities. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Nick Evers, a transfer from Wisconsin, has been named the starter and will be eager to live up to his high school potential. Joining him is graduate wide receiver TJ Sheffield, a transfer from Purdue, who is expected to become Evers' primary target.

UConn's defense, which shows promise with several returning starters, could present a challenge for the Terps. Outstanding defensive end Pryce Yates, the team's leader in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (14) last season, creates matchup difficulties for opposing offensive lines. Additionally, senior defensive tackle Jelani Stafford serves as a key component in UConn's run defense, excelling with an 83.1 Pro Football Focus grade against the run in 2023.

While UConn aims to start their season with a statement upset on the road, they face an uphill battle against the Terps. Maryland's offensive line, rebuilt from last season, features players like Kyle Long, Josh Kaltenberger, Alan Herron, Aliou Bah, and Isaac Bunyun, who bring a mix of experience and new talent to the field.

As the season opener approaches, the Terps have high hopes of continuing their winning streak, while UConn seeks a fresh start after a challenging previous year. The game will test both teams' capabilities and set the tone for their respective seasons. Maryland enters as the heavy favorites, but in the unpredictable world of football, anything can happen on game day.