Indiana meets Maryland, chases first 5-0 start in 57 years

Field Level Media|published: Tue 24th September, 15:57 2024

Sep 21, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) makes a touchdown catch over Villanova Wildcats defensive back Zahmir Dawud (37) during the third quarter at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Indiana is on the verge of its best start in almost six decades, but first-year Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti knows he still has much to learn about his team.

"I don't think we've probably played the most difficult schedule up to this point," Cignetti said. "Not trying to short-change anybody we've played. The tests are going to become tougher week in, week out."

The more challenging slate begins Saturday as Indiana hosts Maryland in Big Ten Conference play in Bloomington, Ind.

The Hoosiers (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) already have eclipsed their win total from last year's 3-9 campaign under Tom Allen, who was fired at season's end after seven-plus years at the helm (33-49).

With Cignetti in control, Indiana has four convincing wins and stands one victory shy of its first 5-0 start since 1967.

To Cignetti's point, the Hoosiers' schedule has been soft. Aside from a 42-13 Big Ten win at UCLA, Indiana has home victories over Florida International, Western Illinois and Charlotte.

Cignetti calls the Terrapins (3-1, 0-1) the best team the Hoosiers have seen so far.

Maryland has won two games since a three-point home loss to Michigan State in the conference opener. The Terrapins followed a 27-13 win at Virginia with a 38-20 home victory over Villanova last week.

Wide receiver Tai Felton caught 14 passes for 157 yards and a score against the Wildcats to continue his stirring senior season. He is tied for third in Division I in receiving yards per game (151) and is tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns (five).

Felton is being mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate and called it "a blessing" but said he is focused on more than himself.

"I'm just here for the team," he said. "So as long as we're winning, I'm doing my job, so it's all good."

Felton has jelled with Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards, who took over as the starter after Taulia Tagovailoa's four-year tenure.

Edwards has completed 75 percent of his passes this season, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

--Field Level Media