Gophers trying reach rarified air of 8-0 vs. Maryland

The Gophers are on the verge of their first 8-0 record since the early 1940s with a relaxing bye week to prepare for a November of ranked opponents. But first they have to put away Maryland, a team that beat them a combined 73-37 in the past two Big Ten openers.

Prediction: Gophers 42, Maryland 21

Starters return

Maryland has missed quarterback Josh Jackson and running back Anthony McFarland Jr., and both should return from injuries for the Gophers. They help Maryland's offense average 35.6 points and 431 yards per game.

Winfield curse

Gophers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is only a sophomore but has been with the team for four years, enduring season-ending injuries against Maryland in back-to-back seasons. This game isn't the Big Ten opener, though, so maybe Winfield has already broken his curse.

Martin a go?

Terps' rush vs. Gophers' defensive front

In the past two meetings, the Terrapins have put up nearly 600 yards on the Gophers. This season, they average more than 200 yards per game on the ground. However, the Gophers defense is much stronger this year and has allowed opponents an average of only 122.9 rushing yards per game this season.

Gophers' pass game vs. Maryland's secondary

Maryland's pass defense ranks last in the Big Ten Conference and near the bottom of the FBS as a whole, allowing 287.4 yards per game. Meanwhile, the Gophers' air attack is a strength with quarterback Tanner Morgan and his legion of talented receivers combining to rank Morgan fifth in the FBS in passing efficiency.

19 The number of consecutive games in which Maryland has forced a turnover. It's the second-longest streak in the nation, with the Terrapins forcing a change in possession in each game of the past two seasons.