Maryland’s Defense Will Get Tested

Louisiana Tech has been back in Division I football for only two seasons, but that is enough time for Maryland Coach Joe Krivak to know about the potent offense his Terrapins will face in today’s Independence Bowl.

“Tech has great balance on offense and people who can execute it,” Krivak said. “They are explosive and are two-deep at tailback.”

The Bulldogs (8-3) are ranked 10th in the nation with 450 yards total offense per game--212 rushing and 238 passing. Two of their running backs--Michael Richardson and Jason Davis--have combined for 2,043 rushing yards.

Richardson has 1,114 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns, and Davis has 929 yards and eight touchdowns.

But the Bulldogs also have been able to throw the ball. Quarterback Gene Johnson has completed 165 of 297 passes for 2,129 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Maryland (6-5) gets 73% of its offense from a passing game directed by Scott Zolak (225 of 418 for 2,589 yards and 10 touchdowns). Zolak has led the Terrapins to their first winning record since 1985 against a schedule that included six Top 25 opponents.

Louisiana Tech has a five-game winning streak.