Maryland Player Spotlight: C.J. Brown
Two struggling Big Ten programs battle in Beaver Stadium this Saturday afternooon. The Maryland Terrapins (5-3, 2-2 B1G) travel to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-3, 1-3 B1G). This will be the first meeting between the bordering programs in 21 years, with the Nittany Lions winning 70-7 the last time they squared off. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week at the hands of Big Ten powerhouses.
Despite their struggles defensively, senior quarterback C.J. Brown has been lights out all season for the Terps. Coming into Saturday’s game against the Nittany Lions, Brown has thrown for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns. He will, however, make some mistakes as he’s thrown six interceptions as well. Brown is also is the Terrapins’ leading rusher, having rushed for 376 yards on the season. He’s also added five touchdowns on the ground to lead the Terps.
Brown has actually played better on the road than at home this season. The sixth year senior has thrown for 773 yards on the road compared to just 543 yards at home. He is also averaging 2.5 yards more per attempt on the road.
With the Nittany Lions having the Big Ten’s best rushing defense, only allowing 83.4 yards per game, Brown’s arm becomes even more important. Maybe the Terrapins should play all their games on the road because they are 3-1 on the road compared to just 2-2 at home. Brown became one of ten active FBS players to eclipse 4,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing for a career in Saturday’s loss at Wisconsin.
Brown, a Pennsylvania native, chose to attend the University of Maryland following an illustrious high school career at Seneca Valley High School. Ranked as the 17th best dual-threat quarterback in the 2008 class by Rivals.com, Brown didn’t receive as much attention from the in-state programs: Penn State and Pitt. Brown was offered a scholarship to Maryland by James Franklin, who was the Recruiting Coordinator under Ralph Friedgen at the time.
Brown also received offers from Boston College and Notre Dame. During his high school career Brown posted his high school’s single-season record for yards with 2,154. Franklin and Brown speak highly of each other and look forward to Saturday’s game in Beaver Stadium.
Both teams are in desperate need of win come Saturday afternoon. Between Christian Hackenberg for the Nittany Lions and Brown for the Terps, the quarterback that plays the best game and limits mistakes will put his respective team in position for a win.
Penn State and Maryland kick off from Beaver Stadium at 12 p.m. ComRadio’s complet coverage begins at 9 a.m. with The Tailgate Show live from the All Sports Museum.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Christopher Gamble is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cgamble531@gmail.com.
