While all eyes are on the former Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to see if he'll suit up against his old team, it might be another former Marylander looking to ball out even more.
Badger running back Dilin Jones grew up in the state and attended Our Lady of Good Counsel high school in the DMV area. While Maryland recruited him hard to remain in-state, Jones ended up committing to Wisconsin in mid-2023. He talked about what the game means to him ahead of the Saturday showdown.
“It’s the hometown team," said Jones. "I feel like I got to ball out. I know a lot of kids on the team and I feel like it’s only right for me to ball out.”
Badger running back Dilin Jones looks to right the ship against his hometown friends
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The added motivation couldn't hurt, as the Badgers have struggled to move the ball on the ground so far this season. As a team, Wisconsin is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and has notched only four rushing touchdowns through three games. Jones leads all Badgers in carries with 29, and rushing yards with 134.
Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Jones will have all the reasons in the world to ball out in front of his friends and family who will be attending the game. The Terrapins won't be so accommodating however, as they've allowed just 3.2 yard per rush this season to opposing teams. Still, the game provides a perfect atmosphere for the local kid to get back on track and show why he's a future star for Wisconsin.