3 Biggest X-Factors For Ohio State to Avoid Upset vs Maryland

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be taking on the Maryland Terrapins this weekend, offering the team another chance to earn a Big Ten win. 

Ohio State comes in as the No. 5 team in the country, playing well on both sides of the ball. Maryland will enter this match up having lost three straight games, and they will try to stop the bleeding.

The Buckeyes are favorites in this contest, but this team can't come in with that mindset. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Ohio State to avoid the upset from Maryland this week:

1. Avoid the Trap Game

The biggest thing that Ohio State has to do this week is avoid the trap-game mentality. Far too often in college football, teams drop games ahead of a massive matchup, and for the Buckeyes, they will be playing the Indiana Hoosiers next week.

Indiana eliminated Ohio State last season, and the Buckeyes will be trying for revenge. But this team can't overlook Maryland, even with them entering the game as heavy favorites.

2. Maximizing Turnovers

The Ohio State offense has carried this team so far this year, and it's time for the defense to do its part. The Terrapins' offense has been very turnover-prone this season, and the Buckeyes will need to take advantage.

Quarterback Malik Washington has thrown six interceptions so far this season, so the defense may have a chance to add to that total. Ohio State has a lot of talent on defense, and this group needs to pressure Washington at all costs.

If they can win the turnover battle, this game could be over before halftime.

3. Keep Feeding Jeremiah Smith

This seems like one of the easiest parts of the game for the Buckeyes, but it's so simple that it could be tough. Smith is easily the best player in college football, and he even claimed it after his record-setting game against Iowa last week.

Due to his success this season, Smith has the inside track to win the Heisman Trophy, barring any major changes. Smith has been incredible for the Buckeyes this season, putting up video-game numbers through the first few weeks.

Against Maryland, Ohio State needs to keep feeding him the ball, adding to his Heisman resume. Overall, the veteran wide receiver has racked up 44 catches for 823 yards and nine touchdowns through the first five games of the year.