Maryland Terrapins Release Non-Conference Schedule for 2016-17 Season

The Maryland Terrapins released their non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2016-17 season and the overall schedule is relatively underwhelming, even more so if you're a season ticket holder. While some schools have always scheduled down, Maryland's upcoming schedule feels a bit lighter then necessary. That being said, there are a few solid opponents on the docket, but it's not the most difficult slate of games in comparison to some other Big Ten programs.

The schedule can be seen below:

As mentioned above, if you're a season ticket holder it's going to be a few weeks into the season before you'll have a chance to witness some potentially enjoyable basketball. While the Terrapins will once again face off against Georgetown early on in the season, the Hoyas are coming off of a 15-18 season in the Big East and the game is on the road. And while Maryland playing in Brooklyn could create some interest, their first opponent is a so-so Richmond, followed most likely by a Kansas State program coming off of a 17-16 season.

Things pick up as December nears when Maryland will host Pittsburgh as part of the ACC / Big 10 Challenge, but that's about it for the non-conference schedule. Oklahoma State provides a notable name, but the Cowboys only won 12 games this past season. The rest of the lineup includes a number of mid-majors, with Stony Brook and Charlotte probably being the two most notable opponents.

While there aren't many worthwhile games coming to the Xfinity Center in the non-conference slate, the schedule is pedestrian enough that Maryland will likely be riding an impressive record into January, even if it comes with a weak non-conference strength of schedule. Of course the Terrapins are talented enough that they should be nowhere near the bubble and this likely won't matter, but it would have been nice if they could have schedule a stronger set of opponents considering Maryland has blossomed into one of the most notable programs in the Big Ten.

While the  first two months might be a tad disappointing, Maryland will host plenty of marquee Big Ten games this season. The conference schedule for the Terps will include four single play road games, but two of those teams are Northwestern and Penn State. So while Maryland won't have the opportunity to host Michigan or Wisconsin, everyone else (besides the previously mentioned Northwestern and Penn State) will make their way to College Park this winter.