NFL
By: Nathan Snell
While most have taken pride in Maryland Football’s early success, one concern remains as the team prepares to face Washington. How will they perform after a week off? The Terrapins have encountered tougher competition in the Big Ten. On the other hand, many blame coaching; Maryland has lost by a total of 23 points across nine defeats.
It has been interesting ever since the Big Ten welcomed four new teams; this matchup between the Terrapins and Huskies is the second time these two have faced each other. Fun fact: The 1982 Ahola Bowl was the last and only matchup at the time. Washington is a PAC-12 opponent as opposed to Maryland, an ACC opponent.
The Huskies’ schedule this season has been quite interesting, especially after their only conference loss to Ohio State. Similar to the Terrapins, the game against Ohio State was against relatively weak opponents. After their win against Wisconsin, the Terrapins’ schedule appears quite favorable, as the next three games are home matches. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the upcoming matchup.
Nathan’s Keys to Victory
- Maryland’s Run Game will need to make an immediate impact.
Pep Hamilton has generally adjusted well as the offensive coordinator. The primary concern is the running game. Having a strong run game is essential to relieve pressure on the quarterback. As the Terrapins continue into Big Ten play, their reliance on Washington to get them out of tough spots is not sustainable. Maryland’s running game has been nonexistent, ranking last in the conference with 103 yards. The offensive line has improved from last season, but in four games, the most extended running play has been just 18 yards. History has shown that when the Terrapins have a third-headed monster attack. Hopefully Nolan Ray, Dejuan Williams, and Iverson Howard continue to find their stride.
- Which Washington shows up (The West Coast Cheese)
The Huskies have not been consistent on offense. Traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast is not an easy feat. Last season, that was evident for Washington. The losses to Rutgers, Iowa, Indiana, and Penn State are just an example of how road trips can be for a West Coast team.
One thing to point out is that Washington is not Wisconsin. It will be interesting to see how the Terrapins look against the Huskies’ Pass Rush. It would be interesting to see how the Terps find a way to get the run game going; the Buckeyes last week were held to 150 yards rushing (damn). The Terps will have to find consistency, especially on third down.
- Demond Williams vs Maryland’s Defense
Maryland’s defense has been impressive this season—showing significant improvements. In the FBS, the defense allows just 11 points per game. The Terps lead the league with eight interceptions, eight sacks, and holding opponents to under 100 rushing yards. For the Huskies, Ohio State had six sacks and kept Washington out of the end zone. It will be interesting to see how the defensive plays are designed to keep Williams and the Huskies honest on offense.
If Maryland wins this weekend, this would be the second time as a program with five straight wins. In 2023, the start was the same, but losing five of those six games was brutal.
