NFL
By: Nathan Snell
The Big Ten vs. MAC non-conference matchup game at SECU Stadium in College Park this Friday. The last time these two teams saw each other was in 2003 and 2004. NIU defeated No.15 Maryland in 2003; ironically, Maryland defeated NIU the next season in the 2004 matchup.
Both teams start this season 1-0. NIU defeated Holy Cross 19-17. Maryland crushed Florida Atlantic this past Saturday, 39-7. One thing to note about NIU is that in the last 14 matchups against Big Ten teams, they are 6-8.
Nathan Game Day Keys to Victory
- NIU’s defense will have its work cut out for it.
The Huskies have a new makeover in their front seven. However, in the win against Holy Cross, they limited them to 65 rushing yards. Out of 12 third-down attempts, Holy Cross converted only three times. But here is the kicker: Holy Cross scored 10 points, and that will be the question Friday night. Malik Washington is coming off a three-touchdown performance, and Maryland’s number two running back ran over 100 yards against FAU. This is the same NIU that was ranked ninth in yards per play allowed.
- Will Malik Washington have another Big Game?
Media and fans mostly believe that after game one, Washington has secured the starting quarterback position, but it is only one game. While he was not sacked against FAU, there are some concerns. After scoring 26 points in the second quarter, the Terrapins’ offense vanished. They scored six points in the second half and averaged five yards per play. That is not in Washington, though. However, NIU is not FAU; still, each opponent is different.
- How does Maryland’s Defense contain NIU’s spread offense?
In Saturday’s victory, the Terrapins won in the turnover department with six interceptions. For NIU, this Josh Holst is behind center, and he threw 101 yards in the victory against Holy Cross. For those who recall, the Famous Idaho Potato MVP did suffer an injury but should be good to go for Friday night. However, there is still an issue with the penalties, 14 in total, with eight of those occurring in the first quarter alone on the defensive side of the ball.
- Is this a Trap Game?
The Terrapins have won 15 straight non-conference games, one of the longest streaks in the country. The running game will be crucial; it can’t fizzle out like it did against FAU when facing NIU. The Huskies’ strength, based on the win against Holy Cross, lies in their defense, as they are still trying to figure out the identity of their offense. Pep Hamilton, as the offensive coordinator, will have his work cut out for him. But Nolan Ray should have a bounce-back game and find consistent offense.
Final Keys
- Limit Penalties
- Will Pep Hamilton stick with the upperclassmen receivers?
- Will Khristian Martin and Justyn Martin get opportunities?
- How will NIU’s offense look against this Terrapins defense?
