NFL
By: Nathan Snell
Saturday afternoon marked the Terrapins’ first Big Ten game. No matter what the outcome, all eyes were on the game. After 60 minutes, Maryland secured their first win over Wisconsin, 27-10.
After finishing 3-0 in non-conference play, the Terrapins looked for a fresh start. Last season, they won only one game and lost eight games in conference play.
Let’s break down the game.
Billy Edwards Jr. and Danny O’Neil had no answers.
The badgers’ offense began confidently on their initial drive. However, following a 45-yard reception by Trech Kekehuna on 3rd and 7, why did they decide to run the ball? Unfortunately, that led to a blocked field goal.
Next drive, Edwards, who was dealing with an injury from the previous game, escaped out of the pocket but was done for the day after getting injured again. From then on, O’Neil was in the game. Credit Maryland’s edge rushers, who made it a tough day for the offensive line by not giving O’Neil the time he needed. There were some moments where adjustments occurred; however, an interception happened in the first quarter. Six sacks were surrendered, and it was clear that there was a lack of trust. The sophomore was put in a challenging position, and he is not ready for the moment.
“All Three Phases of the Ball”
Maryland did not allow a point in the first half. The Badgers’ offense was nonexistent. The Secondary made it hard for O’Neil, and the pass-rushing group has definitely improved from last year. Defensive Coordinator Ted Monachino is building something with this group. So far, Maryland is leading with 16 sacks, leading the FBS. To force an offense to gain 25 yards on six drives in the first half? You earned your stripes.
Andre Powell is the Special Teams Coordinator. This group is different. For example, the team has blocked six kicks in the last two seasons. This weekend was a totally different story: One Blocked Punt and One Blocked Field Goal. Obviously, the blocked field goal came after the disastrous 3rd and seven play in the first quarter. The Blocked Punt came within deep of the Badgers’ Territory.
Malik Washington continues to amaze many.
There was a Twitter post stating that Malik Washington planned to transfer to a bigger and better school after this season. In his Big Ten debut, Washington didn’t disappoint. He threw for two touchdowns and 265 yards, and he did not turn the ball over. The stats might suggest otherwise, but again, it was the first Big Ten game for most of this team, and nerves, some would argue, played a role. With his eight passing touchdowns through his first four games, Washington tied Dylan Raiola and Dante Moore for the most by a Power Conference True Freshman quarterback since 2020. He also has eight touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns in his first four games. He joins Arkansas State’s Jaylen Raynor (2023) and UCF’s McKenzie Milton (2016) as the only FBS true freshmen to reach those marks through four career games in the last 15 years..
