After one of the weirdest and wackiest games the Huskers have been a part of in quite a while, Nebraska was able to pull away late against Michigan State and in essence, now control their own destiny in a somewhat wide open Big Ten Conference.
Is it fair to describe this Saturday’s matchup against the Maryland Terrapins as a season defining game for the Huskers? With what is ahead on the Huskers schedule, it sure feels like it.
Many would’ve considered the Huskers October 17th Friday night matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers to draw more concern out of the two back to back road games, but Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley has his team playing at a level that is above the expectations that were set for them in the offseason.
The Terrapins have a record of 4-1, with wins over Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson and Wisconsin and a narrow 24-20 loss over a really solid Washington team, not bad for a team that was projected to win anywhere from four to six games.
True Freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who was ranked as a four-star, top 100 recruit in the 2025 class, was named the Maryland starter just hours before their season opener and has been playing like one of the top true freshmen in the country.
Washington through five games has thrown for 1,257 yards with nine touchdowns to two interceptions and he doesn’t just rely on one receiver, four offensive playmakers for the Terrapins have caught at least 18 passes this season and two of them have over 300 receiving yards.
Key #1: The Blackshirts:
Through two conference games, Maryland offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has leaned towards a heavy passing attack, which bodes well for the nations #1 passing defense.
The blackshirts are allowing just 91.8 passing yards per game and only one quarterback has thrown for over 100 yards on them (Bryce Underwood, 105), but if the Huskers secondary is wreaking havoc for Washington, the nation’s 88th ranked rushing defense (155.6 YPG) will have to step up in a big way.
What we saw from the blackshirts against the run last week versus the Spartans was fantastic, allowing just 86 yards with an average yards per carry of 2.3, which includes a 16 yard, fourth down touchdown scramble from Aidan Chiles.
The Huskers secondary was extremely aggressive in the run game last week and I think that will be a major point of emphasis for the Huskers defensively.
The Terrapins rank 128th in rushing (93.2 YPG) and have not ran for more than 65 yards in a game since their September 13th matchup against Towson.
Key #2: Produce early offensively:
One of the toughest and most important parts of a road game in this conference is establishing some kind of identity or momentum early on offensively, coming out of the gates flat and slow in a weird and potentially sleepy road environment oftentimes leaves a big impact on the rest of the game.
Last week was not a good start for the Huskers offensively and without the blocked punt that Nebraska returned for a touchdown in the first quarter, Nebraska would’ve been looking at a 21-7 late third quarter deficit.
The blackshirts absolutely can not be on the field often because the offense fails to cross into opponent territory and for that reason, quarterback Dylan Raiola and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen are essentially the most important player and coach in this game.
Key #3: Third down:
I don’t think people realize how good both the Huskers and Terrapins defenses are at getting off the field on third down, Nebraska ranks 4th in the country in third down defense, allowing just 20.3% of conversions, while Maryland ranks 13th in the country, allowing 28.4% of successful conversions.
Despite the success from both teams defensively on third down, they’re polar opposites offensively and that is where this game will be won or lost.
Nebraska converts 47.6% of their third down conversion attempts, ranking 32nd in the country while Maryland converts 36.5% of their attempts, ranking 101st in the country.
If the Huskers can shut down the Terrapins on third down, it sets up one of the nation’s top special teams units with an opportunity to control the game.
We saw Mike Ekeler’s special teams unit dominate against the Spartans, blocking a first quarter punt and producing 109 punt return yards, 81 of which came from electric sophomore Jacory Barney Jr. who had a 57 yard punt return in the second quarter and would’ve had a miraculous punt return for a touchdown late in the game if it wasn’t for a penalty.
Prediction:
With the Huskers playing two back to back road games in six days, the challenge is just beginning for this Husker team and I think that they will respond well.
Nebraska has been tested this season, more than Maryland has but if the main point of emphasis at halftime for the Huskers is that they need to get this offense into gear, it will not end well for them.
The Huskers are favored by 6.5 points and although I am not really the betting type, I do think that may be too many points for a Maryland team that is 2-0 against the spread in conference play.
Nebraska: 23 Maryland: 17