Maryland football will face Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 20 at noon in its Big Ten opener.
The Terrapins will travel to Madison hoping to end a four-game losing streak against the Badgers. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2022, when Maryland fell, 23-10.
More significantly, a win would match Maryland’s conference win total from last season, when it went 1-8 in the Big Ten.
Here are three things to look for in the Terrapins’ conference opener:
Can Maryland’s defense be disruptive?
The Terrapins have forced turnovers in two of their first three games. They currently lead the Big Ten in interceptions (7) and are tied for second in forced fumbles (2).
Former Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is questionable after missing the last two games due to a sprained knee suffered in Wisconsin’s season opener. Sophomore Danny O’Neil will start if Edwards can’t play. O’Neil is tied for second in the Big Ten in interceptions (4).
“We’re not preparing any different because Billy is on that sideline,” Maryland head coach Michael Locksley said. “Our team has a standard for what we have to do to win a game like this.”
Maryland ranks second in the conference in sacks (10). The Terrapins’ young but impressive defensive line has made an early impact. Freshmen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis each have three sacks, tying them for second in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin’s offensive line will aim to protect Edwards or O’Neil, having allowed seven sacks through three games.
“It’s been a lot of collaboration,” Locksley said of the defense. “The last couple of weeks we’ve had plays where we got sacks on four-man rushes. When you’re able to rush four and get pressure on the quarterback it makes the back end’s job easier. I also saw places the last two weeks where we’ve done a really good job in coverage which has allowed the rush to get there.”
How Will Maryland’s young core respond away from home?
Maryland’s young core has shown promise early in the season, but many have yet to experience the intensity of a Big Ten showdown.
Several Terrapin players echoed the same message: It’s just another game and preparation is key. Still, it will be interesting to see how that mindset translates on the field.
Last season, Maryland struggled on the road, finishing 1-4 away from home. The Terrapins’ only road win came in a nonconference matchup at Virginia, where they secured a 27-13 win.
“You can’t mimic or show what it will be like,” Locksley said. “But what I’ve learned about Malik Washington pretty early is that I haven’t seen it ever be too big. … This will be a great barometer for what kind of team we have and what kind of team we will be.”
Can Maryland find balance offensively?
Freshman quarterback Malik Washington leads the Big Ten in passing attempts (100). He threw 43, 35 and 22 times against Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois and Towson, respectively.
On one hand, it gives Washington valuable reps to build chemistry with his receivers. On the other hand, the offense runs the risk of becoming one-dimensional if the running game can’t keep defenses honest.
Maryland ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (116.7) and averages just 3.2 yards per carry. That bodes well for a Wisconsin defense that is fourth in the nation in yards per rush (1.93) and yards per game (46.3).
The Terrapins currently use a running back-by-committee approach featuring sophomore Nolan Ray and freshmen DeJuan Williams and Iverson Howard. Williams leads the team with 121 rushing yards (3.8 yards per carry). Ray follows with 98 total yards on 3.5 yards per carry.
Finding balance will be key to keeping Washington — who has only been sacked once this season — upright and taking pressure off of the young passer.
“It’s always about creating balance and being able to do both well when you have too,” Locksley said. “We have a system that allows us to if we add RPOs it helps the run game. … When you talk about physicality it’s basically about numbers. It’s one guy beating another guy and making a play. At some point in the Big Ten you’re going to get into a fight in the phone booth and we’re developing that mentality.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maryland Athletics