Maryland football hosts Nebraska on Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Maryland (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) is looking to bounce back after suffering its first loss of the season against Washington, which scored 24 unanswered second-half points.
“None of us are happy about the outcome from Saturday,” head coach Michael Locksley said. “You have to play the game for four quarters, and we only played for three. It wasn’t the first game we didn’t win the fourth quarter, and that’s a standard for us and our system.”
The Terrapins will aim to finish strong against Nebraska. But first, here are three things to look for in this conference matchup:
How will Maryland respond?
This is the big question. After the loss to Washington, Locksley noted it would be “the first bit of adversity we’ll face together as a team.”
However, the coach has been impressed with how his team has moved on and taken accountability in the days following the defeat. Locksley pointed to how freshman edge rusher Sidney Stewart and junior defensive back Dontay Joyner responded to being ejected for targeting and flagged for taunting, respectively. The coach also mentioned what freshman quarterback Malik Washington said after the game:
“I think the most important thing was the way my freshman quarterback ended his press conference. That showed who we are and what kind of team we have,” Locksley said. “When you see a guy like Sidney Stewart and his reaction to being thrown out of the game, and how he responded with his teammates … when you see a guy like Dontay Joyner have a tough day at the office, stand in front of his team yesterday, own his mistakes, and apologize. … We’ve got a good team, and I’m going to rock with them.”
Washington didn’t have his best game against the Huskies. He completed 30 of 49 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
“Put a smile on your face and keep moving,” Washington said of the loss. “Being upset about it isn’t going to change anything. Go back, watch the tape, correct the mistakes, and move on to the next opponent.”
However, Malik Washington faces another tough challenge.
Nebraska leads the FBS in total passing yards allowed (459) and passing yards per game (91.8).
Washington mentioned that Nebraska’s defensive line plays a major role in its pass defense. The Cornhuskers have 10 sacks this season.
“Their front gets after the quarterback a decent amount, and I think that makes it harder for teams to pass on them,” Washington said. “As long as we hold up in protection, our receivers can get downfield and make plays.”
Can Maryland run the ball?
This has become a weekly concern. Running the ball efficiently could provide the balance the Terrapins need to finish games and unlock their full offensive potential.
Maryland struggled to run the ball in the second half against Washington, making it harder to gain first downs and control the clock.
“My job is to move the chains and get first downs,” Locksley said of the lack of runs in the second half. “We try everything we can to do that, whether it’s running or throwing. Balance means having the ability to do both, and we didn’t do either very well during those stretches.”
Although Nebraska boasts a strong pass defense, Locksley sees an opportunity to exploit its run defense. The Cornhuskers allow 4.52 yards per carry and 155.6 rushing yards per game.
“They’re probably a team that gives up a little bit in the run game,” Locksley said. “That’s the other side of it. They’re a great pass defense. We study teams to figure out what they do well and what they don’t. … We’ve got to do a better job ourselves of running the football. We have some talented skill players on the outside, and our guys have to make the plays that are there to be made. I expect us to do that.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maryland Athletics