You may not realize it, but this game has been red circled and talked about since the schedule came out. It wasn’t just Nebraska fans either, college football know-it-alls across the country looked at the Huskers 2026 schedule and all proclaimed the same thing – “If Nebraska beats Maryland, they could be 5-0 when Indiana hits town”. So, here we are. With a Nebraska win against Maryland and an Indiana victory over Rutgers, both teams would come into the game at 6-0.
It’s alright for fans and everyone else to look ahead and say, “Oh, boy,” but there better not be anyone in Nebraska’s coaching offices or wearing a Husker uniform thinking 5-0 is a given. Shoot, Indiana better not be thinking it either. No…Nebraska’s full focus had better be on Maryland and the task at hand. Just because the Terps have dropped their last two games and their coach’s posterior is in melt down mode doesn’t mean this team isn’t dangerous. Because they are.
Oh, and on a side note, Nebraska probably wouldn’t jump into the top 25 rankings with a win over Maryland. Still, things like that seem to have a way of happening. See, I’m already looking ahead.
Maryland Offense
The Terps have one of the better young quarterbacks in the Big Ten in Malik Washington. The Huskers saw what he was capable of when they went to College Park last season. All Washington did then was pass for 27-of-37 for 249 yards and 1 TD. Until last week against UCLA, Washington was averaging 297-yards, 2 TDs, and 0 interceptions a game. And while his rushing stats don’t show it, he’s probably the most mobile quarterback the Huskers will face so far this season.
But things went south for Washington last week as he went 18-of-38 passing for 142 yards, 0 TDs, while throwing 4 interceptions, 2 of which were pick sixes. It was a game to forget as the Bruins won 54-3 after 5 Maryland turnovers.
Part of Washington’s struggles have come from a non-productive running game. The Terps rush for an average of 148 yards per game (92nd in the FBS). And that stat is conceiving if you take the opening game against Howard out of the picture. In the last three games the Terps have averaged less than 57-yards rushing per game. Part of that is due to a young offensive line who can sometimes get pushed around. Giving up sacks can also be an issue for this group. At the very least they must protect Washington when he drops back if they are to have any success.
Coming into this one, Iverson Howard is the Terp’s leading rusher with 177-yards and 4 TDs on the season. However, the running game could improve against the Huskers with the anticipated return of DeJaun Williams. Williams rushed for 116 yards and 2 TDs on three carries in the opening game of the season but has been out the last three games with a knee injury.
As a passing team Maryland ranks 28th in the FBS with 283 yards per game. The hot connection is between Washington and Chris Durr. On the season the 5’10”, 171-pound WR has 35 receptions for 312 yards and 3 TDs. Next behind him is WR Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding with 17catches for 239-yards and 2TDs
When it comes to 50/50 balls look for Washington to target 6’5”, 203-pound WR Caleb Webb who has 13 receptions for 182 yards or 6’3”, 245-pound TE Dorian Fleming who has 13 receptions for 146 yards and 1 TD.
Overall, Maryland’s offense averages 431.3 yards per game (44th in FBS) and 32.3 points per game (60th FBS).
Blackshirts Defense
After last week most Husker fans will tell you the Blackshirts are back and that Rhule knocked it out of the park with the hiring of defensive coordinator Rob Aurich. Looking at the Michigan State game statistically it would be hard to argue. In only allowing 13 points, 39 yards rushing, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 10 tackles for a loss, and 6 sacks, the Blackshirts had their best performance of the season. One of the defense’s goals is to have three takeaways a game. In meeting that goal Aurich had this to say.
“Well, we met a goal. I think any time you set a goal…you can achieve a goal. It’s important to see that you can come to the realization so it can be a reality going forward. I really liked the way our guys attacked the ball.”
But Aurich knows his crew still has work to do and the 6’5”, 230-pound Washington will be a challenge.
“He’s a talented kid. Big arm. Long. Does not take sacks. That’s been the one thing I’ve watched from the tape throughout the last two years is his sack avoidance rate is off the charts,” Aurich said. “There’s a ton that he’s done that makes you really think about how you attack him…tremendous thought has gone into how we attack that player.”
The game may pivot around how the Blackshirts handle Washington but if there is one thing we saw against Michigan State it’s that the defense struggles against tempo. Sacks and takeaways are one thing, but it’ll be important to keep Washington from getting in a rhythm and establishing tempo.
You can bet disrupting that tempo will be a focus point for this defensive staff in game planning for Maryland. “I think anytime you put on tape that tempo bothers you, you are gonna get tempo,” Matt Rhule said.
With the Blackshirts producing 15 sacks in four games it’s hard to pick out any players or one position group that is standing out at this point. From the defensive front to linebackers, to defensive backs, they’re playing faster and without fear. You can see it. Aurich simplified the defense, players not thinking has allowed them to be more explosive.
The defensive front has 11.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. The linebackers have 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Defensive backs have 10 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. Numbers like that after four games tell us one thing, Aurich said he’s looking for guys that are “eager for violence,” and it appears he’s found that.
Players on defense that have stood out thus far are Jahsear Whittington, Williams Nwaneri, Owen Chambliss, Andrew Marshall, Dewayne McDougel, and Donovan Jones. And I look for that list to grow by seasons end.
Statistically overall, Nebraska allows 233.5 yards per game (5th in FBS), 143 yards passing (7th), 90.5 rushing (21st), and 10 points per game (10th).
The defense will be a big part of what this Nebraska team accomplishes this season. The talk has been how talented the offense is, but after game four, we’re seeing a shift, and it’s evident the Blackshirts are going to have a big say going forward.
Nebraska Offense
Nebraska’s offense led by my Anthony Colandrea is one of the most balanced attacks Husker fans have seen in years if not ever. After four games they average 246 yards passing (57th) and 236 yards rushing (18th) per game. It would be hard to say OC Dana Holgorsen and Colandrea aren’t responsible for that. Holgorsen for identifying his weapons and how to use them and Colandrea for being the field general that makes it all go.
With running back Jahmal Rule listed as ‘doubtful’ there are those that are concerned, but there is little to no drop off with Mekhi Nelson, as he is the second leading rusher with 227 yards, 2 TDs and third in receiving with 106 yards and 1 TD. We also saw Vince Genatone make a surprise appearance as the short yardage back and score two 2 TDs against Michigan State. Look for the Huskers to sit Rule and make sure he’s available for Indiana.
One of the more interesting comments Holgorsen made this week was when he was talking about offensive line play and the rotation. He was especially impressed with tackles Tree Babalade and Elijah Pritchett.
“Tree had his best game, which increased his reps,” Holgorsen said. “I think you’ll start seeing that happen more. We didn’t feel a need to put Gunnar over on the left side, because Pritch probably had his best game since he’s been here. With that said, Gunnar and Tree are probably, arguably, two of our top five. So, we’ve got to maybe do some things to get all three of those guys in the game at some point.”
Starting right guard Brendan Black limped off the field late against Michigan State. This week on the injury report he is listed as ‘probable’. One must think that with Black slowed and Holgorsen’s comments, we’ll see a starting five consisting of Pritchett at LT, Mubenga at LG, Evans at center, Gunnar Gottula at RG and Tree Babalade at RT. It would be one of the bigger offensive lines Nebraska has ever fielded. Holgorsen likes the idea of having his best five in front of his quarterback.
“It’s going to be a tremendous challenge for our offense. We’ve got to figure out a way to run the ball and protect the quarterback. He’s fast through his decisions, and he makes quick decisions, which is good,” Holgorsen said. “That means there are no sacks. But he missed some things in the passing game that, if he stands in there a bit longer, then he can go to different places and get through his progressions…with that said, he kept some drives alive with his feet. That’s a weapon and we’re going to utilize that.”
Nebraska has shown success throwing the deep ball this season and that will continue according to Holgorsen. Colandrea was a perfect 3-for-3 on passing attempts of 20-plus yards down the field last week. One was a 44-yard touchdown to Kwazi Gilmer. Colandrea and Gilmer have established that quarterback wide receiver bond that can be special and Holgorsen noted that when talking about Gilmer.
“His rapport with Ant is fantastic. They watch film together all the time,” Holgorsen said.
Nebraska’s total yardage overall: 482.8 yards per game (19th in FBS)
Scoring: 42.5 points per game (16th)
Maryland Defense
If you look at the depth chart you’ll see right away why Dana Holgorsen wants his best five offensive lineman in front of Colandrea.
“They’re big, they’re physical,” Holgorsen said. “I think it’s an improved version of the Maryland defense over last year. They’re stout. They’re stingy against the run. Big linebackers, rangy linebackers who fill downhill. Then they’re doing a good job at mixing coverage on the back end. So, it’s not only their pass rush, it’s the whole thing.”
Maryland has tremendous size across the defensive front and especially at linebacker. Anticipate seeing 6’2”, 320-pound DE Levon Johnson, 6’3”, 337-pound NT Eyan Thomas, and 6’5”, 318-pound DT Derrick LeBlanc on the line. While not listed as starter 6’7”, 267-pound OLB D.D. Holmes leads the team with 2.5 sacks, followed by a pair of Terrapin linemates who have two each in Derrick LeBlanc and Eyan Thomas.
With the big men clogging up the front, free to move behind them will be linebackers, 6’2”, 247-pound Sidney Stewart, 6’1”, 222-pound Carlton Smith, 6’5”, 238-pound Daniel Wingate, and 6’3”, 262-pound Nashir Taylor. Stewart and Wingate are the backbone of tis defense and are an effective 1-2 punch defensively. Carlton Smith is the fourth defensive player with 2 sacks.
At the third level will be 6’1, 183-pound LCB Jahmar Glasker, 6’3”, 206-pound SS Lavain Scruggs, 6’2”, 202-pound FS Messiah Delhomme, 5’11, 193-pound RCB Amari Jackson, 5’11”, 176-pound Nickel Jordan Scruggs. Cornerback Messiah Delhomme has recorded a pair of interceptions.
As a unit, Maryland has forced eight fumbles while recovering three. They have 20 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
Defense Overall: 307.0 yards per game (39th in FBS)
Passing: 188.5 yards per game (45th)
Rushing: 118.5 yards per game (52nd)
Scoring: 25.8 points per game (93rd)
Numbers that Matter
Maryland retained 71% of their team from last season, that’s second in the FBS only to Notre Dame. Locksley is a top recruiter and has always had talent on his teams, his problem, he struggles for some reason in getting them to play as a unit.
Defensively Maryland allows their opponent to convert 35.8% of third downs, ranking them 67th in the FBS.
Nebraska’s offense converts third downs at a rate of 52.9%, which is 11th in the FBS.
Nebraska has 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries giving them +5 in turnover margin on the season, which ranks 11th in the FBS.
Maryland is in the bottom half of the FBS in red zone defense, making them 83rd in the FBS. Which means they allow opponents to score 87.5% of the time once inside the twenty-yard line.
Nebraska's red zone offense scores 94.1% of the time once they reach the red zone. That gives them a rank of 28th in the FBS.
Maryland’s average time of possession per game is 29:05 making them 97th in the FBS.
Nebraska's average time of possession per game is 32:06, making them 36th in the FBS.
Final Thoughts
It could be beneficial for Maryland to play on the road, get the players away from all the noise, whether it’s the fans or media criticizing Locksley, out of sight, out of mind. In Lincoln it’ll be just the players against Nebraska. No distractions on the task at hand.
Pay attention as to how this game starts for Maryland, indicators are that if they are down early you could see a change in body language. Sometimes the letdown is noticable.
With a 4-0 record and playing at home Nebraska can’t get caught up in themselves. They must ignore what is going on with Maryland. The Terps getting beat by UCLA 54-3 and a coach on the hotseat has no bearing on what needs to be done. They must show they are hungry for a win regardless of the circumstance or who the opponent is.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Art worked designed and owned by Lyle Harmon and ‘Off the Cob’.
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