With just two weeks left in the regular season, the Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for one of their most anticipated matchups of the year: a clash with the likely No. 1 overall team in the country, Ohio State. But before that highly charged rivalry game takes place, Michigan faces a crucial road test against the scrappy Maryland Terrapins. Despite Maryland’s 4-6 overall record, the Terps possess a level of talent and determination that makes them a formidable opponent, especially as they fight for bowl eligibility late in the season.
Maryland’s season has been a rollercoaster, but the team remains hungry and motivated. Their recent performances have shown flashes of brilliance, and heading into this game, the Terrapins are eager to secure a win that would keep their postseason hopes alive. Key to their success will be the performances of several standout players who have carried much of the load this year.
At the center of Maryland’s offense is true freshman quarterback Malik Washington. Washington began the season on a high note, throwing for over 1,000 yards in the first four games with a completion rate of around 60 percent and an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10-to-1. At that point, he was widely regarded as one of the best freshman quarterbacks in the nation, showing poise and playmaking ability beyond his years.
However, the transition into the grind of Big Ten play has been a harsh adjustment for Washington. Over the last four games, he has struggled significantly, failing to complete more than 55 percent of his passes in any contest during that stretch and throwing five interceptions. This downturn has tempered expectations somewhat, and ESPN’s QBR rankings currently place him at No. 91 nationally among quarterbacks. Despite these struggles, Washington remains a dynamic threat, particularly with his legs. Just two weeks ago, he rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries, demonstrating his ability to break big runs and extend plays. Earlier in the season at UCLA, he also showed his mobility with 67 rushing yards on six attempts.
For the Michigan defense, containing Malik Washington will be a top priority. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and his unit must focus on keeping Washington in the pocket, maintaining discipline in their assignments, and making it as difficult as possible for him to find open receivers or create plays with his legs. If they fail to do so, Washington’s athleticism and improvisational skills could lead to big, momentum-shifting plays that could put the Wolverines in a tough spot.
Washington’s offensive success is closely tied to his connection with redshirt freshman running back and receiver DeJuan Williams. Playing in his home state for Maryland, Williams has become Washington’s favorite target, especially when the Terps find themselves trailing. Over the last four games, Williams has led the team in receptions and receiving yards, showcasing his reliability and playmaking ability out of the backfield. In their most recent game against Illinois, he caught eight passes for 50 yards. He also had notable performances earlier in the season, including four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown against Indiana and seven catches for 86 yards at UCLA.
Williams doesn’t just contribute as a receiver; though his rushing average is modest at 3.7 yards per carry, when combined with his receiving yards, he averages about 5.1 yards per touch. His ability to make defenders miss and gain yards after the catch makes him a dangerous weapon when he gets open space. This dual-threat capability means Michigan’s linebackers will have their hands full this week, as they will likely be tasked with both containing Washington’s runs and covering Williams in the passing game. Once Washington escapes the pocket, he often opts for the safer choice of either running himself or dumping the ball to Williams, making the Maryland offense unpredictable and difficult to contain.
Defensively, Maryland has built a reputation for producing a strong secondary under head coach Mike Locksley. The Terps consistently generate turnovers, which has been a critical factor in keeping games close against tough Big Ten competition. This season, Maryland ranks 12th nationally in turnover margin with a +8 differential. Their defense has recorded 18 interceptions, including three pick-sixes, spread across eight different players. This opportunistic approach has helped compensate for some of the team’s other struggles and kept Maryland competitive in many contests.
Michigan’s quarterback, Bryce Underwood, showed some questionable decision-making last week against Northwestern, which raises concerns heading into