Can Nebraska Keep Their Momentum on the Road?
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are riding high after a much-needed bounce-back win against Michigan State, bringing their season record to a solid 4-1. But here's where it gets tricky: their next challenge is their first true road game of the season, against the Maryland Terrapins. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CDT on the Big Ten Network, and you won't want to miss this one. Follow along below for live updates, with the most recent at the top.
Offensive Line Shuffle: A Work in Progress?
While Nebraska's offensive line showed improvement against Michigan State, it's still a unit in flux. Quarterback Dylan Raiola took five sacks last Saturday, and while some of that could be attributed to his own decision-making, the line's performance was inconsistent. The Huskers seem to be settling on Elijah Pritchett at left tackle, with Gunnar Gottul moving to the right side. This shift aims to bring stability, allowing both players to grow into their roles. However, Pritchett, a talented Alabama transfer, will need to stay disciplined against Maryland's young but playmaking defensive front, led by Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis.
Freshman Phenom vs. Stout Defense
And this is the part most people miss: Maryland's freshman quarterback, Malik Washington, has been nothing short of sensational. With 12 total touchdowns in his first five games, he's the only Power Four true freshman with such impressive numbers. But Nebraska's defense, particularly their pass defense, is among the nation's best. Washington had a tough outing against a tall Huskies secondary last week, despite throwing for 219 yards and a touchdown. Can he find success against the Blackshirts? Defensive coordinator John Butler will certainly have his work cut out for him.
Rushing Defense to the Rescue?
Here's a bold statement: this matchup favors Nebraska. Why? Maryland boasts the second-worst rushing offense in the Big Ten, averaging just 3.1 yards per attempt. If Nebraska's defensive front can contain the Terrapins' ground game, they should be able to control the tempo of the game. But will travel fatigue or a slow start, like the one against Michigan State, throw a wrench in their plans?
Travel Tactics and Trends
Head coach Matt Rhule isn't taking any chances. The Huskers arrived in College Park a day earlier than usual, aiming to minimize the impact of travel. This cautious approach comes after recent discussions about the effects of travel on performance. It's also worth noting that Nebraska's slow start last week could be a red flag. While the Huskies overcame a 20-0 deficit to beat Maryland, the Terrapins appear to be a stronger team than Michigan State at this point in the season. Can Nebraska avoid a similar slump?
Looking Ahead
As we near the halfway point of the 2025 season, this game could be a turning point for both teams. For Nebraska, it's a chance to prove their mettle on the road. For Maryland, it's an opportunity to show they're a force to be reckoned with. Will the Huskers maintain their momentum, or will the Terrapins pull off an upset? One thing's for sure: this game will be a test of character for both sides.
Controversial Question: Is Nebraska's Defense Overrated?
While Nebraska's pass defense is highly regarded, their run defense has shown vulnerabilities. If Maryland can exploit these weaknesses, could we see an unexpected outcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don't forget to stay updated on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI (https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/), subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@huskermax1183), and visiting HuskerMax.com (https://www.huskermax.com/) daily. Got a question or comment for Kaleb? Send an email to kalebhenry.huskermax@gmail.com.
