The Maryland Terrapins, despite the return of key offensive players, suffered their second consecutive defeat and remained winless in the Big Ten conference after a crushing 37-10 loss to Northwestern at SECU Stadium on Friday night. This disappointing performance against an opponent also seeking their first conference win has raised questions about the Terrapins’ trajectory this season.
The Terrapins, entering the game as 10.5-point favorites, were hoping to secure a much-needed conference victory against a seemingly weaker Northwestern team. Instead, they delivered a performance reminiscent of their struggles in earlier seasons, leaving many wondering if they have what it takes to compete in the Big Ten.
A flurry of errors, including a season-high four turnovers, three of them lost fumbles, plagued the Terrapins throughout the game. This lack of ball security ultimately crippled their offensive momentum and allowed Northwestern to capitalize on key opportunities. Head Coach Michael Locksley expressed his disappointment, stating that the team “took a step back” and calling the loss “tough to stomach.”
The return of wide receivers Tai Felton and Kaden Prather from injuries offered a glimmer of hope for the Terrapins’ offense. Both receivers made significant contributions, with Felton hauling in nine receptions for 77 yards and Prather adding eight catches for 81 yards. However, despite their efforts and the extra week of preparation, the offense struggled to find a rhythm and capitalize in the red zone.
The absence of senior safety Dante Trader Jr., who left the previous game with an undisclosed injury, left a noticeable void in the Terrapins’ defense. Northwestern exploited Trader’s absence, particularly during their first-quarter touchdown drive, where quarterback Jack Lausch connected on a 40-yard pass to wide receiver A.J. Henning, setting up an eventual touchdown run.
The loss drops the Terrapins to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in conference play, marking their worst start in the Big Ten since 2015. Adding to their woes, they now hold an 0-10 record following an open week dating back to 2017. With a brutal remainder of their conference schedule ahead, including matchups against USC, Minnesota, No. 3 Oregon, Rutgers, Iowa, and No. 4 Penn State, the Terrapins face an uphill battle to salvage their season.
Despite the loss and the challenging road ahead, Coach Locksley remains optimistic, stating, “We’ve got a good team, and I’m not going to let what just happened or some of the things that have happened in the past dictate the future of where we’re going.” The team’s ability to learn from their mistakes, improve ball security, and find consistency on both sides of the ball will ultimately determine their fate in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
