The Washington Huskies head across the country for a conference matchup with Maryland.
The Terrapins are 4-0, coming off their first conference win of the season after pulling away from Wisconsin. Their win streak already matches their total from last year.
Maryland’s non-conference slate mirrored Washington’s in that neither team was really tested during the first three weeks. The Terps also had a week to prepare following their bye in Week 5.
The Huskies face a disadvantage, traveling to the opposite coast to play a well-rested Maryland squad.
Last year, this would have been a recipe for disaster—Washington went 0-6 on the road in the regular season.
This season, however, the Huskies are in a much better spot. They’re settled at quarterback, and the offensive line—despite losing Carver Willis—is in a stronger position to compete.
Matchups That Will Determine the Game
Malik Washington vs. the Husky Secondary
Maryland’s freshman quarterback has already surpassed 1,000 passing yards. He’s the engine of the Terps’ offense, as Maryland has attempted about 40 fewer runs than Washington despite similar records and early-season scoring outputs. Instead of leaning on the ground game—where their backs and offensive line have struggled—they’ve used quick throws to replace traditional runs.
Washington isn’t afraid to take deep shots, which has lowered his completion percentage to 59%. Still, he’s thrown just one interception.
The Husky secondary remains the defense’s strength. Even after losing Tecario Davis, Washington found a potential star in true freshman Dylan Robinson. On the other boundary, Ephesians Prysock has been excellent in coverage.
Washington’s O-line vs. Maryland’s Pass Rush
Demond Williams Jr. was sacked six times last Saturday as Ohio State’s defensive front collapsed the pocket up the middle. Maryland brings similar pressure—they’re second in the conference with 16 sacks through four games.
For Washington, the offensive game plan must be more nuanced, moving Williams Jr. outside the pocket to protect a line that will likely be without its starting left tackle.
Prediction
Maryland has announced a sellout crowd, and Washington must endure cross-country travel—two factors that make this matchup tough. Both teams have a path to 8–10 wins and a secure place in the second tier of the conference, which would be huge for two young programs. While an early October game isn’t a must-win, there’s plenty at stake. For Washington, it’s a chance to finally shake their road struggles. For Maryland, it’s an opportunity to reach bowl eligibility with one more win.
Demond Williams Jr. is an elite athlete who can beat defenses in multiple ways. If Washington adjusts its game plan and gets him moving outside the pocket, he’ll find success against Maryland’s defense. Paired with an opportunistic secondary that could force Malik Washington into mistakes, the edge tilts to the Huskies.
Still, the road hasn’t been kind to Jedd Fisch and company.
Prediction: Washington 24, Maryland 21
