Maryland football eliminated from bowl contention in 45-20 loss to No. 18 Michigan

Photo by Mackenzie Miles/Maryland Terrapins. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

Early in the season, Maryland football’s defense was one of its biggest strengths. 

Through four games, the Terps had allowed only 43 total points, ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense, and had a turnover margin tied with Alabama for the nation’s best. 

But the Big Ten schedule has worn down Maryland’s defense, surrendering 20 or more points in each game. That trend continued on Saturday as No. 18 Michigan downed Maryland 45-20 at SECU Stadium in College Park.

“The execution of getting off the field showed up again,” head coach Michael Locksley said. “We do have to be able to get off the field on what we call money downs, and we didn’t do that today.”

Maryland (4-7, 1-7 Big Ten) started Saturday’s game against the Wolverines (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) with a level of aggressiveness that hadn’t been seen all season. 

The Terps went for it on fourth-and-goal on Michigan’s 1-yard line on their opening drive and converted, then immediately tried an onside kick. Both plays resulted in points, but the onside kick translated into an eventual 12-yard touchdown pass to Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh to even the score at seven.

“We wanted to play aggressive to generate explosive plays,” Locksley said. “We put the surprise on the side kick in … to try to steal a possession, generate some momentum, [and] generate explosives.”

That level of aggression didn’t last long – in part due to Maryland’s poor run game. On third-and-5 from the Michigan 44, the Terps opted to run the ball — typically implying four down territory. But freshman DeJuan Williams lost yardage, resulting in a Maryland punt. 

Maryland’s run game couldn’t get going against the Wolverines. Williams — the leading rusher — finished with 12 carries for 40 yards. As a team, the Terps finished with an average of 2.8 per attempt. 

Malik Washington played one of his better games during Maryland’s losing streak. The true freshman quarterback made plenty of big throws in the face of a tough Wolverines defense, finishing with 210 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. 

However, the freshman quarterback on the other sideline outdueled him. Bryce Underwood was dominant, carving up Maryland’s defense to the tune of 235 total yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. 

“Bryce played a good game,” Washington said. “He played a complete game. Kept the ball clean, didn’t turn the ball over, and was a part of the reason they were able to sustain drives.”

Once again, the Terps struggled to stop the run – especially in the red zone. Junior Bryson Kuzdzal – Michigan’s third-string running back – ran all over Maryland, punching in three touchdowns and finishing with exactly 100 yards on 20 carries. 

The 100-yard performance was Kuzdal’s first of his career, aiding a Michigan offense that made seven trips to the red zone in its first eight drives.

Maryland got deep into Wolverines territory on multiple occasions with opportunities to get back into the game, but couldn’t convert. The Terps kicked two field goals in the game – both under 35 yards – on drives where they got within the Michigan 20. Redshirt Freshman Sean O’Haire has attempted 10 field goals from less than 30 yards — tied for second most in the nation.

With the loss, Maryland is eliminated from bowl contention for the second straight season. The Terps will need a win over Michigan State to improve upon their record last year, where they finished 4-8 with a 1-8 conference record.