Nebraska is 4-0 for the first time since 2016, and the Huskers are back in Lincoln. Maryland visits Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 3, for the 115th Homecoming game. Kickoff is 3 p.m. Central on FS1.
Where the Huskers stand
Last week’s 31-13 win at Michigan State checked a big box. Nebraska won a Big Ten opener for the first time since 2019 and did it on the road, with six sacks and three takeaways.
The numbers through four games are hard to argue with. The offense is averaging 42.5 points. The defense is allowing 12.0 points and 233.5 yards a game, which ranks fifth in the country in total defense. Anthony Colandrea has thrown for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns with only one interception.
Matt Rhule is not letting anyone get comfortable. He said this week there is still plenty to clean up.
The injury report
This is the first week health has been a real storyline. Freshman running back Jamal Rule, who left the Michigan State game in the first quarter, is listed as doubtful. Running back Mekhi Nelson, receiver Jacory Barney Jr. and offensive lineman Brendan Black are questionable.
If Rule cannot go, expect more work for Nelson, Isaiah Mozee and Vincent Genatone, who scored twice in East Lansing.
What to know about Maryland
The Terrapins are 2-2 under eighth-year head coach Mike Locksley. They beat Hampton 62-0 and UConn 38-14, then lost to Virginia Tech 35-26 and to UCLA 54-3.
Maryland can move the ball. Quarterback Malik Washington has thrown for 1,034 yards and six touchdowns, and receiver Chris Durr Jr. already has 35 catches for 312 yards and three scores. The trouble has been turnovers. Washington threw four interceptions against UCLA, and two of them were returned for touchdowns.
The series
Nebraska leads 3-1, but this matchup has been strange. The visiting team has won each of the last three meetings. The Huskers won 34-31 in College Park last season, and Maryland won 13-10 in Lincoln in 2023.
Three things to watch
- The running game without Rule. Nebraska still ran for 157 yards at Michigan State with him out for most of the game. Can the committee keep that up?
- Pressure on Washington. Nebraska’s pass rush has 11 sacks in its last two games. Maryland’s quarterback has shown he will throw the ball to the other team under duress.
- Handling success. A 4-0 record and a Homecoming crowd make for a classic letdown setup. This team has not shown that tendency yet.
Nebraska is favored by about two touchdowns. A win would make the Huskers 5-0 with defending national champion Indiana coming to town next. Go Big Red.
Dr. Bruce Marko is a University of Nebraska alum and a proud supporter of the Huskers. Read more about his Nebraska Cornhuskers roots.
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