Maryland Football Looks to End Losing Streak Against Rutgers in Homecoming Showdown
By Brian Hradsky
The Maryland Terrapins return to SECU Stadium on Saturday, October 17, looking to turn their season around when they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a critical Big Ten Conference matchup. Maryland enters the contest with a 2-4 overall record and an 0-3 conference mark, while Rutgers stands at 1-4 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. Both programs desperately need a victory after disappointing starts to the season, making Maryland’s Homecoming Weekend matchup particularly important. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., with television coverage on the Big Ten Network.
Maryland Searching for Answers After Difficult Stretch
Maryland enters Saturday’s game riding a four-game losing streak, including a 45-16 defeat against Ohio State last weekend. The Terrapins have struggled against stronger competition, surrendering 54 points to UCLA, 48 against Nebraska and 45 against Ohio State in their three Big Ten losses. Head coach Mike Locksley faces growing pressure as Maryland attempts to avoid another disappointing conference campaign. The Terrapins have now lost 11 consecutive Big Ten games, a streak that makes Saturday’s matchup an important opportunity to restore confidence.
Sophomore quarterback Malik Washington remains central to Maryland’s offensive success despite experiencing growing pains throughout the season. Washington has completed 136 of 223 passes for 1,352 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions through six games. His struggles became particularly noticeable against Ohio State, where he managed just 64 passing yards against one of the nation’s strongest defenses. Maryland needs Washington to regain his early-season confidence and make better decisions against a Rutgers defense that has also experienced considerable difficulties.
The Terrapins also need more production from their rushing attack to reduce the pressure on Washington. Running back DeJuan Williams has accumulated 242 rushing yards on just 29 carries, averaging more than eight yards per attempt while scoring three touchdowns. Williams provides Maryland with an explosive option capable of creating opportunities when the offensive line opens running lanes. Establishing a consistent ground game would allow Locksley to utilize play-action passing and prevent Rutgers from concentrating exclusively on Washington.
Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. has emerged as Maryland’s most productive receiving threat this season. Durr has recorded 46 receptions for 476 yards and four touchdowns, providing Washington with a dependable target. His ability to create separation and generate yards after the catch could become particularly valuable against a Rutgers secondary that has surrendered significant production. Maryland must find ways to involve Durr early while creating opportunities for additional receivers to contribute.
Rutgers Looking to Capitalize on Maryland’s Defensive Struggles
Rutgers enters the matchup following a bye week after suffering a 47-15 defeat against Indiana on October 3. Head coach Greg Schiano has watched his team struggle defensively despite traditionally building his program around physical play and disciplined execution. The Scarlet Knights have surrendered 42 points against USC and 47 against Indiana, creating questions about their ability to slow opposing offenses. However, Rutgers has won the previous two meetings against Maryland and understands how to attack the Terrapins.
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan has completed 51 of 92 passes for 775 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Lonergan suffered a head injury against Indiana, but Schiano indicated that he is expected to start Saturday’s matchup. His ability to stretch the field could create problems for a Maryland secondary that has struggled against explosive passing attacks. Rutgers will likely attempt to establish an early offensive rhythm while avoiding the mistakes that contributed to its difficult start.
Wide receiver KJ Duff represents one of Rutgers’ most dangerous offensive weapons. Duff has accumulated 628 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 33 receptions, averaging an impressive 125.6 receiving yards per game. His combination of production and big-play ability presents a significant challenge for Maryland’s defensive backs. Limiting Duff’s explosive receptions must become a priority if the Terrapins hope to control Saturday’s contest.
Running back Antwan Raymond also presents a major concern for Maryland’s defense. Raymond has rushed for 469 yards and four touchdowns on 89 carries this season, averaging 93.8 rushing yards per game. He delivered an outstanding performance against Maryland in 2025, rushing for 240 yards on 41 attempts during Rutgers’ 35-20 victory. The Terrapins cannot afford another defensive performance that allows Raymond to control the game and dominate possession.
Three Keys to a Maryland Victory
Maryland’s first priority must be establishing an effective running game and keeping its offense ahead of the chains. Washington has struggled when opposing defenses force him into predictable passing situations, particularly against stronger Big Ten opponents. Giving Williams more opportunities could create favorable matchups and allow Maryland to maintain possession. A balanced offensive approach would also help protect a defense that has spent too much time defending explosive opposing offenses.
The second priority involves limiting Rutgers’ rushing production, particularly Raymond’s opportunities between the tackles. Maryland struggled to contain Raymond during last season’s meeting, and allowing another dominant performance could quickly shift momentum toward the Scarlet Knights. The Terrapins must improve their tackling and defensive discipline while forcing Rutgers into difficult third-down situations. Winning the battle at the line of scrimmage would significantly improve Maryland’s chances of ending its conference losing streak.
Finally, Maryland must avoid turnovers and costly penalties while taking advantage of its home-field environment. Rutgers ranks among the nation’s best teams in limiting penalty yardage, making disciplined execution particularly important. Maryland cannot afford to give away possessions or provide its opponent with additional scoring opportunities. A strong opening quarter could energize the Homecoming crowd and provide the Terrapins with the confidence they have lacked during their recent defeats.
Recent Maryland-Rutgers Results
- 2025: Rutgers 35, Maryland 20
- 2024: Rutgers 31, Maryland 17
- 2023: Maryland 42, Rutgers 24
- 2022: Maryland 37, Rutgers 0
- 2021: Maryland 40, Rutgers 16
Maryland leads the all-time series 12-9, but Rutgers has won the last two meetings.
Game Prediction: Maryland 31, Rutgers 27
Maryland has struggled against Big Ten opponents, but Saturday presents a more favorable matchup than its recent games against Ohio State and Nebraska. Rutgers possesses enough offensive talent to challenge the Terrapins, particularly through Raymond and Duff, but its defensive weaknesses should provide Washington with opportunities to rebound. Playing at home during Homecoming Weekend gives Maryland another advantage in what could become a high-scoring contest. If the Terrapins establish their running game and avoid costly turnovers, they have a realistic opportunity to end their losing streak.
MSB Take
Maryland desperately needs this victory, and another conference loss would only increase the pressure surrounding Locksley’s program. The Terrapins have enough offensive talent to compete with Rutgers, but inconsistent execution and defensive breakdowns have prevented them from turning promising performances into victories. Washington needs a strong showing to regain confidence, while the defense must demonstrate that it can contain a physical rushing attack. I expect Maryland to respond in front of its home crowd and secure a much-needed 31-27 victory, although the Terrapins will need to play significantly better than they have in recent weeks.
