College Sports Maryland Terrapins

Maryland vs. Purdue Football Preview: Terrapins Look to End Big Ten Skid

By Brian Hradsky November 6, 2026

Maryland vs. Purdue Football Preview: Terrapins Look to End Big Ten Skid

By Brian Hradsky

The Maryland Terrapins travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, on Saturday, November 7, looking to end their Big Ten losing streak against the Purdue Boilermakers. Maryland enters the matchup with a 2-6 overall record and an 0-5 mark in conference play, while Purdue stands at 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Eastern at Ross-Ade Stadium, with television coverage on Big Ten Network. The matchup presents Maryland with an opportunity to earn its first conference victory of the 2026 season.

For Maryland, Saturday represents an opportunity to build on an encouraging performance against Illinois despite another heartbreaking defeat. The Terrapins have lost six consecutive games this season and 13 straight Big Ten contests dating back to last year. However, the program has shown signs of improved discipline and execution under interim head coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. A victory over Purdue would provide a much-needed breakthrough during a difficult season of transition.

Maryland Showing Improvement Under Abdul-Rahim

Maryland nearly pulled off an important victory against Illinois on October 31 before falling 20-17 on a field goal as time expired. Although the final result extended the losing streak, the Terrapins played a more disciplined game than they had in several previous outings. Maryland committed just one penalty for five yards, demonstrating a noticeable improvement in attention to detail. The performance offered evidence that the coaching staff’s message is beginning to reach the players.

Abdul-Rahim assumed interim coaching responsibilities following Mike Locksley’s departure in October, inheriting a team struggling to find consistency. His immediate challenge has been restoring confidence while reducing the mistakes that have contributed to Maryland’s disappointing record. Against Illinois, the Terrapins remained competitive throughout the afternoon and gave themselves an opportunity to win. Saturday’s matchup will test whether those improvements can translate into a complete four-quarter performance.

Malik Washington Must Lead Maryland’s Offense

Quarterback Malik Washington remains one of the most important players in Maryland’s effort to finish the season competitively. Against Illinois, Washington completed 19 of 29 passes for 190 yards and threw one interception. The young quarterback has experienced an uneven season, but his development remains central to the Terrapins’ offensive future. Maryland needs him to make efficient decisions, protect the football and capitalize on scoring opportunities against Purdue.

Washington will face a Purdue defense that has shown vulnerability throughout the season, creating opportunities for Maryland to establish a more consistent passing attack. The Terrapins must avoid putting their quarterback in difficult third-and-long situations that allow Purdue to pressure the pocket. Establishing a productive running game would help Washington operate with more manageable down-and-distance situations. Maryland’s offensive success will depend on finding balance rather than asking its quarterback to carry the entire attack.

DeJuan Williams Could Be a Difference-Maker

Running back DeJuan Williams offers Maryland versatility because of his ability to contribute both on the ground and as a receiver. According to Maryland Athletics, Williams is among just eight FBS running backs with at least 55 receptions since the beginning of the 2025 season. His receiving ability provides Washington with a dependable option underneath coverage and creates opportunities for yards after the catch. Getting Williams involved early could help Maryland sustain drives and keep Purdue’s defense guessing.

Maryland should emphasize getting the football into Williams’ hands in space, particularly on screens, checkdowns and designed passing plays. Those opportunities can function as extensions of the running game while reducing the pressure on Washington. Williams also provides the offense with a way to attack linebackers who struggle in pass coverage. His effectiveness could become particularly important if Maryland’s offensive line has difficulty establishing traditional rushing lanes.

Chris Durr Jr. Emerging as Maryland’s Top Receiving Threat

Wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. has become one of the brightest spots in Maryland’s offense this season. Through eight games, Durr has recorded 58 receptions, ranking third in the Big Ten and averaging 7.25 catches per contest. He has produced four 100-yard receiving performances and needs just one more to tie Maryland’s single-season school record. His consistency gives Washington a dangerous target capable of moving the chains and generating explosive plays.

Tight end Dorian Fleming also provides Maryland with a reliable receiving option, having caught at least one pass in 17 consecutive games. Fleming surpassed 1,000 career receiving yards earlier this season and offers another dependable option in the middle of the field. Purdue must account for both receivers while also defending Williams out of the backfield. If Washington distributes the football efficiently, Maryland has enough offensive talent to challenge the Boilermakers.

Purdue Looking to Rebound After Consecutive Defeats

Purdue enters Saturday’s matchup hoping to reverse its own recent struggles after losses to Washington and Penn State. The Boilermakers fell 31-17 to Penn State last weekend, struggling to sustain offensive production against the Nittany Lions. Quarterback Ryan Browne completed just 10 of 29 passes for 142 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The performance exposed weaknesses Maryland’s defense will attempt to exploit.

Despite those struggles, Purdue has made progress under second-year head coach Barry Odom. The Boilermakers defeated Illinois 24-17 earlier this season before delivering an impressive 41-13 victory over Minnesota. Those wins demonstrated Purdue’s ability to compete effectively when its running game and defense perform together. Maryland must prepare for a team that has already demonstrated it can win Big Ten games.

Stopping Fame Ijeboi Will Be Critical

Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi presents a significant challenge for Maryland’s defense. Ijeboi has rushed for 588 yards and nine touchdowns on 141 carries this season, establishing himself as one of Purdue’s primary offensive weapons. Against Minnesota, he produced 195 rushing yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to take over a game. However, his production has declined sharply in Purdue’s past two contests.

Maryland should emphasize stopping Ijeboi early and forcing Purdue into predictable passing situations. Browne has demonstrated the ability to move the football through the air, but his two interceptions against Penn State suggest that pressure can create opportunities for opposing defenses. Limiting Purdue’s rushing attack would allow Maryland to become more aggressive with its defensive coverage and pass rush. Winning the battle at the line of scrimmage could determine whether the Terrapins remain competitive throughout the afternoon.

Maryland’s Defense Has Created Turnovers

One encouraging development for Maryland has been its ability to force turnovers despite the team’s losing record. The Terrapins have recorded an interception in four consecutive games, the longest active streak in the Big Ten entering this matchup. Defensive back Messiah Delhomme collected his third interception of the season against Illinois, while freshman Zion Elee has forced three fumbles this year. Maryland is also the only Big Ten program to force a takeaway in every conference game it has played this season.

Those numbers suggest Maryland’s defense possesses enough playmaking ability to influence Saturday’s outcome. Defensive back Lavain Scruggs recorded a season-high 10 tackles against Illinois and will be another important contributor. However, forcing turnovers only matters if the offense capitalizes on the additional possessions. Maryland needs its defense and offense to complement one another rather than relying on individual performances.

Injuries Could Influence Saturday’s Matchup

Maryland faces several injury concerns entering the game, particularly at running back and on defense. The November 5 availability report listed DJ Samuels, Harry Dalton III, Josiah Teasley, Trevor Szymanski and Zahir Mathis as out. Linebacker Darius Grimes and tight end Javonte Williams were listed as doubtful, while several other players carried questionable designations. Purdue also has multiple unavailable players, including defensive lineman Rodney Lora.

These absences could affect both teams’ depth and ability to maintain consistency throughout the contest. Maryland’s running back injuries place additional importance on DeJuan Williams, while defensive absences could complicate the effort to contain Ijeboi. The Terrapins must avoid allowing personnel limitations to become an excuse for missed assignments or poor tackling. Updated availability information before kickoff will help clarify each team’s options.

Maryland vs. Purdue: Keys to Victory

Maryland’s first priority must be protecting the football and avoiding costly mistakes. The Terrapins showed against Illinois that they can remain competitive when they limit penalties and execute their assignments. Washington must avoid forcing throws into coverage, especially when Purdue generates pressure. A balanced offensive approach featuring Williams, Durr and Fleming would give Maryland its best chance to sustain drives.

Defensively, the Terrapins must prevent Purdue from controlling the game with its rushing attack. Stopping Ijeboi on early downs would create more opportunities to pressure Browne and potentially extend Maryland’s interception streak. Maryland also needs stronger execution in the red zone and must capitalize on any turnovers it creates. Special teams and field position could become decisive if the game remains close entering the fourth quarter.

Brian’s Take: Maryland Has a Real Opportunity

Maryland’s record does not fully reflect the competitiveness the team displayed against Illinois last weekend. The Terrapins played with improved discipline, demonstrated defensive playmaking ability and nearly defeated a conference opponent despite considerable adversity. Purdue represents a more manageable challenge than several of Maryland’s recent opponents, although the Boilermakers have already shown they can defeat Big Ten competition. Saturday presents an opportunity for Abdul-Rahim to earn a meaningful victory and give the program something positive to build upon.

The biggest concern remains Maryland’s ability to finish games. Competitive performances mean little if the Terrapins cannot convert opportunities into points and protect leads in critical moments. Washington, Williams and Durr provide enough offensive talent to keep Maryland competitive, while the defense has demonstrated it can generate turnovers. If Maryland plays with the same discipline it showed against Illinois and improves its offensive execution, an upset is realistic.

MSB Prediction: Purdue 30, Maryland 27.

I expect Maryland to remain competitive and have opportunities to win in the fourth quarter. Purdue’s home-field advantage and demonstrated ability to run the football give the Boilermakers a slight edge. However, Maryland’s improving discipline and turnover production could easily change that outcome. For the Terrapins, Saturday is about more than ending a losing streak; it is an opportunity to demonstrate that the program is moving in the right direction.

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