Photo via Yahoo Sports

Rutgers Opponent Q&A w/ Maryland’s Testudo Times

Maryland’s upcoming clash with Rutgers presents one of the few remaining chances for either team to secure a Big Ten victory this season, as both programs grapple with coaching pressure and a four-game losing streak. On offense, the Terrapins’ tight end unit—led by NFL-caliber prospects Dorian Fleming and Preston Howard—has been their most reliable group despite injuries and inconsistent production.

However, Maryland’s overall depth has been exposed by a wave of season-ending injuries, leaving question marks about their ability to sustain momentum against a Scarlet Knights team that has shown flashes of competitiveness.

Defensively, Maryland’s edge-rushers stand out as their bright spot, with defensive end Sidney Stewart anchoring the unit and forcing double-teams while still making an impact on quarterbacks. Freshman Zahir Mathis, a 2025 Big Ten first-team selection, remains sidelined, but Stewart’s opposite numbers—including five-star rookie Zion Elee and sophomores DD Holmes and Nahsir Taylor—have stepped up to form a formidable four-man rotation.

The interior defensive line has also improved, though the Terps may struggle to contain Rutgers’ dynamic running back Antwan Raymond, who could exploit gaps in their run defense. Malik Washington, Maryland’s star quarterback, has yet to fully translate his raw talent into consistent sophomore-year progress, adding another layer of uncertainty ahead of the matchup.

Up nextCollege Football· 1h ago

Biggest 24-team College Football Playoff issue no one is talking about