This time, Nebraska took its act on the road. Like last week against Michigan State, the Cornhuskers sprinted out to an early lead, stumbled in the middle two quarters, then rallied in the fourth quarter to capture a Big Ten win. This time, it was a road win at Maryland, 34-31.
The teams stumbled out of the gates, with first Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 B1G), then the Terrapins (4-2, 1-2 B1G), turning the ball over on downs. The Huskers got the ball back at their 36, and Dylan Raiola hit Nyziah Hunter on a middle screen, darting down the field for a 64-yard touchdown to give Nebraska the lead with 7:25 to go in the first quarter. After forcing a three-and-out, the Huskers got the ball back and marched down the field from their 28 to the UM 13. After Nebraska lost two yards on first down, a questionable offensive pass interference call erased what appeared to be a touchdown pass to Dane Key. The drive was further sidetracked with a false start, and on the first play of the second quarter, Kyle Cunanan hit a 43-yard field goal to push the Huskers’ lead to 10-0.
On Maryland’s ensuing drive, the Terrapins converted two third downs before Kyle Ray bolted for a 28-yard touchdown run to get Maryland on the board. Two plays later, Raiola was intercepted by Messiah Delhomme, getting the Terrapins the ball on the Nebraska 33. After Maryland converted a third down, Malik Washington hit Leon Haughton, Jr., for a 21-yard touchdown to give the Terps a 14-10 lead with 8:25 to go until halftime.
Nebraska’s special teams answered immediately, as Kenneth Williams, a walk-on who was put on scholarship immediately after the game, returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to the UM 10. Two plays later, Raiola found Luke Lindenmeyer for a seven-yard touchdown pass to put NU back out front, 17-10 with 7:27 remaining in the second quarter. After the Terrapins started the ensuing drive at their 13, the Huskers forced a three-and-out, then took over at the Maryland 46. Three plays later, Raiola found Hunter for a 12-yard touchdown to push the lead to 24-14. The Terps went three-and-out on their next drive, and the Huskers took over at their 29. Three plays later, Raiola threw his second interception of the day, this time to Jamare Glasker. Maryland minced its way down the field from the 15 to the Nebraska 19 before having to settle for a Sean O’Haire 37-yard field goal to cut the Huskers’ lead to 24-17, which was the halftime score.
The Terrapins got the ball to begin the third quarter and marched 75 yards for a game-tying touchdown, with DeJuan Williams punching the ball in from one yard out. Things went from bad to worse on the ensuing drive. After the Huskers had driven into Maryland territory, Raiola threw his third interception of the day. This time, Dontay Joyner returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, and the Terrapins led 31-24 with 6:40 to go in the third quarter.
Maryland held a seven-point lead going to the fourth quarter. The Terps punted the ball back to Nebraska, downing it at the eight. The Huskers spun their wheels early in the drive, overcoming two penalties to move the ball to their 40. Then Emmett Johnson broke a 50-yard run, putting the ball at the Maryland 10. The drive was sidetracked by a delay of game penalty, and Nebraska had to settle for a 27-yard field goal from Cunanan to cut the Terrapins lead to 31-27 with 7:47 to go in the fourth quarter.
Maryland picked up one first down on its next drive, then punted the ball back to the Huskers with 3:42 to go. Nebraska took over at its 19. Raiola found his touch back, just in time. He hit Lindenmeyer for a 23-yard gain to spark the drive. Two plays later, Raiola connected with Hunter for a 33-yard gain to the UM 20. Johnson ran for four yards on first down, then Raiola hit Heinrich Haarberg for a 13-yard gain to take the ball to the three. After an incomplete pass, Raiola hit Key in the end zone for a touchdown to give the Huskers the lead with 1:11 remaining.
The Terrapins took over at their 25, and Washington found Shaleak Knotts for a 16-yard gain and a first down to its 45. The Blackshirts got to Washington on first down, forcing an intentional grounding penalty. After an incomplete pass, Washington found Knotts for a 20-yard gain. On fourth-and-four, Washington’s pass was broken up by DeShon Singleton and the Huskers took over on downs to kneel out the clock and finish the game.
Raiola was 20-for-29 for 260 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. Johnson rushed for a career high 176 yards on 21 carries. Hunter had a career high 125 receiving yards with two touchdowns on five catches. Javin Wright led Nebraska for the second straight game in tackles with 12. Washington was 27-for-37 for 249 yards and a touchdown. The Huskers outgained the Terps, 453-379. Nebraska won despite allowing Maryland to convert 7-of-15 third downs.
The Huskers now have to return to the road next week, as Nebraska heads to Minnesota Friday at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage begins at 3 p.m. on KLIN and Froggy 98.