Inside the Numbers: Maryland Football Extends P4 Losing Streak To Ten

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Perhaps a new low for the Mike Locksley era in College Park occurred on Saturday as Maryland dropped their Big Ten opener to UCLA 54-3. In what was one of the more uninspiring performances for the Terrapins over the last 8 years, the team was dominated in every facet of the game. This marks two weeks in a row that a first-year head coach came into SECU Stadium and beat Maryland. More of the same showed up that have been problems for Maryland including the run game on both sides, early deficits, and the inability to stop explosive plays. As we have taken a look at the stats after each game, there is not too much to derive from this contest. We will take a look at some big picture stats as questions at the top begin to swirl.

Maryland Has Averaged 4.05 YPC in 10 Game Power 4 Losing Streak

A continuous problem for Maryland over the last few years has been the inability to establish the run game. It has become a consistent theme to the the SECU scoreboard read Maryland having under 100 yards in the run game when the clock hit zeroes or to see sub 30 yards at halftime. This continued Saturday with Maryland having -1 yards rushing at the half and finished with a measly 39 yards. The Achilles heel to the offense has been the rushing attack as Maryland has not been able to control the clock and is one dimensional for opposing defenses. Over the 10-game Power 4 losing streak, Maryland has failed to reach over 75 yards rushing 7 times. Maryland found rare success on the ground at Rutgers last season, exploding for 305 rushing yards in a losing effort. Not counting this game as the outlier, Maryland has averaged 3.13 yards per carry since their last conference win.

Even in games where Marylnad had leads such as Washington last season, the inability to create first downs whilst running the clock was a key factor in a blown lead. With emphasis placed on improving the running attack in the offseason, early returns are the same old for this group.

Maryland Has Not Held A Halftime Lead Against Power 4 Opponent Since Week 5 of Last Season

Another issue over the recent spell of power 4 games for Maryland have been the slow starts. This has been the case over the last few games at SECU Stadium. Last week Maryland was down 13-0 before running their 6th offensive play and this week were down 20-0 within an 8.5 minute span in the second quarter. The deficits have not been kind to the Terps in the last two games with the odds of a comeback being low seemingly sucking the air out of the stadium. This has been a problem throughout Maryland’s 10-game losing streak versus power 4 opponents, with Maryland failing to hold a halftime lead in the last 9 of these games. The average halftime deficit for Maryland is 10.88 points over these last 9 games. In the last three power 4 games, Maryland has conceded 20, 13, and 17 points before scoring any points of their own to start the game.

These slow starts have reflected poorly on the preparedness of the team. Maryland has obviously yet to make a comeback from any of these early deficits and the chasing nature of the game flow has not helped the offense reach their potential. With the aforementioned lack of a running game, the deficits have made Maryland’s offense very predictable for defenses and that reared its ugly head this Saturday with two pick sixes in the third quarter. A rare halftime lead for Maryland could be the proper change of pace for a Maryland game plan.

Maryland Continues to Concede Explosive Plays

Another consistent weakness in the Maryland armour has been the opposing offenses picking up large chunk plays. Head Coach Mike Locksley routinely brings up the idea of the “explosive play” and how Maryland always looks to win this battle. Maryland has lost this battle against power 4 opponents this year with UCLA securing multiple plays of over 35 yards. It began with Wayne Knight running for a 45 yard touchdown score on a 4th down. Once the wheels fell off in the fourth quarter, UCLA added an 83-yard touchdown pass and a 63-yard touchdown run. This is after Virginia Tech converted a 49-yard swing pass touchdown with Jeffery Overton last Saturday. The main culprit for these plays is the lack of tackling and discipline from the defense.

For as much as these chunk plays have killed Maryland, they have not been able to match them on the offensive side of the ball. In the 10-game Power 4 losing streak, Maryland has not won the ‘explosive play’ battle all but one time (last week vs. Virginia Tech thanks to a tipped ball pass to Na’eem Gladding). The emphasis of explosive plays by the coaching staff has been evident, but similar to the running game chatter, results have not followed.

Conclusion

Overall, things have not changed thus far for Maryland in 2026. The same issues have spouted up again and the clock is near zero for patience from the fanbase for this regime. There may not be many if any chances remaining for the current coaching staff to change the narrative, and if by some chance there is; the results are the results.

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