Malik Washington, WRs lift Maryland football to 38-14 win at UConn

5 hours ago

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Updated: 3 hours ago

Sophomore Malik Washington raised questions last week. The quarterback looked uncomfortable for much of the first half against Hampton and missed normally routine throws. Coach Michael Locksley said it was a matter of Washington getting settled in, which he eventually did shortly before halftime.

Week two offered exactly that as Washington got comfortable much quicker versus UConn.

Behind Washington’s brilliant performance and a sharpening connection with his new receivers, the Terps (2-0) defeated UConn 38-14 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Conn. Maryland outgained the Huskies 475-223 in total yardage.

“As I told them, this would kind of be an audit for us. It would tell us a lot about ourselves,” Locksley said. “I felt like we did a good job of taking care of business.”

Despite a productive day, the Terps’ offense looked slightly out of sync early. The absence of its most impactful offensive player in week one likely played a part in that.

DeJuan Williams was inactive against UConn and will reportedly miss four to six weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery, Steve Suter said on Maryland Sports Radio Network. Williams only played the first half last Saturday before leaving the game. After the game, Williams said he felt clicking in his knee.

Losing Williams seemed to sap Maryland’s ability to create explosive plays at first. Until Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding broke loose in the first quarter.

Gladding ran a smooth crossing route to get open, then turned upfield and darted 60 yards for Maryland’s first touchdown. The reception was the longest of Gladding’s career and allowed him to flash some exciting after-the-catch ability.

Gladding developing into a reliable big-play threat would add an exciting dimension to Maryland’s offense. The Terps’ other scoring drives highlighted other layers in the offense.

While Maryland never recaptured the explosiveness Williams showcased against Hampton, the Terps’ running backs were steady versus the Huskies.

“Obviously not having DeJuan Williams today, we leaned on Malik a little bit more,” Locksley said. “But I was really happy with the way the two young guys ran the ball.”

USC transfer Harry Dalton III rushed for 24 yards on four carries and Iverson Howard punched in a four-yard touchdown on a drive to give the Terps a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.

Washington set up the score with his best throw this season.

The sophomore lofted a pass over two defenders, placing the ball where only wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. could haul it in — and the Wyoming transfer did. Durr made a one-handed snag for a 24-yard gain and one of the highlights of Maryland’s season so far.

That throw was one instance of Washington looking much sharper than he did last week. Washington orchestrated some of Maryland’s cleanest offensive drives this season, en route to completing 34-of-41 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

His connection with the Terps’ two transfer receivers was especially prolific. Gladding and Durr combined for 18 catches, 233 yards and two touchdowns, powering one of the most productive outings of Washington’s collegiate career. The duo became the first Maryland teammates to eclipse 100 receiving yards in the same game since Tai Felton and Jeshaun Jones did so against Indiana in Sept. 2023. Gladding's eight catches also tied his career-high while his game-high 130 receiving yards also notched a new high.

“[The receivers are] super electric. I’m glad the world finally gets to see the ability they’re blessed with,” Washington said.

Washington’s 347 yards are the second-most of his career, trailing only his 459 against Michigan State last season. His 82.9% completion percentage ranks tenth-best in program history, while his 34 completions are tied with Danny O'Brien and Scott Milanovich for eighth-most in program history.

“Something we kind of emphasized all week — just staying in rhythm, staying on schedule,” Washington said.

Another one of Maryland’s young stars also made his impact felt.

In the closing minutes of the first quarter, former five-star edge rusher Zion Elee darted past UConn’s left tackle and sacked a blindsided Kalieb Osborne, who fumbled after the hit. Redshirt sophomore DD Holmes recovered the fumble, securing the first sack and highlight for Elee’s budding career.

Though that play marked Elee’s first sack, the freshman has been as advertised so far. He helped create a sack against Hampton and Locksley lauded the linebacker for his play against the run.

Elee’s sack was one of five that Maryland’s front seven tallied against the Huskies. The Terps also held UConn to 67 rushing yards.

Washington and Elee’s continued improvements will be two of Maryland’s most important storylines this season.

Yet Maryland took a 17-7 lead into halftime after the offense stalled at the goal line, leading Sean O'Haire to chip in a 19 yard field goal in the closing seconds. Yet it marked a string of 24 unanswered points as Maryland took complete control by the third quarter.

UConn trimmed the deficit to ten after Maryland cornerback Jamare Glasker was beat, leading to a 39 yard touchdown with five minutes left in the third quarter, but Maryland answered back on the ensuing drive after Harry Dalton punched in a two yard touchdown. Dalton had to shoulder a bigger load in the second half after Howard departed the game after punching in a one yard rushing touchdown. Though he put his helmet back on, did not return for the final 23:42.

Durr closed out the game with his first career touchdown at Maryland to put the finishing touches on a 38-14 win.

Maryland will now return to College Park to host Virginia Tech next Saturday, Sept. 19 for a 7:30 PM kickoff.

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