Preview: Maryland football set for first road game, early season test vs. UConn
Maryland (1-0, 0-0 B1G) at UConn (1-0)
When: Saturday, September 12 | 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
Watch: CBS Sports Network — Jordan Kent, Ben DiNucci and Doug Pederson
Listen: 105.7 FM (Balt) / 980 AM (DC) - Johnny Holliday, Steve Suter
After kicking off the 2026 regular season, the next phase of the season materializes this weekend when Maryland football tests its gameday operations on the road for the first time. Maryland is set to face UConn for the fifth time ever as they lead the series 3-1 with the most recent meeting ending in a 50-7 win in College Park as Tai Felton posted 178 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches. But a lot has changed between then and now, and after a 62-0 week one win showed several highs and lows, week two has a chance to show more.
Balanced offense
Ironically after an offseason with confidence in the passing game and questions in the run game, week two offers a somewhat different script. Saturday will offer the running back room a chance to maintain the momentum generated from the 365 yards and six touchdowns amassed vs. Hampton as offensive coordinator Clint Trickett proves it wasn’t a fluke performance.
The passing game is where the area of growth is there. Quarterback Malik Washington completed 61% of his passes – just below his freshman year average – while throwing for 186 yards. Yet the missed opportunities surfaced through the first half into the second half, though some of those stemmed from the four drops by wide receiver Kaleb Webb. Washington also missed a touchdown to WR Chris Durr on a miscommunication, though the two also connected on a risky fourth down completion to keep the drive alive and eventually score a TD prior to halftime. Yet Washington and the passing game looked uncomfortable and out of sync in week one, making week two a ‘get right’ opportunity ahead of arguably the biggest game in College Park since the 2010 home game vs. Florida State.
Control the trenches
Maryland’s defensive line is set to face a UConn OL averaging 6-foot-4, 302 pounds – a good test for the veteran and improved depth at DC Ted Monachino’s disposal. Maryland’s depth largely remains with Armon Parker and Delmar White among the early season inactives (full injury report revealed starting week four), which will loom large on Saturday.
The other side of the line is where Maryland has an advantage, though the size advantage also helps an offensive line that didn’t allow a sack while producing positive yards on 73 of 78 plays. UConn will likely have veteran DT Esean Carter available for his UConn debut on Saturday, though how much he’s able to play after missing several weeks of practice is a question. Yet he will pose a question for the interior offensive line to address when he is on the field.
Limit UConn QB
Toledo transfer Kalieb Osborne won out in the offseason QB competition and proved himself as an athlete for the Huskies offense in week one. After throwing for 265 yards, completing over 73% of his passes, accounting for four touchdowns and running for another 90 yards, Osborne should have the Terps’ defense full attention.
Week one showed signs of optimism on defense with multiple pieces within the front seven capable of generating pressure, coupled with a productive outing from DD Holmes and signs of optimism from Zion Elee in his debut, as the defense turned three turnovers into 17 points.
Maryland has the pieces, talent and depth to overpower UConn’s offense over a 60 minute stretch, but the question they will be tasked with answering is limiting the big plays from Osborne. This will be a test for the front seven where gap integrity looms large in the first true test against a dual threat quarterback.
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