Nebraska’s trip into October comes with a lot more confidence than it did a couple of weeks ago, and that shift says plenty about both teams. The Huskers are now a double-digit favorite against Maryland, while the Terrapins are trying to shake off a brutal five-turnover performance in a loss to UCLA.
That kind of meltdown can warp a team’s image in a hurry. One ugly afternoon does not erase everything Maryland has shown, including the ability to score. But it does leave a mess behind, and Nebraska gets the chance to see whether the Terrapins clean it up or carry it right into Memorial Stadium.
The contrast in ball security is hard to ignore. Nebraska has turned it over only once all season, and that came on a deflected pass.
Maryland, meanwhile, is walking into this game after handing the ball away five times. One team has been making life easier for itself.
The other just spent a game doing the opposite.
There’s also more to like about Nebraska’s defense after the Michigan State game. The Huskers finished with six sacks, showed some more creative looks and bailed out the offense when it needed help in the second half.
That kind of complementary football matters. If one side stumbles and the other side slams the door, you can stack wins.
Even so, there’s still a little unfinished business here. Nebraska hasn’t consistently looked sharp right after halftime, and that second-half stretch against Michigan State had a familiar feel of a team still searching for the right adjustment. The defense eventually settled things down, but that window could be a problem against a better opponent.
Still, winning while leaving room to improve beats the alternative. Nebraska has done enough to make people take notice, even if there’s a healthy dose of “Who have they played?”
mixed in with the praise. Jay sees a strong combination in the Huskers’ offensive and defensive rankings, while Bob is keeping the brakes on a bit.
Fair enough. Nebraska’s closest win has still been by 18 points, and beating the teams in front of you by that margin is exactly what you’re supposed to do.
The betting market has also moved fast. The spread went from Nebraska by 12½ to 14½, and the total was eventually listed at 52.
That’s a pretty clear sign that expectations around this team have changed in a hurry. Not long ago, this looked like a game that could cause problems.
Now the question is whether Nebraska wins comfortably enough to cover.
For the Huskers, there’s a bigger marker on the board, too. A win would make them 5-0 and put bowl eligibility one game away.
It’s early October, and that conversation is already happening without anyone needing to chase down a pile of tiebreakers and bad scenarios. That’s progress.
Maryland may bounce back after its ugly loss. Nebraska still has to show how it handles stronger competition. Both can be true, and the Huskers can still be the clear choice here.
The formula is simple: protect the ball, keep pressuring the quarterback and start the second half like you mean it. Do that, and Nebraska should have another comfortable afternoon.
Our prediction: Nebraska 38, Maryland 14.
In Other News...
Nebraska Injury Report Just Raised The Stakes For Maryland
Nebraskas latest availability report brought a little more clarity, and a little more uncertainty, as the Cornhuskers continued sorting through their health ahead of the Maryland matchup. Jamal Rule moved from doubtful to questionable, while Jacory Barney Jr. went from questionable to probable, giving Nebraska a better chance to have more of its roster available when it matters most.
The report also added another layer to the backfield picture, with junior running back Mekhi Nelson listed as questionable after seeing action in the previous game. Several other statuses shifted as well, including some players who remain out for the season, so Nebraska still has some important decisions to monitor before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Suddenly Has A Backfield Concern Fans Didn't See Coming
Nebraskas backfield picture got a little murkier this week heading into the Maryland game, with the injury report listing running back Mekhi Nelson as questionable and Jamal Rule still doubtful. For a team trying to keep momentum in conference play, any uncertainty at running back matters, especially when depth can be tested quickly and game plans often have to adjust on the fly.
At the same time, the program has a notable recruiting moment on deck with 5-star EDGE prospect David Jacobs expected on campus for a visit, a reminder that the staff is still working the long game while sorting out immediate availability issues. It also comes against a busy stretch around the athletic department, with Nebraska volleyball just sweeping Penn State to extend its win streak and give Dani Busboom Kelly her 250th career win. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Can Shake Up More Than Its Own Season This Weekend
Nebraskas trip to Maryland comes at a time when the Cornhuskers are trying to keep their own momentum going, but it also sits in the middle of a bigger national ripple effect. With No. 15 Oregon on a bye before its meeting with No. 23 UCLA, the Ducks will be watching this weekend closely, and the Cornhuskers are part of a slate that could alter how the Pac-12 race and the rankings look when the dust settles.
The attention on Nebraska is broader than one conference result, too, because Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiolas transfer from Nebraska adds another layer to the weekends watch list. Along with Ohio State-Iowa and Alabama-Mississippi State, Nebraska-Maryland is one of the games that could shape future matchups and reshuffle perceptions in a hurry, making the Cornhuskers a surprising part of a much larger conversation. [Read more 🡒]