Big Ten Opening Win
Nebraska Defeats Maryland 48-23 to Open Big Ten Play With Win
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Key Points
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McDougle’s 81-yard pick-six was his first interception as a Husker and Nebraska’s longest interception-return touchdown since Bo Ruud’s 93-yard score in 2007.
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Before the game, Nebraska ranked first in the Big Ten in yards allowed and sacks, fifth in total yards per game and second in rushing yards. Freshman running back Jamal Rule was listed as doubtful, while Mekhi Nelson was questionable.
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Nebraska entered the matchup with a 3-1 all-time record against Maryland; the previous season’s game was a three-point Husker win on the road.
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Before the Maryland game, Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said the offense had no single “true go-to guy” and praised its ability to spread the ball among receivers. Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer said the team could not assume one week’s success would carry over to the next.
Nebraska crushed Maryland 48-23 at Memorial Stadium, opening Big Ten play with a dominant performance 247sports. The victory marked the Huskers' first 1-0 start in conference play since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with defensive standout Dwayne McDougle III returning an interception 81 yards for a touchdown to seal the game.
The win followed Nebraska's 31-13 victory over Michigan State and came as Maryland struggled under renewed pressure on coach Michael Locksley 247sports. Running back Mekhi Nelson scored twice, while the Huskers' defense forced multiple turnovers to control the matchup from start to finish.
McDougle's Pick-Six Shifts Momentum
Dwayne McDougle III's 81-yard interception return for a touchdown proved to be the turning point in Nebraska's win winnipegfreepress. It was McDougle's first interception as a Husker and Nebraska's longest pick-six since Bo Ruud's 93-yard score back in 2007. The play energized the defense and put Maryland in an unrecoverable hole.
Beyond McDougle's heroics, Nebraska's defense dominated throughout. Kade Pietrzak added another interception, while Jeremiah Charles blocked a punt to pile on the pressure. michigansthumb reported the game was marked by numerous penalties as both teams battled in a chippy contest.
Nebraska's Defense Ranks Among Big Ten's Best
Heading into the Maryland matchup, Nebraska ranked first in the Big Ten in yards allowed and led the conference in sacks. The Huskers also ranked fifth in total yards per game and second in rushing yards per contest. This defensive prowess showed up immediately, with the unit forcing multiple turnovers and limiting Maryland's offensive opportunities.
The dominant defensive display was especially impressive given some pre-game injury concerns. Freshman running back Jamal Rule was listed as doubtful, while Mekhi Nelson carried a questionable tag into the game. Nelson played through his status to score twice, demonstrating Nebraska's depth and resilience.
Maryland's Third Straight Loss Intensifies Locksley Questions
Maryland's 48-23 defeat marked the team's third consecutive loss under coach Michael Locksley 247sports. The loss came just days after the Terrapins suffered a brutal 54-3 thrashing at UCLA, which sparked calls from some fans for Locksley's removal. Maryland showed early signs of life but could not maintain momentum against Nebraska's relentless defense.
The Maryland offense struggled to establish consistency, unable to overcome Nebraska's turnover-forcing schemes. Quarterback Malik Washington threw multiple interceptions, including McDougle's pick-six that essentially ended the contest as a competitive game. The performance left Locksley facing mounting pressure as the season progresses.
Offensive Spread Approach Pays Off for Huskers
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen praised Nebraska's ability to distribute the ball before the game, noting the offense had no single "true go-to guy" 247sports. This balanced approach worked well, with multiple receivers contributing to the attack. Luke Lindenmeyer caught his first touchdown of the season as part of the offensive effort.
Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer echoed themes of consistency, warning that the team could not assume one week's success would carry over to the next 247sports. Mekhi Nelson's two touchdowns highlighted the ground game's effectiveness. The Huskers' 3-1 all-time record against Maryland improved to 4-1 with this convincing road victory.
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