The University of Maryland began their ’25 season with a 39-7 win over Florida Atlantic.
Before facing Northern Illinois Friday Night, some quick hits on what we saw this past Saturday.
Quick Hits
- I was very pleased that Malik Washington got the start. My thinking had been, that if he was going to be asked to make plays against Big Ten opponents later in the year; you wanted him getting as much as experience as possible in the Out of Conference schedule (Florida Atlantic / AAC, Northern Illinois / MAC, and Towson / CAA FCS). I didn’t anticipate him getting 43 attempts in his first time out, that surprised me. He started slow (3 of his first 11), but then caught fire completing 18 of his next 22 attempts. He moved the ball around, and showed pocket presence and awareness. He went through his progressions. He had a couple of really strong throws. Most encouraging to me, is that the moment wasn’t too big for him, and he didn’t let the slow start spiral.
- One of the reasons Washington had a strong first outing, is that the O-Line in-front of him continuously gave him a clean pocket to work from. Rahtrel Perry, was a transfer from Central Connecticut State. He was a 2024 All NEC 1st Teamer last year. Isaiah Wright was a transfer from Buffalo who started 24 games the last two years. They had a strong day on the left side. Aliou Bah, and Alan Herron both started 12 games last year for MD, and had a strong game on the right side. That was encouraging.
- It’s believed that both QB Justyn Martin and OL Jaylen Gilchrist suffered significant injuries. While you hope Washington is able to start every game, Martin joined MD after 3 years with UCLA. He didn’t play a lot of with Bruins, but he was highly regarded himself out of HS, and came to College Park with multiple years of collegiate development. If Washington were to miss any time, you would have liked having Martin available. While the starting O-Line’s play was encouraging, there never seems to be enough bodies to get through a season. Gilchrist was the 80th recruit Nationally. If he’s out for significant time, you lose having him around for depth, and he also misses out on developing further through practice. The latest report is that both players are undergoing further medical tests. The best to them both.
- Maryland had 112 yards rushing with both DeJuan Williams (54 yards, 5.4 yards per carry) and Nolan Ray (25 yards, 3.1 ypc) showing good burst. I’d like to see MD commit to running the ball. Go with Heavy sets, and give these guys extensive carries. Make teams pull defenders up in the box. Help create an effective play-action game for Washington.
- WR Kaleb Webb was a 4 star transfer from Tennessee. WR Jalil Farooq was a 4 start transfer from Oklahoma and a 2023 Honorable Mention All Big 12. TE Dorian Fleming was a Georgia State transfer, and a 2024 All Sun Belt Conference player. Each of them got involved in Week 1. Fleming in-particular looks poised for a big year.
- Maryland had 14 penalties for 100 yards. The yellow came out a lot on Florida Atlantic’s initial drive, and helped the Owls work down the field. Maryland has some talent on the roster, but the expectations are minimal overall (basically coin flip odds on even making a bowl). Maryland does not have margin for error to be undisciplined against better competition. That has to be cleaned up.
- Special Teams looks like a strength. Bryce McFerson is one of the better punters in the country. Transfer K Sean O’Haire was 3 for 3 on his attempts, including a long from 49. He looked confident. If you can hang around in games, having a reliable kicker can be a difference maker.
- Junior LB Daniel Wingate was all over the field making his presence known. That was an impressive showing. He even had one of Maryland’s 6 picks.
- Freshman Sidney Stewart had a big camp, and that continued with his first collegiate experience. He had a couple of early penalties, but he finished with 3 Tackles For Loss, and a sack. Great to see some immediate production.
- The Secondary had a very nice day. Transfer’s Donte Joyner (pick), and Jamare Glasker had good first games as Terps. Jalen Husky was an All-MAC player in ’23, and had 11 game for MD last year. He looked that much more comfortable this year. Kevyn Humes, the 4 start out of Saint Frances had a big day with 6 solo tackles. Messiah Delhomme had 4 tackles. Maryland has plenty of athletes in the Secondary. If Front 7 can create more pressure this year, the Secondary can have a big year.
- On the D-Line, saw Dillan Fontus flash a few times. Would like to hear Cam Rice and Bryce Jenkins mentioned more against Northern Illinois.
Up Next:
- On Friday night (7:30PM, Big Ten Network) Maryland hosts Northern Illinois. The Huskies beat Holy Cross 19-17 in their opener. Maryland is an 18.5 point favorite, and given a 85.9% chance of winning the game according to ESPN’s Match-up Predictor.
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Chris Stoner
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.