In a Friday night showdown at SECU Stadium, the Northwestern Wildcats surged past the Maryland Terrapins with a 37-10 victory, improving their season record to 3-3 and capturing their first conference win (1-2) of the 2024 season. Meanwhile, the Terrapins dropped to 3-3 overall and remain winless in Big Ten play at 0-3.
Early Momentum Sets the Tone
Northwestern wasted little time making their mark on the game, capitalizing on their first scoring drive with a 9-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jack Lausch. The Wildcats’ opening score came after a methodical 7-play, 62-yard drive, putting Northwestern up 7-0 with 8:03 left in the first quarter. Maryland’s offense, on the other hand, struggled early, managing only a few short gains before being forced to punt on their opening drive.
The second quarter saw Northwestern extend their lead, largely due to their efficient rushing attack. Cam Porter found the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown run to cap a 92-yard drive that lasted over six minutes. A 43-yard field goal by kicker Luke Akers extended Northwestern’s lead to 17-0 midway through the quarter.
Maryland’s Lone Bright Spot
Despite struggling to gain traction, Maryland managed to find the end zone before halftime. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. led a 90-yard drive that was capped off with a 1-yard touchdown run by Edwards himself, reducing the deficit to 17-7. Edwards Jr. completed 28 of 51 passes for 296 yards but failed to throw a touchdown and was intercepted once by Northwestern’s defense. Maryland’s offense, despite putting up more total yards (355 to Northwestern’s 283), struggled to convert on crucial downs and protect the ball.
In the fourth quarter, Maryland managed a 31-yard field goal from kicker Jack Howes, making it a 17-10 game. That would be as close as the Terrapins would get, however, as the Wildcats quickly responded and pulled away.
Wildcats Seal the Victory
Northwestern’s defense played a pivotal role in maintaining the lead. Early in the fourth quarter, linebacker Aidan Hubbard scooped up a Maryland fumble and returned it 2 yards for a defensive touchdown, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 24-10. This defensive score marked a turning point in the game, deflating any hopes of a Maryland comeback.
Akers continued his strong night, adding two more field goals in the fourth quarter, from 38 yards each, further solidifying the Wildcats’ control. With 4:30 remaining, running back Jake Arthurs put the game out of reach with a 9-yard touchdown run, bringing the final score to 37-10.
Dominant Defensive Effort
The Northwestern defense was the star of the night, forcing three Maryland turnovers (two fumbles and one interception). Despite Maryland’s 355 total yards of offense, Northwestern’s defense consistently pressured Edwards Jr., sacking him three times and recording nine tackles for loss. Linebacker Mac Uihlein led the charge with 13 total tackles and a forced fumble, while Damon Walters added an interception.
Maryland’s inability to convert on third and fourth downs, along with their turnover issues, spelled disaster for the Terrapins. They finished just 6-for-15 on third-down conversions and failed on three of their four fourth-down attempts.
Offensive Efficiency
Although Northwestern’s offense didn’t produce eye-popping numbers, they were efficient when it mattered. Lausch finished the night completing 10 of 18 passes for 203 yards, with his longest pass of the night being a 55-yard completion to wide receiver Bryce Kirtz. Kirtz led all receivers with 123 yards on just three catches, including the game’s longest play from scrimmage.
The Wildcats’ running game, though not dominant, was steady enough to keep the Maryland defense off balance. Porter finished with 23 yards and a touchdown, while Lausch contributed 24 yards on the ground, including his early rushing score.
Final Score: Northwestern 37, Maryland 10.
By Adrian Beecher
