What's Happening?
Northern Illinois is gearing up for a challenging matchup against Maryland in Week 2 of the college football season. Last year, Northern Illinois made headlines by defeating Notre Dame, a team that later reached the national title game. This year, they aim to replicate their upset success against Maryland, a Big Ten opponent. Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock views the game as an opportunity for the team to improve from their previous performance, where they narrowly defeated Holy Cross 19-17. Maryland, on the other hand, showcased a strong start with a 39-7 victory over Florida Atlantic, led by freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who impressed with 258 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Why It's Important?
The game holds significance for both teams as Northern Illinois seeks to prove their capability to compete against higher-ranked opponents, while Maryland aims to build momentum after a disappointing 4-8 season last year. A victory for Northern Illinois could bolster their reputation and confidence, while Maryland looks to capitalize on their promising start and the potential of their new quarterback, Malik Washington. The outcome could influence the perception of both teams within their respective conferences and impact their season trajectories.
What's Next?
Northern Illinois will need to rely on their rushing attack, which was effective against Holy Cross, and adapt to the changes in their lineup due to player transfers. Maryland will focus on maintaining their offensive momentum and leveraging Washington's skills to secure another win. The game will be a test of Northern Illinois's ability to perform under pressure and Maryland's capacity to sustain their early success.
