True freshman quarterback Malik Washington was largely undaunted Saturday, putting up 258 passing yards and three touchdowns in Maryland football’s season-opening win against Florida Atlantic.
But heading into this week’s clash with Northern Illinois, Washington thinks his performance could take a leap.
“Wasn’t the start that I wanted, but we finished up pretty strong and there’s always room for improvement,” Washington said Tuesday.
Like the Terps, the Huskies captured a victory last weekend, taking
down Holy Cross, 19-17. In the college football universe, however, Northern Illinois is perhaps most notable for having taken down eventual national champion runner-up Notre Dame in Week 2 last season, 16-14.
Northern Illinois will come to College Park Friday hoping to spoil Maryland’s Week 2 in similar fashion. The contest will begin at 7:30 p.m. and air on Big Ten Network.
Northern Illinois Huskies (1-0, 0-0 Mid-American Conference)
2024 record: 8-5, 4-4 Mid-American Conference
Now in his seventh season as head coach of the Huskies, Thomas Hammock captured the MAC’s first-ever victory over a top-five team last season by defeating the Irish. But he’s accomplished far more than that singular victory: Hammock has led Northern Illinois to two bowl wins and is already tied for the third-most career wins as Huskies head coach.
Hammock spent time on the Huskies staff in the 2005-06 seasons as an assistant coach before making stops in Minnesota and Wisconsin as an assistant, primarily working with running backs. He most recently served as the running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-18.
Players to watch
Chavon Wright, redshirt senior running back, No. 10 — Wright was the definition of a bell-cow back for Division II Charleston from 2022-24. In 2024, he led all of Division II with a staggering 2,233 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns. Those 38 touchdowns were more than just a record that year; it set a single-season Division II record. He finished second in Harlon Hill Trophy voting, given to the Division II National Player of the Year.
Quinn Urwiler, redshirt senior linebacker, No. 32 — Urwiler played in every game last season for Northern Illinois, making 32 tackles (16 solo). He’s already seen an increase in production this year, as he racked up five tackles and 0.5 sacks in the Huskies’ season-opener. Look for the former North Dakota transfer to be flying around the middle of the field Friday.
Marc Pretto, redshirt junior linebacker, No. 23 — Pretto was the highest-graded player on Northern Illinois’ defense last week by Pro Football Focus with an 88.4 mark. He was also ranked highly in the run defense category, posting an 85.4 grade. Pretto played five games last year for the Huskies after returning from injury. Prior to his time at Northern Illinois, he spent two seasons at Fordham, earning third-team All-Patriot League honors.
DeAree Rogers, junior wide receiver, No. 6 — Rogers paced the Huskies in receiving yards last week, reeling in seven catches for 73 yards. He also had a 22-yard rush against Holy Cross. In eight games last season, Rogers racked up 37 catches for 416 yards and four touchdowns. In 2023, he was named a first team All-American as a return specialist, while also catching a team-high 53 passes for 690 yards.
Strength
Defensive pressure. The Huskies had the most sacks in the Mid-American Conference last season with 36. Two players scored a PFF pass rush grade of over 70 against Holy Cross. If Northern Illinois can replicate some of its success from last year in terms of quarterback pressure, the Terps’ offensive line will be tested.
Weakness
Quarterback play. Northern Illinois’s starting quarterback, Josh Holtz, completed 12 0f just 18 passes for 101 yards and an interception against Holy Cross. The fact that that statline was produced against FCS competition doesn’t bode well for the Huskies against the Terps. Northern Illinois did not have a potent air attack last season, either, as Holtz and backup Ethan Hampton both ranked in the bottom three in the conference in passing yards.
Three things to watch
1. Malik’s momentum. Head coach Michael Locksley alluded Tuesday that fans should see Washington get better from Week 1 to Week 2. While the eyes were certainly on Washington in his debut last Saturday, the scrutiny and hype surrounding the young prospect will only intensify as he progresses throughout the season, and definitely under the Friday night lights of SECU Stadium.
2. Will Michael Harris see more time? Junior linebacker Michael Harris seemed poised to step into a major role with the Terps this season, but saw just five snaps Saturday, according to PFF. Whether or not his role continues to dwindle will be something to monitor, as somebody will need to shoulder the linebacker snaps alongside Daniel Wingate.
3. Will a pass catcher emerge? Maryland spread the ball around well Saturday, with 10 different receivers recording a reception. It will be interesting to see if Washington settles in on a clear favorite target Friday or if the receiver snap counts alter at all in Week 2.
