Game Thread: UConn football vs. Maryland | 3:30 p.m., CBSSN
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The UConn Huskies (1-0) will host the Maryland Terrapins (1-0) in Week 2 of the college football season at Rentschler Field on Saturday, kicking off at 3:30 p.m.
Get ready for the game with our matchup preview and a review of last week!
Matchup Preview & Keys to the Game
Matchup Notes
Maryland is projected to win (73.6%) and is a 12-point favorite. They had no trouble beating UConn in their last meeting, a 50-7 rout in College Park in 2024. Of course, a lot has changed since then for both teams. The Huskies have a new head coach and staff, and neither team has many players from two seasons ago.
The Terps posted eight wins in 2022 and 2023, but followed that up with two bad years. Maryland finished 2024 with a 4-8 record and then went 4-8 again last year after starting 4-0 and losing eight straight. Head coach Mike Locksley returns for his eighth season at the helm, but is very much on the hot seat.
They’ve kept QB Malik Washington, who had a solid run as a true freshman starter last year, and some of the highest year-over-year retention in the country. Their rushing attack should be strong, but they’re working through a lot of new pieces at receiver and offensive line. On defense, a unit that has been among the top 50 over the last three seasons returns most of its key contributors.
For UConn, a big win over FCS Lafayette has eased any concerns about the transition into new leadership. The Huskies have a chance to make a statement now as they host a power conference team as double-digit underdogs. They face a big step up in competition this week, but Maryland is far from a powerful team, even though it sits in a power conference. Still, this may be the most talented team UConn meets all year.
Scouting Maryland Football
The Terrapins shut out the Hampton Pirates in Week 1, 62-0. Quarterback Malik Washington completed 19 of 31 (61.3%) passes for 186 yards and connected with Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding for a touchdown. The transfer WR from Old Dominion tallied six receptions and a team-high 57 yards.
“They’re big in every position. They have great speed; team speed. They have playmakers and running backs and receivers,” head coach Jason Candle said. “I think they’ve done a good job as an offensive staff, putting plans around him [Washington], especially Saturday, where he could have early success
One thing the Huskies’ defense will need to watch out for is their run game. In total, seven players rushed for 30-plus yards. DeJuan Williams, who started the outing with a 94-yard house call, led with 116 rushing yards and two end-zone appearances. Behind Williams, Iverson Howard accumulated 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns, followed by Cardell Williams, who rushed for 49 yards.
Defensively, linebacker Trey Reddick led with five tackles (two solo). Trailing behind, Carlton Smith (three solo) and Sean Johnson (two solo) secured four tackles apiece. As a whole, the defense snagged three interceptions and dropped five sacks.
Scouting UConn Football
Last weekend, Connecticut introduced fans to a new era of UConn football and did not disappoint, defeating the Lafayette Leopards 56-7. By the end of the battle, the Huskies posted a program-record 671 offensive yards. Offensively, the team showcased their speed. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne displayed his dual-threat ability, throwing 19 of 26 (73.1%) completions for 256 yards, an interception and two touchdowns. On the ground, Osborne rushed eight times for 90 yards.
Despite finding success, 11 self-inflicted penalties hurt UConn. In total, the team conceded 134 yards. The offense backed up 50 yards, while the defense handed Lafayette 84 yards. If the team does not minimize penalties, Maryland could capitalize on them, as they’re a much tougher opponent than Lafayette.
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