Northwestern claimed a dominant 37-10 victory over Maryland in College Park, improving to 4-1 in their series against the Terrapins. The Wildcats, led by quarterback Jack Lausch, seized control early and never looked back. Lausch, making just his fourth collegiate start, threw for 203 yards and ran for a touchdown, guiding Northwestern to their first Big Ten win of the season.
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Lausch Leads Early Offensive Surge
Lausch’s composure was evident as he completed 10 of 18 passes with no interceptions. His early connection with A.J. Henning on a 40-yard pass set the tone for the game. Lausch later scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown, putting Northwestern ahead 7-0 just 10 minutes into the game. His leadership proved critical as the Wildcats followed with another scoring drive, covering 92 yards, and ending with a 3-yard touchdown run by Cam Porter.
Opportunistic Defense and Special Teams Play
Northwestern’s defense and special teams capitalized on Maryland's miscues.Damon Walters recovered a fumble that Greyson Metz forced during the kickoff return in the second quarter.. The Wildcats swiftly turned that turnover into a 43-yard field goal from Luke Akers, stretching the lead to 17-0.
Northwestern’s defense delivered a game-changing moment in the fourth quarter when Carmine Bastone, playing in his first game of the season, blindsided Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. with a strip sack.Aidan Hubbard recovered the fumble and returned it for a score, increasing Northwestern's lead to 24-10.
Maryland’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The Terrapins, struggling with turnovers, found it difficult to mount a consistent offense. Despite accumulating 296 passing yards, Edwards completed only 28 of 51 passes, and the team committed four turnovers. Maryland’s offensive woes were compounded by their inability to convert key opportunities. In the third quarter, they outgained Northwestern 124-11 but failed to capitalize, with a dropped pass on fourth down and a sack by Hubbard halting two promising drives.
Northwestern put an end to any dreams of a comeback, even though Maryland's field goal early in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 17-10. Throughout the game, the Wildcats' dominance was demonstrated by their ability to turn Maryland's turnovers into 17 points.
Northwestern Closes Out Strong
Northwestern closed the game with authority, adding further scores through Jake Arthurs’ touchdown run and two additional field goals from Akers. Bryce Kirtz played a pivotal role in the Wildcats' offensive success, hauling in three receptions for 123 yards. Lausch’s leadership, paired with a relentless defense, allowed Northwestern to control the game from start to finish.
The win improved the Wildcats to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten, while Maryland fell to 0-3 in conference play. Northwestern's ability to capitalize on Maryland's mistakes proved the difference, with all four turnovers leading directly to points.
This victory marked Northwestern’s second consecutive win over Maryland, affirming their dominance in the series and positioning them for the remainder of the Big Ten season.
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