Washington Stages Dramatic Late Comeback to Secure 24-20 Victory Against Maryland

Maryland Terrapins Suffer First Loss of the Season Against Washington Huskies
In a thrilling match that showcased the resilience of college football, the Maryland Terrapins faced their first defeat of the 2025 season in a stunning comeback by the Washington Huskies. The game, held on October 4th at SECU Stadium, ended with a score of 24-20 in favor of the Huskies, marking a pivotal moment in Big Ten conference play.
Game Overview: Fourth Quarter Drama Leads to Maryland’s Downfall
The Terrapins began the game strong, leading 20-0 at one point, but the fourth quarter witnessed an explosive performance from the Huskies, who scored 21 unanswered points to claim victory.
After a promising first half, Maryland’s strong defense initially kept Washington from gaining momentum. Cornerback Jalen Husky intercepted Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. early in the game, setting the stage for a 71-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown run by Malik Washington. The first quarter concluded with Maryland in control at 10-0.
Maryland’s Impressive First Half Performance
Maryland’s offensive strategy was on full display, as they executed a series of precise plays, converting critical third downs. Key highlights included:
- Field goals by Sean O’Haire extending the lead to 13-0.
- A 75-yard drive in the third quarter, resulting in a touchdown pass from Malik Washington to AJ Szymanski, increasing their lead to 20-0.
The Terrapins’ defense held strong, not allowing a single point in the first half, a feat they had not achieved since 2003.
Turning Point: Huskies’ Late Surge
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the narrative dramatically shifted. The Huskies scored a pivotal touchdown, cutting Maryland’s lead to 20-10 early in the quarter. Following this, Washington executed swift scoring drives that took just minutes off the clock, ultimately taking the lead with a rushing touchdown, leaving only 3:21 on the game clock. Despite Maryland’s efforts, they could not recover from this setback, marking their first loss of the season.
Noteworthy Statistics from the Game
Several standout statistics emerged from the match, showcasing both team performances and individual accomplishments:
Statistic | Maryland | Washington |
---|---|---|
Total Points | 20 | 24 |
Passing Yards (Malik Washington) | 219 | – |
First Half Points Allowed | 0 | 10 |
Game Attendance | 46,185 | – |
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games and Team Perspective
The Terps’ head coach, Michael Locksley, emphasized the importance of learning from this loss, noting, “We’ll learn from this and I expect this team to respond the right way.” The Terrapins are set to host the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 11, a game that promises another opportunity for Maryland to demonstrate their grit. The upcoming match will kick off at 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on BTN.
As the season progresses, the Terrapins aim to rebound and maintain their competitive edge in the Big Ten, with lessons learned from this close encounter.