Heartbreak Strikes Twice for Maryland Football: Can They Bounce Back?
For the second week in a row, the Maryland Terrapins find themselves reeling from a devastating Big Ten loss. After a crushing 24-20 defeat to Washington following a 20-point comeback, the Terrapins (4-2, 1-2 B1G) suffered another heartbreaker, falling 34-31 to the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 B1G) in a thrilling contest at College Park. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the loss, Coach Mike Locksley remains optimistic, praising his team's fight and resilience.
"We're not going to be handed anything," Locksley emphasized, echoing a familiar refrain. "We have to earn every victory." He acknowledged the team's inability to close out games, stating, "Last week, we didn't make enough plays. This time, we fought until the very end, but it wasn't enough." And this is the part most people miss: Locksley believes this fighting spirit is a sign of progress, even in defeat.
However, costly penalties plagued the Terrapins, with eight penalties for 100 yards, including crucial personal fouls. Locksley, drawing a parallel to parenting, stressed the importance of discipline: "As a coach, I can only set the boundaries. It's up to the players to execute."
The game's turning point came in the fourth quarter. Leading 31-24, Maryland failed to convert on third down, giving Nebraska a crucial opportunity. The Cornhuskers capitalized with a 12-play, 82-yard drive culminating in a field goal. Nebraska then forced a quick punt and sealed the victory with a seven-play, 81-yard touchdown drive, leaving Maryland fans stunned.
Locksley succinctly summarized the final quarter: "We needed to make a play, and we didn't." He acknowledged Nebraska's execution, particularly their ability to create big plays through their running game, led by Emmett Johnson's 176 rushing yards. But he also pointed to missed tackles and fundamental errors as areas for improvement.
Is Maryland truly turning a corner, or are these close losses a sign of deeper issues? Locksley remains confident, stating, "This isn't the same old Maryland. We're competing with the best in the Big Ten."
Nebraska, meanwhile, celebrates a 5-1 start under Coach Matt Rhule, who emphasizes a play-by-play focus: "It's about executing in the moment."
Looking ahead, Maryland travels to face the revitalized UCLA Bruins, while Nebraska hits the road to take on Minnesota. Will the Terrapins find their winning formula, or will the heartbreak continue? One thing's for sure: the Big Ten season is heating up, and every play counts.
What do you think? Can Maryland turn their season around? Is Nebraska a legitimate contender? Let us know in the comments below!
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