The trend of “September Maryland”, where Maryland football looks poised to take a leap in the first month of the season, before floundering in the time afterward, has happened again in 2025.
Last week, fans in SECU Stadium started to display their unhappiness with the same predictable outcome this program has become accustomed to. “Fire Locksley” chants rained through the crowd as the Terps fell to No. 2 Indiana, 55-10.
“Man, we sucked last Saturday. I would have gone and chanted it too if I had a few beers and played the way we played,” Locksley said.
After starting the season 4-0, Maryland has lost four straight games, creating a tense atmosphere around the program.
Maryland’s bowl eligibility chances are in question as it heads into its final four games of the season. Saturday’s game at Rutgers is a pivotal point for where the Terps’ future is headed.
Rutgers sits in a similar position to Maryland, 4-5, with its only conference win coming against a bottom-feeder in Purdue.
In Piscataway, a place where the Terps have found success, the Terps need to get back on track in the biggest of ways.
“A win this week against Rutgers gives us a second conference win that would be progress, because we won one a year ago,” Locksley said. “It’s easy to say that same old Maryland. I’ll sit here and tell you, because what I see every day, it’s not.”
Rutgers has similar aspirations in a disappointing season
As previously mentioned, the Scarlet Knights have had a similar season to the Terps. Rutgers swept its nonconference schedule, only to lose five of its first six Big Ten games.
Head coach Greg Schiano is in his sixth season of his second stint with Rutgers and has had similar results to Locksley’s tenure at Maryland. Schiano has three bowl appearances with the Scarlet Knights, but only one win.
Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is in his second season starting at Rutgers and was expected to take a huge step forward this year. Kaliakmanis has been good, throwing for 2,476 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has the eighth-most passing yards in the nation and the most in the Big Ten.
Sophomore receiver KJ Duff is Kaliakmanis’ top target as the preseason member of the Biletnikoff Award Watch List exploded for 241 yards against Purdue. He has 854 receiving yards and six touchdowns thus far. Ian Strong and DT Sheffield have also been serviceable weapons, combining for over 1,000 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Rutgers’ ground game is also solid, as Antwan Raymond is 20th-most in the nation with 760 rushing yards, but the Scarlet Knights have minimal production behind him as they ranked 100th in average rushing offense. But Maryland ranks 127th in rushing offense as Raymond has single-handedly outrushed its entire backfield.
Rutgers’ defense has struggled this season. The Scarlet Knights allow 428 yards per game and 7.52 yards per play — second-most in FBS.
Its defense is led by defensive back Jett Elad, who leads with 59 total tackles and one interception. Kaj Sanders is also strong in the Scarlet Knights’ secondary with 50 tackles and one pass deflection.
Rutgers’ defense is led by defensive backs as Abram Wright is its biggest contributor at linebacker with 45 tackles. The defensive line is led by Jordan Walker, Eric O’Neil and Bradley Weaver, who combine for 69 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The defense has forced nine turnovers with five interceptions and four fumbles.
Maryland needs to step up in all phases
Last week, the Terps were embarrassed by Indiana; they lost by 45 points and were destroyed across the board.
The Terps were out-rushed by 330 yards and turned the ball over five times at home.
“I can tell you that this team, because of the faith that they have in each other and how deep rooted we are, we’re going to get their best,” Locksley said. “Obviously, didn’t do a great job last week coaching. We’ll play better this week.”
Freshman quarterback Malik Washington was responsible for three turnovers against Indiana. This is somewhat of a soft landing for Washington after facing one of the best defenses in the country. Rutgers allows 243.6 yards per game through the air.
Maryland’s rushing attack has been anemic throughout the majority of the season. DeJuan Williams has taken the lead as the primary back over Nolan Ray, but has still been sluggish. But Maryland’s game plan may include much more usage on the ground as Rutgers allows 184.4 rushing yards per game.
Last week, Maryland’s defense collapsed after a strong opening two drives. Indiana had 588 total yards and 367 yards on the ground. The Hoosiers scored points on eight consecutive drives before entering victory formation.
Maryland’s defense, which has been its best unit all season, will need to regroup against a solid Rutgers offense. Maryland’s strength is its defense, while Rutgers is strong on offense.
Jamare Glasker has an interception in three consecutive games as the Terps have 15 total interceptions on the year. Kaliakmanis has thrown five interceptions and is someone Maryland has seen before. Last season in College Park, Kaliakmanis was 20-of-30 for 238 yards and two touchdown passes in a 31-17 Rutgers win.
Maryland’s team is in do-or-die mode as it heads to Piscataway, where it is 6-4 all-time. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. from SHI Stadium on WMUC Sports.
