Inside the Matchup: Can the Huskies Hand Maryland Its First Loss?; Week 6 Picks

Jack Sheehan from InsideMDSports breaks down the Terps ahead of Saturday’s matchup.

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Oct 03, 2025

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The Huskies head east this weekend for a clash with undefeated Maryland. To get the inside scoop on the Terps, SeaTown Sports teamed up with Jack Sheehan of InsideMDSports for a preview of Saturday’s matchup. From Mike Locksley’s steady rebuild to freshman quarterback Malik Washington’s breakout and a defense that ranks among the nation’s best, Sheehan breaks down what Husky fans need to know heading into College Park.

KC: Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley is in his seventh season at College Park. What’s your assessment of the job he’s done up to this point?

JS: Mike Locksley inherited a Maryland program in a bit of disarray after the fallout from the tragic death of Jordan McNair. He’s made gradual progress since taking over, and guided the Terps to three straight bowl wins from 2021-23. Last year was a big setback, but they’ve bounced back nicely to start this year. The one thing that’s been missing since he took over is a big win. Getting fans excited about the program has been one of the biggest issues Locksley has faced. Multiple times over the years it’s felt like the fans are ready to buy back in, only to be let down by disappointing performances in big games. It’s held them back from taking the next step as a program, but this game provides another big opportunity for Locksley.

KC: Maryland enters this game as one of the 20 undefeated FBS teams in the country. What’s been the primary key to success through four games?

JS: Maryland’s strength of schedule thus far has been admittedly a bit weak. That said, I’d point to winning the turnover battle as their biggest key to success thus far. On offense, they’ve turned it over just twice. Defensively, they’re second in the nation with eight interceptions and have also recovered a fumble. On top of this, they’ve blocked two punts and a field goal, and have also made 10 stops on fourth down attempts. These technically aren’t forced turnovers, but are the huge momentum-swinging plays that Maryland has been on the right side of thus far.

KC: Quarterback Malik Washington leads all FBS true freshmen, averaging 259.5 passing yards per game. What has stood out about his play to you so far this season?

JS: The first thing that stands out to me is just the poise that Washington has shown. When you watch him play, he doesn’t look like your typical true freshman. He looks very comfortable and has done a great job conducting the offense. He’s done a good job of protecting the football up to this point. From a skill standpoint, his deep ball accuracy has been impressive. He’s connected on quite a few deep shots this year. He does a good job of spreading the ball around the yard, and has looked sharp throwing the ball outside the numbers. He’ll need to continue to do that come Saturday.

KC: Maryland is just surrendering 10.8 points per game (7th nationally). Who are the defensive playmakers to watch this Saturday?

JS: Maryland has had standout players at all three levels of their defense. Their freshman pass-rushing duo of Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis have been a huge boost, combining for seven sacks through four games. Linebacker Daniel Wingate captains their defense and has been all over the field this year. He’s their leading tackler and has a sack and a pick six. Their secondary, which was a weak spot last year, looks much improved thanks to transfer corners Dontay Joyner (Arkansas State) and Jamare Glasker (Wake Forest). Safety Jalen Huskey moved over from cornerback late last season and has looked very comfortable on the back end.

KC: Who is one under-the-radar player - on offense or defense - that has been a difference-maker this season?

JS: I’ll go with left tackle Rahtrel Perry. Maryland has largely struggled in the trenches since joining the Big Ten, but the offensive line as a whole has done solid, particularly in pass protection, up to this point. Maryland landed Perry, a transfer from FCS Central Connecticut Stats, out of the portal this past offseason. He figured to be a starter on an offensive line needing to replace three starters, but he’s exceeded expectations. Perry was PFF’s highest-graded pass blocker in the nation through the first three weeks. Protecting Malik Washington’s blindside is imperative, and Perry has done a nice job of doing so thus far.

KC: What is one key matchup on your mind entering Saturday’s game?

JS: Maryland’s run defense against the Huskies’ rushing attack is something I have my eye on. Maryland hasn’t faced a quarterback that can hurt them with their legs like Demond Williams can this year. They’ll need to do a good job maintaining gap integrity and rush lanes to prevent Williams from hurting them. If they can keep the run game in check, it will help their pass rushers pin their ears back. I’m interested to see how they hold up in what will be by far their biggest test of the year on this front.

KC: What’s your prediction?

JS: These types of games have given the Terps fits over the years, and Mike Locksley is 0-9 coming off a bye. That said, this feels like a good opportunity for them to get off the schneid. Washington’s coming off a tough home loss to Ohio State, a game which probably took a toll both physically and emotionally. Couple that with having to travel across the country and I think that works in the Terps favor. It won’t be easy, but I’m taking the Terps in a 31-27 upset in a game showcasing two of the best young quarterbacks in the country.

You can follow Jack Sheehan’s coverage of Maryland at InsideMDSports and on X at @Terrapins247.

Week 6 Picks

2025 Records

Kevin: (Straight up, 17-3; vs. the spread, 10-10)
Danny: (Straight up, 14-6; vs. the spread, 9-111)

No. 16 Vanderbilt (5-0) at No. 10 Alabama (3-1) (Saturday at 12:30 p.m., ABC)

The spread: Alabama is favored by 11.5 points

Kevin’s pick: Alabama 31, Vanderbilt 17

Danny’s pick: Alabama 38, Vanderbilt 24

No. 3 Miami (4-0) at No. 18 Florida State (3-1) (Saturday at 4:30 p.m., ABC)

The spread: Miami is favored by 4.5 points

Kevin’s pick: Miami 24, Florida State 17

Danny’s pick: Florida State 27, Miami 20

Minnesota (3-1) at No. 1 Ohio State (4-0) (Saturday at 4:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock)

The spread: Ohio State is favored by 23.5 points

Kevin’s pick: Ohio State 30, Minnesota 7

Danny’s pick: Ohio State 28, Minnesota 10

Duke (3-2) at Cal (4-1) (Saturday at 7:30 p.m., ESPN)

The spread: Duke is favored by 2.5 points

Kevin’s pick: Cal 26, Duke 20

Danny’s pick: Cal 30, Duke 24