Under Friday night lights, NIU football (1-0) fell short against the University of Maryland Terrapins (1-0), losing 20-9.
FIRST HALF
Receiving the kickoff and beginning their drive at their own 10-yard line, Maryland got off to a sluggish start after the Huskies forced a quick three-and-out. NIU responded with a nearly seven-minute drive, picking up two first downs before the Huskies were ultimately forced to punt.
With 4:30 remaining in the first quarter, Maryland gained a 3-0 lead thanks to redshirt freshman kicker Sean O’Haire booting a 36-yard field goal. The Terps’ scoring drive was powered by a 48-yard run-and-catch by redshirt sophomore tight end Dorian Fleming.
After trading punts, the game remained dormant heading into the second quarter until the Terps pieced together a lengthy, touchdown-scoring drive. With 9:01 remaining before the half, freshman quarterback Malik Washington and Fleming gave Maryland a 10-0 lead after connecting for a 12-yard touchdown pass.
Nearly bringing the game to halftime with a 19 play, 8:34 minute-long drive, NIU cut Maryland’s lead to 10-3 after senior kicker Andrew Glass sent a 20-yard field goal through the uprights.
Leaving less than three seconds on the clock for Maryland, NIU went into halftime facing a 10-3 deficit.
SECOND HALF
Receiving the ball to begin the second half, NIU was forced to punt after a quick three-and-out.
Maryland responded promptly, creating a 13-3 lead with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter. After a 13 play, 56-yard drive, O’Haire drilled the 29-yard field goal for the Terps.
Less than two minutes later, sophomore running back Telly Johnson Jr. jumpstarted the Huskies’ offense after reaching the endzone on a 74-yard touchdown with 6:32 remaining in the third quarter. The score cut NIU’s deficit to 13-9 after a failed two-point conversion try.
After a seemingly costly defensive pass interference in their own endzone, NIU redshirt senior defensive end Jalonnie Williams spoiled Maryland’s nearly seven-minute long drive after recovering a fumble on the Huskies 7-yard line.
Despite the newfound momentum, NIU and Maryland proceeded to trade punts until 9:29 remaining in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth-and-long situation, Washington rocketed a 42-yard touchdown pass to Maryland senior wide receiver Shaleak Knotts, giving the Terps a 20-9 lead.
Following a Huskie punt, the Terps marched down the field in an attempt to add on to their lead. On 4th and goal, Maryland turned the ball over on downs, giving NIU possession with 4:12 left to play after making it to the Huskies’ 3-yard line.
Despite putting together an 8-play, 24-yard drive, on 4th and 1, the Terps forced a turnover on downs to regain possession.
Maryland’s ensuing drive continued with a failed field goal attempt, giving NIU the ball once more with 1:08 remaining. NIU failed to reach the endzone, sealing the 20-9 victory for the Terps.
