5 things to know about Nebraska against Maryland in Week 5

Before the 2026 Nebraska football season even began, we talked about how imperative it was for the Huskers to get off to a 5-0 start.

Based on Matt Rhule saying this offseason that this was his best team, and the schedule, anything less than a 5-0 start would be unacceptable, or should be.

Now, the only thing standing in the way of Nebraska and an undefeated matchup with Indiana is the Maryland Terrapins, a team that lost to UCLA 56-3 last week at home.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, here are five things to know about Nebraska vs. Maryland.

Nebraska vs. Maryland odds

The Huskers are favored by 13.5 points against Maryland. The over/under is 52.5, and the moneyline is +480 for Maryland and -690 for Nebraska.

Nebraska vs. Maryland: how to watch

The Huskers will be back on Fox Sports 1 for the third time this season. Kickoff is set for 3 PM CST. You can listen at Huskers.com for free. FuboTV and the Fox Sports APP are other options.

Maryland’s run defense isn’t good

If you look at the season starts, Maryland allows just 3.5 yards per rushing attempt and 115 yards per game. However, against Power-4 opponents, the Terps are giving up 198 yards per game. UCLA rushed for 266 yards last weekend. They are also allowing 5.2 yards per carry.

Nebraska is averaging 236 rushing yards per game and 5.8 yards per attempt. That seems like a favorable matchup for the Huskers, even if Jamal Rule can’t go.

Malik Washington is very up and down

Nebraska fans remember that year two of Dylan Raiola wasn’t that different from year one. There was improvement, but things take time. Quarterback development takes time.

Washington had done a good job of protecting the ball before, not throwing an interception in the first three games. Yet, he had four last week against UCLA. It feels like there will be plays to be had. He’s also averaging 258 yards per game, so he’s an X-factor.

Washington could be really good or really bad, or both of those things in the same game, like he was last season against Nebraska. Chris Durr, his top target, leads college football with 35 receptions.

One dimensional

Speaking of running the ball, that’s something the Maryland offense doesn’t do well. In the two Power-4 games, Maryland rushed for just 103 yards per game and 2.01 yards per attempt.

Sacks are factored into those stats, but still, no one on the team has rushed for over 34 yards the past two games. If the Maryland run game sturggles like that against Nebraska, Rob Aurich and the Blackshirts will have a field day.

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