Game #2 Terps Put Longest Non-Conference Streak on the Line at UConn

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Fresh off a flawless, dominant season opener, the Maryland Terrapins (1-0) hit the road for the first time in 2026 to face the UConn Huskies (1-0). While the atmosphere at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field will be a far cry from the friendly confines of College Park, Coach Michael Locksley’s squad has a clear objective: handle business, dominate the trenches, and extend the longest active non-conference winning streak in college football to 20 games.

Two years ago, the Terps absolutely blitzed UConn in a 50-7 shellacking. While the Huskies have completely revamped their identity under new head coach Jason Candle, Maryland possesses the depth, physicality, and blueprint required to quiet “The Rent” and return home with a 2-0 record. Of course, now you have to play the game, and Maryland has to get this one in the W column.

This is a Saturday afternoon game, and is the first real test of the season for Locksley and his team. The Terps 62-0 win over Hampton last week was a feel good start to the season against an opponent that wasn’t nearly on the same level. Maryland football returned 71 percent of its production from last year’s roster, which ranks second nationally behind only Notre Dame. Star quarterback Malik Washington headlines the Terps’ offense, and 5-star defensive recruit, Zion Elee, is the big name to watch on defense. He will face a lot of double-teams as we saw in the first game.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Keep the Ground Game Churning

If Week 1 was any indication, Maryland’s offensive identity this year is built on brute strength up front. In their 62-0 demolition of Hampton, the Terps’ offensive line completely dominated the trenches, clearing the way for a staggering 365 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

UConn’s defense will naturally offer a stiffer challenge than an FCS opponent, but if Maryland can replicate that physical push, it will completely neutralize the Huskies’ pass rush and take immense pressure off the passing game.

2. Malik Washington’s Mechanics & Rhythm

Sophomore quarterback Malik Washington has all the makings of a breakout star, but his Week 1 outing left some room for growth. Washington went 19-of-31 for 186 yards and a touchdown—a subpar day by his high standards. Coach Locksley noted that Washington pressed early, forcing throws and letting his mechanics slip.

Going into a hostile road environment, Washington needs to settle into a rhythm early. Look for the coaching staff to call high-percentage, quick-hitting routes to let Maryland’s explosive playmakers generate yards after the catch—a historical staple of Locksley’s offense.

3. Suffocate the Huskies’ Revamped Offense

UConn enters the game with plenty of confidence after setting a program record with 671 total yards in their own Week 1 blowout over Lafayette. Candle’s new-look offense features dangerous portal transfers, but they haven’t seen a defense quite like Maryland’s.

The Terps’ defensive front was an absolute nightmare last week, allowing a microscopic 10 net rushing yards and racking up five sacks. If the defensive line can consistently collapse the pocket and make UConn one-dimensional, it will be a very long afternoon for the Huskies.

The Verdict

UConn will certainly be hyper-motivated to avenge their 2024 blowout loss and prove that their program has turned a corner under Candle. They will likely keep it competitive through the first half using the energy of their home crowd.

Ultimately, this matchup favors the Terps where it matters most: depth and physical talent at the line of scrimmage. Expect Maryland’s relentless run game to wear down the Huskies by the third quarter, allowing Washington to hit a few deep play-action shots to secure a comfortable, hard-fought road win.