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4 biggest keys for Wisconsin Badgers to prevent season-altering loss to Maryland Terrapins

The Wisconsin Badgers begin Big Ten play with a critical matchup against Maryland, and significant reinforcements could be on the way.
Cam Wilhorn|
Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) reacts to a touchdown by Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jayden Ballard, left, during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) reacts to a touchdown by Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jayden Ballard, left, during the second half at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images | Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

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Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers will welcome the 3-0 Maryland Terrapins to Madison on Saturday for the fifth-ever meeting between the two programs.

Billy Edwards and Jake Renfro's injury availability loom large, but this is a game Wisconsin must win in order to keep their bowl game hopes alive. Luckily for the Badgers, they can find a clear recipe for success against the young Terrapins.

Speed up freshman QB Malik Washington

Malik Washington has not looked like a true freshman so far. He's accumulated 773 passing yards with six touchdowns and only one interception while leading Maryland to victories over Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois and Towson.

His early success has come without experiencing a Big Ten defense or going on the road. He'll be doing both for the first time at Camp Randall, which isn't an easy place to pay.

Wisconsin must take advantage of Washington's inexperience. Mike Tressel should be dialing up exotic blitzes or offering certain looks to mislead Washington.

If the Badgers can make Washington uncomfortable or force him to play fast, he should make mistakes to capitalize on.

Start fast

Wisconsin has scored three points in the first quarter so far this season and went scoreless in the second quarter in two of their three contests.

Putting up an early score or two will relieve the immense pressure that's been placed on the defense throughout the non-conference slate and allow Wisconsin to control the clock in a game that could end up a rock fight.

Above all, it'll be a breath of fresh air after a trio of painfully slow starts.

Limit deep passes

The Terrapins' offense has been fueled by downfield passes. Four of Washington's six passing touchdowns have been on throws 20 or more yards downfield, according to PFF, and he's completed seven of 13 attempts at that depth.

The consistent big plays have partially offset their inability to run the ball, as they're averaging 116 rushing yards per game. That's the seventh fewest by a Power 4 team.

The Badgers have to force Maryland to sustain long drives to score points.

Protect the quarterback

Whether it's Billy Edwards or Danny O'Neil under center, Wisconsin has to keep their signal caller upright.

Edwards should be treated with bubble wrap even if cleared to play, considering how little it took for him to tweak his knee in Week 1. Beyond that, he'll likely be less mobile. Giving Edwards a clean pocket will be critical.

Maryland has a pair of impressive freshmen pass rushers in Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis. They've combined for 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss so far.

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Cam Wilhorn
CAM WILHORN

Cam Wilhorn is a University of Wisconsin School of Journalism Graduate and Wisconsin native. He's been covering Wisconsin sports since 2023 for outlets like BadgerBlitz.com, Badger of Honor and The Badger Herald.

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