EAST HARTFORD, CT — The Maryland Terrapins (2-0) rode a strong second-half surge to a resounding 38-14 win over the Connecticut Huskies (1-1) in Week 2. The victory moved Maryland’s non-conference winning streak to 20 games, the best active mark in the country. Let’s dive into the recap to examine how the Terrapins were able to secure their second straight win to open the season.
Maryland vs. UConn 2026 Recap
Star Sophomores Shine
QB Malik Washington
After multiple misfires in Week 1 against Hampton, the Terps young quarterback displayed pinpoint accuracy against UConn, looking comfortable and confident making plays from inside the pocket. Washington dazzled while throwing darts all over the field, finishing 34 of 41 passing for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Maryland’s sophomore signal-caller also set a school record after completing 18 consecutive passes in the win, showcasing complete command from the opening whistle. Washington’s passing performance provided a snapshot of the elite ceiling he possesses, and how high-powered this Terrapins offense can potentially be when firing on all cylinders.
LB Sidney Stewart
What a difference a week can make.
Maryland’s returning sack leader from last season didn’t dent the stat sheet in the season opener, but was a wrecking ball in Week 2 against Connecticut. Stewart consistently made plays in the Huskies backfield, leading the Terps defense on the day with six total tackles while also racking up one-and-a-half tackles for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble.
Seen by many as one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten entering the fall, Stewart showed why he is worthy of such lofty acclaim on Saturday. The Terrapins will need their superb sophomore’s to continue playing at a high level if they want to prove the doubters wrong this season and make it back to a bowl game.
Defense Keeps Up Pressure
While Stewart led the way for the Terps defense against UConn, there were again numerous Maryland defenders who also made an impact in this one. Freshman pass-rushing phenom Zion Elee recorded his first career sack, stripping the ball from Huskies QB Kalieb Osborne and forcing a timely first quarter turnover. Terrapins defensive linemen Nahsir Taylor, Derrick LeBlanc, and Eyan Thomas showed out for the second straight week, with Maryland’s stout defensive front holding UConn to just 67 rushing yards on 2.2 yards per attempt. The Terps piled up the pressures throughout the contest, perpetually pestering the Huskies’ overwhelmed offense and finishing with five sacks.
Under delightfully devious defensive coordinator Ted Monachino, this edition of the Terrapins defense has a real chance to be legit.
Running Game Stays In Rhythm
Even with starting running back DeJuan Williams out for this one due to injury, Maryland had no problem running the rock in Week 2. After hanging a hellish 365 yards on Hampton in the season opener, the Terrapins rushing attack piled up another 125 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Connecticut. The dynamic duo of Iverson Howard (14 carries for 55 yards and one touchdown) and Harry Dalton III (17 carries for 48 yards and two touchdowns) stepped up to lead the charge for the Terps on the ground.
Although not nearly as explosive or efficient as last week’s effort, first-year Maryland offensive coordinator Clint Trickett’s clear commitment to balance on offense is a much-needed breath of fresh air and will undoubtedly pay dividends down the road in conference play.
Getting Williams and his big-play ability back would obviously provide a substantial boost to the Terps ground game, but both Howard and Dalton proved they are more than capable of sharing the load if called upon.
New Pass-Catchers Producing
Maryland lost its top three wide receivers to graduation this spring and replacing that production was one of the biggest questions surrounding the Terps offense coming into this season.
Against UConn in Week 2, the Terrapins two top transfers showed exactly why there was so much positive buzz around this new-look wide receiver room entering the fall.
Wyoming transfer Chris Durr Jr. totaled ten catches for 103 yards and one touchdown, while Old Dominion transfer Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding snagged eight catches for 130 yards and one score. Gladding’s touchdown was particularly impressive, racing 60 yards on a catch-and-run and shaking off multiple defenders before crossing the goal line. Both wideouts showcased elite quickness with speed to burn, and look to be the top targets in the Terps passing attack moving forward.
Next Up?
Maryland heads home to College Park to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m.
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