A narrow loss in a new era
Maryland opened the Aazaar Abdul-Rahim era with another close defeat Saturday, falling 20-17 to Illinois on Ethan Moczulski’s 26-yard field goal as time expired. The loss came in College Park and extended the Terrapins’ losing streak to six games, leaving Maryland at 3-5 overall and 0-5 in Big Ten play.
Abdul-Rahim, promoted from Maryland’s defensive staff to interim head coach after Michael Locksley’s tenure ended, saw his team remain within reach throughout the afternoon. The Terrapins led twice and tied the game in the fourth quarter, but they could not force a final stop after Illinois began its last possession with 5:45 remaining.
Illinois waits until the final seconds
The Illini improved to 5-3, including a 3-2 conference record, by putting together a late drive after taking possession at their own 26-yard line. Maryland had used all of its timeouts by the time Illinois moved deep into Terrapins territory, allowing the visitors to control the clock before Moczulski delivered the deciding kick.
Illinois did not lead until the opening play of the fourth quarter. Running back Javari Barnett broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, turning a 14-10 deficit into a 17-14 advantage. Maryland answered with a field goal to level the score, but the Terrapins did not get the ball back with enough opportunity to mount another scoring response.
| Team | Final score | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 20 | 5-3, 3-2 Big Ten |
| Maryland | 17 | 3-5, 0-5 Big Ten |
Maryland’s offense produces two rushing scores
Quarterback Malik Washington gave Maryland the first lead by running for an 8-yard touchdown in the opening quarter. Illinois quarterback Katin Houser, returning from a hand injury, answered with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Brayden Trimble with 27 seconds left before halftime. That play sent the teams into the break tied 7-7.
Maryland moved back in front in the third quarter when running back DeJuan Williams scored on a 17-yard run, making the margin 14-7. Williams and Washington each found the end zone on the ground, but both also committed turnovers that gave Illinois additional opportunities. The Terrapins’ offense remained competitive, yet those mistakes proved costly in a game decided by three points.
Defense shows progress but cannot close
Maryland’s defense played with renewed energy in Abdul-Rahim’s first game in charge, particularly as the team tried to end a run of losses that had brought a coaching change. The unit held Illinois without a lead for most of the afternoon and kept the game close after Houser threw an early interception.
The decisive challenge came on Illinois’ final possession. With Maryland out of timeouts, the Terrapins needed either a takeaway or a stop before the Illini reached field-goal range. Instead, Illinois maintained control long enough to set up Moczulski’s kick. The final drive underscored the margin between a competitive performance and a conference victory.
- Maryland record: 3-5 overall and 0-5 in the Big Ten.
- Current streak: Six consecutive losses.
- First game under: Interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim.
- Decisive play: Ethan Moczulski’s 26-yard field goal on the final play.
What comes next
Maryland will try to stop the slide next Saturday at Purdue. The matchup will be the Terrapins’ second game under Abdul-Rahim and another opportunity to convert a competitive effort into a win. Maryland has yet to record a Big Ten victory this season, making the remaining schedule increasingly important as the team adjusts to its interim leadership.
Illinois, meanwhile, has won three straight games after struggling to put away Michigan State and Maryland. The return of Houser gives the Illini another reason for optimism, although Saturday’s result also showed that the team remains vulnerable to tight finishes. Illinois next hosts Nebraska on Friday night.
