Northern Illinois Falls Short in 20-9 Battle Against Maryland

Northern Illinois University (NIU) faced a challenging matchup against the University of Maryland, ultimately suffering a 20-9 defeat on September 15, 2024. The Terrapins, a member of the Big Ten Conference, entered the game with momentum following a dominant 39-7 victory over Florida Atlantic University. Despite the loss, NIU’s head coach, Thomas Hammock, expressed pride in his team’s performance and competitive spirit.

The Huskies managed to exploit Maryland’s vulnerabilities, notably executing a remarkable 74-yard touchdown run by running back Telly Johnson Jr.. “We’ve really just been going through the game plan all week,” Johnson Jr. stated, emphasizing the team’s preparation. His teammate, linebacker Filip Maciorowski, echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s always going to be some plays we want back, but that’s football.”

Despite the setback, NIU demonstrated resilience. The first half concluded without a touchdown, with the Huskies only scoring through a field goal. Coming into the second half, NIU understood the urgency to regain momentum. They capitalized on a critical fumble recovery from Maryland quarterback Malik Washington, which was a significant turning point in the game. “That was a huge play because now, you took points off the board,” Hammock remarked.

While NIU outperformed Maryland in rushing yards, finishing with 93 more yards on the ground, Hammock noted the need for improvement in the red zone. “We need more from our running game, to be honest with you,” he said. He acknowledged the strength of Maryland’s defensive front, recognizing the challenges they posed.

Redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright showcased his talent during the game, continuing his pursuit of breaking his own Division II records of 2,233 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns set in the 2024 season. His performance added to the Huskies’ offensive efforts, highlighting his capability to make significant contributions.

As NIU heads into a bye week, Hammock remains optimistic about the team’s growth. He believes the experience gained from competing against a formidable opponent like Maryland will be beneficial. “We can build from that because the rest of the season, I don’t know how many teams on our schedule are going to be as good as [Maryland],” he said.

Looking ahead, the Huskies are set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 20, 2024. This matchup is anticipated to be one of their toughest challenges yet. Despite the loss, NIU is determined to leverage their recent experiences and continue improving as they progress through the season. Overall, Hammock expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to hold their own in an away game against a ranked opponent, reinforcing their potential for future success.