Loss to Rutgers Puts Maryland’s Bowl Dreams in Serious Jeopardy
Maryland’s bowl hopes now hang by a thread after a painful 31-17 loss to Rutgers on Saturday night, a defeat that further compounded the Terrapins’ struggles and left them in desperate straits as they fight to extend their bowl streak. The loss, which marks Maryland’s fifth in the past six games, all by double digits, has turned what was once a promising season into a harsh reality. With the setback, the Terps (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten) find themselves in a precarious position, needing to win their final two games to remain in the conversation for a postseason bowl berth.
Entering the game, Maryland’s margin for error had already been razor-thin. The Terps’ recent slide, which included losses to Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana, left them with little room to absorb another defeat. But against Rutgers, a team they were expected to beat, Maryland failed to show the necessary poise, discipline, or execution in key moments. As a result, what was once a season filled with promise and high expectations now stands on the edge of collapse, with the Terps’ bowl aspirations hanging in the balance.
The defeat to Rutgers also continued a disturbing trend for Maryland: the inability to compete at a high level against Big Ten opponents. While the team had shown flashes of competence earlier in the season, particularly in non-conference play, their conference record now stands at a dismal 1-6. To make matters worse, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat to a team they were expected to challenge or defeat. Rutgers, though much improved under head coach Greg Schiano, has traditionally been considered one of the more vulnerable teams in the Big Ten, and Maryland’s failure to take care of business at home only adds to the mounting frustration surrounding the program.
As the game progressed, it became apparent that Maryland had no answers for Rutgers’ defense or its efficient offense. The Terps’ offense, which had shown signs of life earlier in the season, sputtered throughout the contest. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, once considered one of the most promising signal-callers in the Big Ten, struggled to find a rhythm against a Rutgers defense that swarmed him throughout the game. Tagovailoa, who had been inconsistent in recent weeks, failed to make the big plays that the team so desperately needed. His decision-making was questionable at times, and the offense was unable to sustain drives, putting added pressure on the defense.
The running game, which had been a bright spot for Maryland earlier in the year, also faltered. The Terps were held to just 87 yards rushing, a dismal output against a Rutgers defense that was not particularly known for its ability to stop the run. The lack of a consistent ground game forced Tagovailoa into predictable passing situations, allowing Rutgers to key in on the pass and put the Maryland offense in constant third-and-long scenarios.
Defensively, Maryland struggled to contain Rutgers’ rushing attack, particularly in the second half. The Scarlet Knights were able to impose their will on the Terps’ defensive line, averaging over four yards per carry and maintaining a balanced offensive attack. Rutgers’ running back duo of Kyle Monangai and Aaron Young combined for over 150 yards, with Monangai finding the end zone twice. When Rutgers wasn’t pounding the ball on the ground, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was efficient through the air, completing 15 of 22 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. While Wimsatt didn’t have a huge statistical day, he did enough to keep Maryland’s defense on its heels, constantly making timely throws and avoiding turnovers.
For Maryland, the loss to Rutgers encapsulated the problems that have plagued the team all season long: inconsistency, poor execution in critical moments, and an inability to respond when the game is on the line. The Terps have shown flashes of promise, particularly in their non-conference victories, but they’ve been unable to put it all together when facing the higher-level competition in the Big Ten. And with just two games left on the schedule, one of which is against a ranked Penn State team that has already locked up a spot in the College Football Playoff race, Maryland’s bowl hopes now rest on the unlikeliest of outcomes.
The path to bowl eligibility is now painfully clear for Maryland: they must win their final two games, including next week’s showdown against Iowa, and then hope to pull off an upset in their season finale at Penn State. Even if they manage to defeat Iowa, a team that has been formidable defensively but underwhelming offensively this season, the trip to Penn State looks like an almost insurmountable challenge. The Nittany Lions have one of the most talented rosters in the country and will likely be fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff when they host Maryland in the season finale.
For head coach Mike Locksley, the loss to Rutgers represents a major setback in his third year at the helm of the Maryland program. Locksley, who inherited a team that had long struggled to find consistency in the Big Ten, has made strides in recruiting and developing talent, but the team’s inability to compete with the conference’s upper echelon has raised questions about the program’s trajectory. While there is still some hope that the Terps can pull off the unthinkable and earn bowl eligibility, the loss to Rutgers underscores the challenges that Locksley’s program faces moving forward.
The Terps’ struggles are particularly disappointing given the optimism surrounding the team heading into the season. After finishing 7-6 in 2022, which included a dominant victory over Virginia Tech in the Pinstripe Bowl, Maryland appeared poised to take the next step in its development. Tagovailoa, who had shown significant growth in his first two seasons, was expected to lead the offense to even greater heights, and the defense, though not dominant, had the potential to be serviceable. Yet, the team has failed to meet expectations, particularly in the Big Ten, where they have been consistently overmatched by more talented and experienced teams.
One of the key factors in Maryland’s struggles has been their inability to win close games. Of their six losses, five have come by double digits, and in each of those losses, the Terps have been unable to generate the necessary plays or make the adjustments needed to stay competitive in the second half. The inability to close out games, particularly in conference play, has been a defining characteristic of the 2023 season.
The loss to Rutgers further emphasized this issue. Maryland entered the second half tied at 17-17, but they were outscored 14-0 over the final 30 minutes. The defense allowed Rutgers to control the tempo of the game, and the offense failed to generate enough big plays to mount a comeback. In short, Maryland once again demonstrated that they simply couldn’t hang with a team that was playing with more urgency and focus in the final stages of the game.
Looking ahead, the Terps’ focus will now shift entirely to trying to salvage what remains of their season. While a bowl game is still technically within reach, the reality is that Maryland’s fate is no longer in their hands. They will need to find a way to upset Iowa next week, and then somehow pull off the impossible against a Penn State team that is far superior in terms of talent and depth. If they fail to do so, they will miss out on a bowl game for the first time in four years, a significant step backward for a program that had seemed to be on the rise.
If Maryland fails to reach a bowl game, it will mark a disappointing end to a season filled with so much promise. With key players like Tagovailoa, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, and running back Roman Hemby returning next season, the Terps will look to regroup and refocus on building for the future. But for now, the team must find a way to focus on the present and fight for their bowl eligibility in the most unlikely of circumstances.
In the aftermath of the loss to Rutgers, one thing is clear: Maryland’s margin for error has vanished. The road to a bowl game now requires the Terps to win both of their final games, and even then, it may not be enough. As the season winds down, the Terps’ bowl hopes are hanging by a thread, and their performance in these final two games will ultimately determine whether their season ends in disappointment or with the hope of a postseason appearance. For now, all the Terps can do is keep fighting and hope for the best.
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