Maryland football will attempt to snap its 13-game Big Ten conference losing streak this Saturday against Purdue. Following a narrow 20-17 loss to Illinois in Aazaar Abdul-Rahim’s debut as interim head coach, the Terps travel to Purdue for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff on the Big Ten Network.
Why did the Terps falter in the fourth quarter against Illinois?
Maryland’s defense showed signs of genuine progress for the first 45 minutes of Saturday’s contest, holding the Illini to just 10 points through three quarters and limiting them to 72 rushing yards. However, the unit collapsed in the final period. The game turned on the first play of the fourth quarter when Javari Barnett, who had logged just 11 carries in conference play previously, broke through for a 64-yard rushing touchdown.
The Illini ultimately piled up 112 rushing yards in that final quarter alone. The Maryland offense struggled to provide a counterpunch, managing only eight plays in the second quarter and stalling out on a critical late-game drive that allowed Illinois to drain the final six minutes of the clock.
Can the Maryland offense find consistency under Aazaar Abdul-Rahim?
Despite the loss, the team’s performance under interim head coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim offered some positive indicators. Quarterback Malik Washington recorded a 66% completion percentage, his highest mark in Big Ten play this season, and added a rushing touchdown to his stat line. Even with those gains, the passing attack remained limited, totaling 190 yards.
The Terps’ ability to secure a win against Purdue will likely hinge on eliminating preventable miscues. In the Illinois loss, a fumble by Williams near the goal line and an interception thrown by Washington while crossing his body deep in the red zone erased two prime scoring opportunities. These turnovers remain a central hurdle for a team that has now lost its last 13 conference games.
How has the Purdue program evolved under Barry Odom?
The Boilermakers entered the 2026 season carrying the weight of an 18-game conference losing streak, but head coach Barry Odom has utilized a top 25 transfer portal class to shift the program’s trajectory. While Purdue holds a 3-5 overall record, they have already secured conference wins against Illinois and Minnesota.
The offense relies on a balanced attack anchored by redshirt junior quarterback Ryan Browne and redshirt junior wide receiver Asaad Waseem. Browne has demonstrated significant growth, cutting down on the turnovers that plagued him last season; he currently ranks third in the Big Ten with 245.5 passing yards per game. Waseem has been equally impactful, ranking 28th nationally with 652 receiving yards. Complementing them is redshirt sophomore running back Fame Ijeboi, who has tallied nine touchdowns this season, tied for 16th in the country.
Where do the defensive vulnerabilities lie for both teams?
Saturday’s matchup features two of the nation’s worst defensive units. Maryland is currently conceding an average of 31.6 points per game, while Purdue allows just over 32 points per contest. Both marks rank among the 20 highest averages for points allowed in the country.
Maryland may find an opening on third down. While the Terps have struggled to convert their own third-down opportunities—succeeding just 34.9% of the time—the Purdue defense has been generous in this area. The Boilermakers allow opponents to convert 47.3% of third downs, the 11th-highest rate in the nation. If Maryland can sustain drives and keep the Boilermakers’ offense on the sideline, they may be able to control the game’s tempo.
What details are necessary for following the game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday with a 12:30 p.m. kickoff. Fans can watch the broadcast on the Big Ten Network. For those tracking the special teams battle, punter Dylan Drennan averages 45.2 yards per punt, while freshman kicker Jacobo Echeverria Lozano has been reliable, connecting on 16 of his 17 field-goal attempts this season.
