By Andrew Bailie Posted on

UW vs. Maryland preview: What to watch as the Huskies head east

After a frustrating 24-6 loss against the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes, UW is looking to bounce back against the Maryland Terrapins . The Huskies will head to the East Coast, seeking their first Big Ten win of the season. The Terrapins enter the game (4-0) following a 27-10 win at Wisconsin in week four. Maryland is well-rested and prepared to take on UW after a week off in week five. Here is what to watch for as the Huskies take on the Terrapins on Saturday.

UW looks for better execution on offense against Maryland.

The Huskies struggled on offense against Ohio State, scoring just six points. In the game against the Buckeyes, the Huskies were unable to score a touchdown in the red zone on each of their three trips. UW also converted on just one of 11 third-down attempts and had a tough time sustaining drives. Improved third and red zone efficiency is a must if the Huskies are to beat Maryland, according to Husky head coach Jedd Fisch.

“There was a third and 10, on the 10, which was very challenging. There was a third and 18, there was a third and 13, both of which are very challenging. Penalties cost us there. And then we, we wound up not being able to, we had a couple third down, we had third and three on the three, where we didn’t have a, didn’t have a good play on. Weren’t able to convert there, took a sack. And then we had a third and three at the end of the game, where we tried to take a shot, that we threw incomplete. We went for it on fourth and three. So, just all together, you know, we didn’t convert like we need to.”

Fisch also pointed out that the UW needs to do a better job of creating more manageable third downs for its offense to convert. Maryland has a good third-down defense, as they have allowed conversions on just 29.82% of third downs this year. The Terrapins also have the nation’s second-best red zone defense. Allowing touchdowns on just 50% of opponents’ red zone trips. The Huskies will need sharp execution to sustain drives and smart play calling in the red zone to score on Saturday.

QB Demond Williams will need to bounce back, as a new left tackle protects him

UW’s QB Demond Williams had a frustrating game against the Buckeyes last week. The Huskies’ sophomore quarterback took six sacks, was 18/22 passing, threw for 173 yards, and had no touchdowns. Going into their game against Maryland, UW is also facing the possibility of playing without LT Carver Willis. The Huskies have been holding a competition at the position between Maximus “Max” McCree and Soane Faasolo. Fisch spoke about who will likely start at left tackle this Saturday during his Monday presser:

“Max started against Michigan had a really good game. Max started or came in against Ohio State and played well. So if we do go, if Carver can’t make it, then we’ll go with Max to start most likely. And then we’ll see how the rest of the guys do during practice during the week.”

The Husky head coach is still evaluating his options at left tackle, but Maximus McCree is likely to start at the spot if Carver Willis is unavailable. Whoever starts at left tackle has a big task to protect Williams’ blind side. Maryland’s defense is tied for sixth in the nation with 16 sacks this season. The Huskies must run the ball effectively and give Williams quick reads so he can handle the Terrapins’ pressure.

UW prepares to stop another good QB

The Huskies’ secondary kept Ohio State’s explosive offense in check last week. They limited Buckeyes’ QB Julian Sayin to just 208 yards passing. Fisch was pleased with how his two freshmen defensive backs played against Ohio State.

“Thought Dylan did well. Again, you know, we were, that game, I thought that the way the game was going, I thought we kept them where we wanted to keep them. We kept the score down… Dylan did a great job of doing the defense. So we’re excited about Dylan, another true freshman. I thought RDA did well.”

Both CB Dylan Robinson and safety Rylon Dillard-Allen (RDA) have done well filling in for nickel back Rahshawn Clark and CB Tacario Davis. The UW head coach says Clark will be back this week, and Davis (who has been dealing with a rib injury) has a chance to play as well. The Huskies’ secondary will need to have an answer for Maryland’s QB Malik Washington. The freshman QB has led the Terrapins’ offense with 1,038 yards passing, eight touchdown passes, and just one interception. UW’s defensive coordinator, Ryan Walters, will want to present Malik Washington with multiple looks to throw him off his game.

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