In front of a lively crowd at SECU Stadium on September 21, Maryland football put on another dominant display, defeating Villanova 38-20. The victory pushed the Terps to a 3-1 record and extended their non-conference win streak to 15 games, a feat second only to Georgia’s 24-game streak. This win not only highlighted the team's consistent success under head coach Michael Locksley but also showcased their potential to be a serious contender in the Big Ten.
Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. continued his outstanding season, breaking the school’s single-game completion percentage record with an impressive 88% accuracy. Edwards threw for a career-high 328 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading a Maryland offense that looked nearly unstoppable from the first snap. His ability to calmly manage the game, make smart decisions under pressure, and trust in his receivers is what makes him stand out. His record-setting performance surpassed Taulia Tagovailoa's previous school record, and it’s becoming clear that Edwards is more than capable of leading this offense.
One of Edwards’ favorite targets, wide receiver Tai Felton, had a historic day himself. Felton hauled in 14 receptions for 157 yards, tying the second-most receptions in a single game in Maryland’s history. Through the first four games of the season, Felton has consistently delivered, putting up over 100 receiving yards in each game. His ability to make big plays in crucial moments, combined with his confidence and precision in route-running, has cemented him as one of the top receivers in the country. Felton’s early season performance is already placing him in elite company within the Big Ten, and if he continues at this pace, he could be in contention for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award.
Complementing Edwards and Felton, wide receiver Kaden Prather added a touchdown, while running back Roman Hemby found the end zone on the ground. Maryland's balanced offensive attack allowed them to score on their first four drives, giving them a comfortable 24-0 lead by halftime.
On the defensive side, the Terps played with energy and aggression, especially in the first half, where they recorded their second shutout of the season. Defensive standouts like Tommy Akingbesote and Ruben Hyppolite III were instrumental in stifling Villanova’s offense. Akingbesote recorded multiple tackles for loss, including a sack, while Dillan Fontus blocked a key field goal attempt to preserve the first-half shutout. Though Villanova made a push in the second half, scoring 20 points, the game was already out of reach, and Maryland’s defense responded when it needed to most.
Head coach Michael Locksley was full of praise for his team’s execution, particularly for Edwards’ precision and Felton’s dynamic playmaking.
"Billy was efficient, and Tai was Tai—making plays whenever we needed them,” Locksley said after the game.
He also stressed the importance of not taking these wins for granted, highlighting the continued focus and discipline needed as the season progresses.
What stands out most about this Maryland team is their ability to not only dominate but also to remain composed when the game tightens up. Villanova scored 10 quick points in the third quarter, but Maryland didn’t flinch. They immediately answered with a long drive and a touchdown, demonstrating their resilience and depth. This level of discipline and ability to maintain momentum will be critical as they head into Big Ten play.
The game was also Maryland's annual Mental Health Awareness Game, adding emotional significance to the weekend's Family Weekend festivities. It was another example of the players performing on the field while supporting important causes off it.
With their non-conference schedule behind them, Maryland now turns its focus to a critical matchup against undefeated Indiana on September 28. Last year, the Terps defeated the Hoosiers 44-17, and they’ll be looking to replicate that success as they begin their Big Ten campaign.
The victory over Villanova showcased Maryland’s evolving strength under Locksley’s leadership. Extending their non-conference win streak to 15 games solidifies their status as a team that takes care of business, but more importantly, the Terps are looking like they can compete with the best in the Big Ten. Edwards’ confidence and command of the offense, paired with Felton’s remarkable playmaking abilities, have made this team a formidable force.
In my opinion, Maryland fans have a lot to be excited about. With playmakers on both sides of the ball and a coaching staff that has built a winning culture, the Terps have the momentum to make a deep run this season. If they can continue to perform at this high level, Maryland could contend for more than just non-conference success. With Big Ten play on the horizon, this team has shown it has the tools to make a significant impact on the conference and beyond.
15.JPG)
