Northern Illinois Falls 20-9 to Maryland in Challenging Match

Northern Illinois University (NIU) faced a tough challenge on Friday night, succumbing to a 20-9 defeat against the University of Maryland in an away match. The Terrapins, who recently celebrated a notable victory over Florida Atlantic University with a score of 39-7, appeared confident entering the game. Despite the loss, NIU coach Thomas Hammock expressed pride in his team’s effort and resilience throughout the game.

“We competed for four quarters against a Big Ten opponent with a lot more resources,” Hammock stated, highlighting the determination shown by his players. The Huskies managed to capitalize on Maryland’s vulnerabilities, notably achieving a remarkable 74-yard touchdown run by Telly Johnson Jr..

After the game, Johnson Jr. emphasized the importance of adhering to the game plan. “We’ve really just been going through the game plan all week,” he noted. His teammate, linebacker Filip Maciorowski, echoed this sentiment, stating that execution was crucial to their successes. “There’s always going to be some plays we want back, but that’s football,” Maciorowski added, indicating the team’s commitment to improvement.

As they head into a bye week, Hammock is optimistic about the team’s potential for growth. He acknowledged the need for further development, particularly in their running game. “Telly had a nice explosive play, but we need more from our running game,” Hammock remarked, while recognizing the toughness of Maryland’s defense.

The first half was challenging for the Huskies, who were unable to score a touchdown and relied on a field goal for their only points. Coming into the second half, it was clear that NIU needed to regain momentum. A critical moment came when Maryland quarterback Malik Washington struggled under pressure, leading to a crucial fumble recovery by NIU. Hammock remarked, “That was a huge play, because now, you took points off the board.”

Despite gaining 93 more rushing yards than Maryland, Hammock emphasized the necessity of converting opportunities in the red zone to maximize scoring potential. Senior running back Chavon Wright played a key role in this aspect, showcasing his talent and determination. Wright, who previously set records in Division II football, aims to surpass his own record of 2,233 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns in the upcoming season.

The Huskies entered this matchup following a narrow 19-17 victory over Holy Cross and are set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 20, 2024. Hammock believes that the experience gained from competing against Maryland will serve as a valuable foundation. “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.

Overall, the performance against Maryland showcased NIU’s competitive spirit and highlighted areas for enhancement. As the team looks ahead, Hammock is optimistic that they can build on this experience and improve as the season progresses.