Northwestern jumped all over Maryland from the opening whistle, racing out to a 17-0 first-half lead en route to a dominant 37-10 victory over the Terrapins on Friday evening at SECU Stadium in College Park, Md.

Friday's victory, Northwestern's first in Big Ten Conference play in 2024, sees the 'Cats climb back to the .500 mark at 3-3 overall (1-2 B1G), while Maryland slips to 3-3 (0-3 B1G).

Northwestern's defense was the focal point in the win, forcing four Terrapin turnovers, all of which came in the second half.  The Wildcats, who played turnover-free football, cashed in for 17 points off Maryland's miscues, seven of which came on a scoop-and-score by Aidan Hubbard in the fourth quarter.  Damon Walters closed his night with one interception and a fumble recovery, while Braden Turner secured a fumble of his own, in addition to four tackles.  The 'Cats were also dominant along the line of scrimmage, limiting Maryland to just 59 yards on the ground.Jack Lausch closed his evening with 203 yards through the air (10-for-18) and added 24 yards on the ground, a total highlighted by a nine-yard first-quarter touchdown scamper.  Caleb Komolafe finished with a team-high 29 rushing yards, while Cam Porter and Jake Arthurs each added rushing scores.

For the second time in as many games, Bryce Kirtz cruised past the 100-yard receiving mark, hauling in three catches for 123 yards, a total that included a 55-yard reception in the fourth quarter.  A.J. Henning added three catches of his own, totaling 61 yards on the night.

How It Happened
Following a three-and-out to begin the night, Northwestern's offense hit its stride, putting together a seven-play, 62-yard march on its second drive.  Facing 2nd and 15 from just shy of midfield, Lausch connected with Henning on a 40-yard completion to set the 'Cats up inside the red zone.  Three plays later, the Wildcat signal caller scrambled up the middle from nine yards out to put Northwestern in front, 7-0.Kirtz starred on Northwestern's next drive, hauling in a pair of long receptions, none bigger than a 40-yard catch on 3rd and 7 that gave the 'Cats 1st and goal from the Maryland 10-yard line.  Porter finished with authority shortly after, powering in from three yards out on a direct snap to push the gap to 14-0 with 12:08 remaining in the second quarter.

Northwestern's special teams unit made its presence felt on ensuing kickoff following the Wildcat touchdown.  Greyson Metz jarred the ball loose from Ricardo Cooper Jr., with Walters ultimately recovering the fumble to put the 'Cats on the edge of the Maryland red zone.  Luke Akers went on to covert from 43 yards out shortly after, stretching the lead to 17-0.

Maryland got on the board late in the first half, with a Billy Edwards Jr. keeper on 4th and goal capping off a 16-play, 90-yard drive that saw the Terrapins close within 17-7 at halftime.

After coming up with a vital stop that saw Maryland limited to a 31-yard Jack Howes field goal to finish an 18-play drive that trimmed the gap to 17-10, Northwestern's defense came up with one of the night's defining moments with two minutes gone in the fourth quarter.  With Maryland facing 2nd and 10 from deep in its own territory, Carmine Bastone chased down Edwards Jr. and jarred the ball loose before Hubbard recovered and plunged into the end zone to reestablish a two-score lead for the 'Cats, 24-10, with 13:17 to play.

The Wildcat defense continued to flex its muscle as the final frame wore on.  With Maryland looking to pull back within one score, Walters broke up Edwards Jr.'s heave into the end zone on 4th and 6 to force a turnover on downs.  A 55-yard connection from Lausch to Kirtz on the first play of the resulting drive set the stage for Akers to chip in from 38 yards out, stretching the gap to 27-10.

It took Northwestern all of one play to again wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball.  On Maryland's first play of the ensuring drive following Akers' kick, Mac Uihlein ripped the ball away from Preston Howard ahead of a recovery by Turner that again set the 'Cats up deep in Maryland territory.  Akers completed a perfect night just over two minutes after, again hitting form 38 yards away to make it 30-10.

Northwestern capped the night off in style in the closing minutes.  A Walters interception and 33-yard return gave Northwestern 1st and 10 from the Maryland 20-yard line with 5:59 remaining.  Following back-to-back touches from Porter, Arthurs exploded off the right side and raced in from nine yards out to put the exclamation point on a resounding 37-10 victory.

Up Next
Northwestern returns to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium for the final time in 2024 on Saturday, October 19 to host Wisconsin in an 11 a.m. kickoff that will be broadcast on Big Ten Network and WGN Radio 720.