I’m going to post the research for this one really early. I’ll send a recap of all my picks from Week0/1 with comments later. Hope you can find a good nugget in here for your pick.
Maryland (1-0) hosts Northern Illinois (1-0) Friday night at SECU Stadium. The Terps ride a 16-game non-conference win streak, the longest in the FBS. NIU aims to channel the upset magic from 2024 but enters as heavy underdogs.
Maryland Terrapins
2024 Recap: The Terps finished 4-8 (4-8 ATS). After a 3-1 start, including a narrow loss to Michigan State, they collapsed, winning only once more (upset of USC).
2025 Outlook: True freshman QB Malik Washington headlines the offense. He flashed dual-threat upside in Week 1 but inherits a depleted WR room. Oklahoma transfer Jalil Farooq must emerge, while TE transfer Dorian Fleming adds a proven target. RB Nolan Ray returns, but depth is thin. The O-line, with four upperclassmen starters, should be improved.
Defensively, Maryland was stout vs. the run in 2024 (137 YPG, #46) but struggled against the pass (#99) and had just 14 sacks (#128). Veterans Daniel Wingate and Michael Harris anchor the LB corps, while FS Jalen Huskey leads a secondary integrating two transfers. New DC Ted Monachino hopes to spark progress.
Special teams remain shaky, though Richmond transfer PK Sean O’Haire (12/12 FGs LY) is promising.
Week 1: Maryland rolled FAU 39-7. Washington went 27-43 for 258 yards and 3 TDs, shaking off a slow start. The defense forced six INTs and scored twice. Penalties (14) were the lone blemish.
Injuries: OL Jaylen Gilchrist (leg) and backup QB Justyn Martin (leg) were carted off. Status TBD. LB N. Avery and DL D. White remain questionable.
Northern Illinois Huskies
2024 Recap: NIU went 8-5 (6-7 ATS), highlighted by a stunning win at Notre Dame. They closed with an OT bowl victory over Fresno State but were plagued by inconsistency.
2025 Outlook: The Huskies lean run-heavy after ranking #16 nationally (204 YPG). With top backs gone, Telly Johnson Jr. steps up, joined by Jaylen Poe. QB Josh Holst adds mobility, but the passing game is thin after losing its top two WRs and TE Grayson Barnes. LT Evan Malcore and transfer C Aidan Tweedy provide some stability.
The defense was elite in 2024 (18.5 PPG allowed, #5 pass D, 36 sacks). LB turnover hurts, but DL Roy Williams (6.5 sacks) and DT Jalonnie Williams return. CB Jacob Finley and transfer FS Jasper Beeler anchor the back end.
Special teams ranked #118 but improved with PK Andrew Glass (15/17 FGs in 2023). Still breaking in a new punter and KR.
Week 1: NIU narrowly escaped Holy Cross 19-17, relying on two kickoff-return TDs. Holst (12-18, 101 yards, 1 INT) exited late with injury. RB Cavon Wright added 77 yards and a TD. The offense sputtered, but the defense held strong.
Injuries: QB Josh Holst is questionable (undisclosed). Others banged up: DL L. Ingold, CB/WR M. Armstrong, QB Jalen Macon. DL S. Senenat is out.
Final Analysis
Maryland’s new QB looks legit, the O-line is solid, and the defense just feasted on FAU. NIU’s defense remains tough, but injuries, especially to Holst could sap their ability to keep pace. If NIU can’t sustain drives on the ground, their defense will tire quickly against Big Ten athletes.
Regardless the final result in this game, your 
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