The Michigan Wolverines didn’t just win their game against the Maryland Terrapins—they buried it. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at SECU Stadium in College Park, Michigan rolled to a 38-17 victory in front of 46,185 fans, officially ending Maryland’s slim chance at a bowl game. The Wolverines, ranked No. 18 and riding a seven-game Big Ten win streak, improved to 10-2 overall. Maryland, already reeling from six straight losses, fell to 4-8, with one game left and no path to six wins. This wasn’t a close contest. It was a statement.
Michigan’s Offense Was a Precision Machine
From the opening drive, Michigan looked like a team that knew exactly what it wanted—and how to get it. Quarterback Underwood didn’t just throw touchdowns—he carved up Maryland’s defense like a surgeon. His connection with wide receiver Marsh was the highlight reel’s star. Marsh caught three scoring passes, including a 42-yard dart in the second quarter that left defenders grasping at air. "What a dart from Underwood to Marsh," the Big Ten Network announcers said, echoing the sentiment of fans who stood up cheering. Marsh finished with 142 yards and three touchdowns, his fourth multi-TD game of the season.Meanwhile, running back Kuzdall turned a potential fumble into an 8-yard touchdown scamper, thanks to perfect blocking and a split-second decision. "Perfect setup. Perfect blocking for six," the NBC Sports crew noted. Later, Parker dove for the pylon on a 1-yard plunge—officials reviewed it for 87 seconds before confirming: touchdown. "Did he get the pylon? Touchdown Wolverines," the broadcast shouted, capturing the tension of the moment.
Maryland’s Struggles Were Deeper Than the Score
The Terrapins entered the game hoping to snap their six-game skid and stay alive for a bowl berth. But injuries decimated their lineup. Freshman Brandon Lee stepped in at quarterback after starter Zeke Bear (wearing No. 10) went down with a shoulder injury in the first half. "A ton of trust in number 10 Zeke Bear," NBC Sports said—before the season ended with Bear on the sideline, watching his team fall apart.Defensively, Maryland had no answer for Michigan’s balanced attack. The Wolverines’ offensive line, described as "dominant" by multiple analysts, opened holes for 217 rushing yards. Maryland’s secondary, already thin from midseason injuries, gave up 342 passing yards. A missed 38-yard field goal by Maryland’s kicker in the third quarter—"it is no good. He pushed it wide right"—symbolized the day’s frustration. One play later, Michigan intercepted a desperation throw on third and long, with linebacker McCauley (No. 29) breaking up the route and forcing the turnover.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Michigan, this win locks up a top-20 finish and keeps them in the conversation for a New Year’s Six bowl bid. Their only two losses came against top-five opponents—Alabama and Ohio State—both on the road. They’ve now won seven straight conference games, the longest streak in the Big Ten this season. Coach Jim Harbaugh called it "a complete team performance," and with 10 wins, it’s the Wolverines’ first double-digit win season since 2021.For Maryland, it’s a season of "what ifs." They were 4-1 after beating Northwestern in September. But injuries, inconsistent play, and a brutal schedule—six of their last seven games against ranked teams—killed their momentum. They’ll finish 4-8, their worst record since 2018. "We fought until the end," said interim head coach Mike Locksley after the game. "But you can’t keep losing when you’re this close to the finish line."
The Bigger Picture: Big Ten’s Depth Is Real
This game underscored a growing trend: the Big Ten’s top teams are pulling away from the middle and bottom. Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa are all in the top 15. Meanwhile, teams like Maryland, Rutgers, and Illinois are struggling to stay competitive. The gap isn’t just talent—it’s depth, coaching continuity, and recruiting. Michigan signed 11 five-star recruits last cycle. Maryland signed two. The difference showed on the field.And while Maryland’s bowl hopes are dead, Michigan’s next challenge is clear: the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State on December 7 in Indianapolis. If they win, they’ll likely head to the Cotton Bowl. If they lose? Still, a New Year’s Six berth is likely. Either way, this season has been a return to form.
What’s Next?
Michigan closes the regular season next Saturday at home against rival Michigan State. The Spartans, 7-4, are desperate for a statement win. But with Michigan’s offense firing on all cylinders and their defense holding opponents to 17.3 points per game in conference play, it’s hard to see an upset.For Maryland, the focus shifts to January’s recruiting cycle. Can they land a top-30 class to rebuild? Can they keep Locksley? The answers will define their next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Michigan’s offense manage to dominate Maryland’s defense so thoroughly?
Michigan’s offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, giving quarterback Underwood time to find Marsh and Farooq downfield. Maryland’s secondary was missing two starters due to injuries, and their linebackers couldn’t contain Michigan’s play-action fake. The Wolverines averaged 7.2 yards per play—nearly double Maryland’s 3.9. That disparity wasn’t luck—it was execution.
Why was Maryland’s bowl eligibility officially eliminated after this loss?
Maryland needed to win both of their final two games to reach six wins and become bowl eligible. With a 4-7 record entering this game, a loss dropped them to 4-8. Even if they won their final game against Penn State, they’d still finish 5-8—short of the six-win minimum required by the NCAA for bowl inclusion.
Who is Zeke Bear, and why was his injury so significant?
Zeke Bear, wearing No. 10, was Maryland’s starting quarterback and emotional leader. He threw for 1,987 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, and his mobility kept defenses honest. When he went down with a shoulder injury in the second quarter, Maryland’s offense lost its only consistent weapon. Freshman Brandon Lee, who replaced him, completed just 9 of 22 passes with two interceptions.
What role did Michigan’s defense play in the outcome?
Michigan’s 29 defense—named for linebacker McCauley’s jersey number—forced three turnovers and held Maryland to 267 total yards. The Wolverines sacked Maryland’s QBs four times and limited them to 2 of 12 on third down. Their ability to pressure the quarterback on blitzes disrupted Maryland’s timing, especially after Bear went out.
Is Marsh a Heisman candidate now?
Marsh isn’t in the top tier of Heisman conversation, but he’s emerging as a breakout star. With 14 touchdowns this season and 1,215 receiving yards, he’s now Michigan’s all-time leader in receiving TDs by a sophomore. If he keeps this pace into next season—with Underwood returning—he could be a serious contender.
How does this win impact Michigan’s chances for the College Football Playoff?
Michigan’s path to the playoff is narrow but still open. They need to beat Ohio State next week and hope either Alabama or Georgia loses. Even then, they’d likely need to win the Big Ten Championship and get help from the selection committee. But with 10 wins and a top-10 resume, they’re in the conversation—and this win proves they belong.
