When University of Michigan Wolverines took the field at Maryland Stadium on November 22, 2025, they weren’t just playing for pride—they were playing for a shot at the Big Ten title. And they delivered a statement: a 45-20 demolition of the University of Maryland Terrapins, sealing their own path to the conference championship game while crushing Maryland’s fading postseason hopes. The game, played in front of a subdued home crowd at 4:00 PM EST, wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Michigan’s Bryson Kuzdzal, a backup running back thrust into the spotlight, ran for exactly 100 yards and three touchdowns, turning what was expected to be a routine victory into a showcase of depth and discipline.
Michigan’s offense, a well-oiled machine
The Wolverines didn’t just score—they controlled time, space, and tempo. They opened with a 7-point first quarter, then exploded for 14 in the second, another 14 in the third, and closed with 10 in the fourth. Their offensive line, consistently praised in NBC Sports’ highlights as providing “luxury” to the backfield, carved lanes like a bulldozer through mud. Quarterback Underwood was crisp, hitting Marsh on a slant that looked like a laser and threading a perfect pass to Incline Klein in the flat, where Klein “found that soft spot in the zone,” as the broadcast described it. Even the unsung heroes shined: freshman Brandon Lee stepped in for an injured starter and didn’t miss a beat. And Zeke Bear, often overlooked, earned nods from commentators for his “ton of trust” from teammates—a quiet leadership that doesn’t show up on stat sheets but matters more than most realize.There were flashes of chaos too. A touchdown by Parker sparked debate: Did he get the pylon? The replay showed he didn’t—until the officials ruled otherwise. Another play, flagged for a potential penalty, was declined, and the announcers wondered aloud: “Where’s all the plays?” The officiating wasn’t flawless, but it didn’t derail Michigan’s rhythm. They were too smooth, too confident, too well-coached to be rattled.
Maryland’s season unravels
For the Terrapins, this wasn’t just a loss—it was the end of the line. Entering the game needing two wins to reach bowl eligibility, Maryland’s 1-7 conference record made the math impossible after this defeat. Their lone touchdown came on a slant from quarterback Martin to wide receiver Jalil Farooq, Farooq’s second of the season. It was a moment of hope, brief and fleeting. Afterward, Nolan Rogalski of Testudo Times wrote, “Maryland was embarrassed by No. 18 Michigan, 45-20, in home finale.” The words stung because they were true. The Terrapins hadn’t just lost—they’d been outclassed in every phase. Their defense, already thin from injuries, looked lost against Michigan’s balanced attack. Their offensive line couldn’t protect Martin. Their special teams gave up a critical long return in the third quarter that shifted momentum entirely.It was their second straight losing season. No bowl game. No silver lining. And with head coach Mike Locksley under mounting pressure, the future in College Park looks darker than ever.
The road to Columbus
For Michigan, this win wasn’t just about record books—it was about legacy. At 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the Big Ten, they now sit one game away from the conference championship. And that next game? A date with the top-ranked Ohio State University Buckeyes on November 29, 2025, in Ann Arbor. The winner takes the Big Ten East. The loser? Probably out of the College Football Playoff conversation. The stakes couldn’t be higher.What makes this matchup even more compelling? Michigan’s defense, which held Maryland to just 20 points despite a late surge, will face a far more explosive Ohio State offense. But if the Wolverines can replicate their offensive efficiency—especially with Kuzdzal running like a man possessed—they might just have the tools to dethrone the Buckeyes.
Why this matters beyond the scoreboard
This game wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about momentum. About identity. About what happens when a program with tradition—Michigan—keeps climbing, while another—Maryland—keeps stumbling. Michigan’s depth, coaching, and discipline were on full display. Maryland’s roster, once thought to be on the rise, now looks fractured. Injuries piled up. Confidence evaporated. And the fans, who showed up for a home finale, left early.Meanwhile, the ripple effects are already being felt. Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Penn State—all hovering around .500 in conference play—now see Michigan as the clear favorite to represent the East. Even Washington, sitting at 8-3, knows that if Michigan beats Ohio State, they’ll be the team to beat in any New Year’s Six bowl.
And for Kuzdzal? The backup who became a star? He didn’t just run for 100 yards. He ran over expectations. He ran into Michigan lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bryson Kuzdzal’s performance impact Michigan’s season trajectory?
Kuzdzal’s 100-yard, three-touchdown outing wasn’t just a breakout—it was a revelation. With Michigan’s starting running back sidelined by injury, Kuzdzal proved the Wolverines’ depth is elite. His ability to break tackles and find seams exposed Maryland’s weak front seven, and his confidence in high-pressure moments signals he’s now a reliable option heading into the Ohio State showdown. His performance may permanently alter Michigan’s offensive game plan for the rest of the season.
Why was Maryland’s bowl eligibility officially eliminated after this game?
Maryland entered the game at 4-7 overall and needed two wins in their final two games to reach the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility. Their 20-45 loss to Michigan dropped them to 4-8, making it mathematically impossible to reach six wins—even if they won their final two games. The loss not only ended their postseason hopes but also marked their second consecutive losing season, a rare and troubling trend for a program that had shown promise earlier in the decade.
What are the implications of Michigan’s win for the Big Ten Championship race?
Michigan’s 7-1 conference record now puts them one win away from clinching the Big Ten East. A victory over top-ranked Ohio State on November 29 would secure the division title and a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. Even if they lose, they remain in strong contention for an at-large New Year’s Six bowl berth. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s only loss remains to Michigan—making this the de facto title-deciding game for the entire conference.
How did injuries affect both teams during the game?
Injuries were a major factor. Michigan lost their starting running back weeks ago, pushing Kuzdzal into the spotlight. Maryland’s offensive line was decimated, with three key starters sidelined by midseason. NBC Sports noted “injuries piling up for both of these teams,” but Michigan’s depth absorbed the blows better. Maryland’s quarterback was pressured relentlessly, and their receivers often had no time to get open. The gap in roster strength became glaring.
What does this loss mean for Maryland’s head coach Mike Locksley?
Locksley’s job security is now in serious jeopardy. After a promising 2023 season, Maryland has regressed badly, with back-to-back losing seasons and a 1-7 conference record in 2025. Fans are frustrated, boosters are restless, and athletic director Damon Evans has publicly stated expectations for “consistent competitiveness.” A 45-20 home loss to a team Michigan had already beaten by 21 points last year isn’t just embarrassing—it’s unsustainable. Calls for a coaching change are already mounting.
How did Michigan’s offensive line dominate the game?
Michigan’s offensive line didn’t just block—they psychologically broke Maryland’s defense. YouTube highlights showed linemen consistently creating double-team lanes and sealing edges with precision. Maryland’s defensive ends, normally disruptive, looked confused, often overpursuing or getting pushed back into the backfield. This wasn’t just talent—it was technique, timing, and coaching. The line allowed Underwood to operate calmly and gave Kuzdzal the space to turn short gains into long touchdowns. It was the foundation of everything Michigan did offensively.