The stage is set for a suspense-filled season finale as Maryland heads to Ford Field looking to close out its year with a confidence-boosting win over Michigan State.
Maryland (4-7) will meet Michigan State (3-8) on Saturday night in Detroit, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. on FS1. The Terps arrive seeking a strong finish, boosted by standout freshman performances and one of the nation’s most opportunistic defenses.
Maryland is no stranger to big stages, having played in eight NFL stadiums since 2014 — the fifth most nationwide. Their last visit to Ford Field came in the 2016 Quick Lane Bowl, and Saturday marks a return to familiar NFL turf where the program has enjoyed several recent bowl victories.
This year’s defense has been a major storyline. The Terps lead the Big Ten with 18 interceptions, ranking fourth nationally. Safety Jalen Huskey, tied for 10th in the country with four picks, has helped anchor a unit responsible for four defensive touchdowns — the most in the conference.
Freshman defensive lineman Sidney Stewart has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the FBS. His 7.0 sacks are the most by any true freshman nationally, and his 9.5 tackles for loss place him among the nation’s best newcomers.
On offense, all eyes will be on freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who has rewritten Maryland’s record book in his debut season. With 2,504 passing yards, he holds the program’s freshman record and ranks among the top Power Conference true freshmen since 2020. He’s one of only two FBS players with 2,500+ passing yards, multiple rushing touchdowns, and six or fewer sacks taken.
Maryland’s receivers continue to make history as well. Five Terps have at least 35 receptions this season — tied for the most in the FBS. Veterans Octavian Smith Jr., Jalil Farooq, and Tai Felton headline a deep group, while running back DeJuan Williams has emerged as a dangerous dual threat. Williams leads Big Ten running backs in receiving yards (357) and has logged nine runs of 20+ yards this year.
The Terps have momentum in their recent series with Michigan State, winning two of the last three meetings, including a dominant 31–9 victory in East Lansing in 2023. Maryland has also forced at least three turnovers in each of the last two matchups, a trend it hopes to continue under Ford Field’s bright lights.
As both teams look to end difficult seasons on a high note, Maryland enters with star freshmen, defensive playmaking, and a chance to secure late-season validation.
FAQs
1. Where is Maryland’s game against Michigan State being played?
The game will be played at Ford Field in Detroit.
2. What time does Maryland vs. Michigan State start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.
3. Which channel is broadcasting the matchup?
The game will air on FS1.
4. Who is Maryland’s standout freshman quarterback this season?
Malik Washington has led the Terps with record-setting production.
5. How has Maryland performed recently against Michigan State?
Maryland has won two of the last three meetings and forced multiple turnovers in each of the past two matchups.
