Business as Usual: Wolverines Dismantle Maryland 45-20, Set Stage for Epic Showdown
In my Mitten Minute on Nov. 22, I said this had “trap game” written all over it. Well… Maryland must’ve misplaced the trap entirely. Michigan walked in, kicked down the door, and rolled the Terps 45–20 — a business-trip beatdown that bumps the Wolverines to 9–2 and clears the runway for an epic showdown with undefeated Ohio State next weekend in Ann Arbor.
Another Saturday, another statement. Michigan entered College Park knowing they couldn’t afford a mental slip with No. 1 Ohio State waiting in the wings — and they handled their business with machine-like precision. This was dominance wrapped in discipline: 443 yards of offense, 12-of-14 on third down, zero turnovers, zero punts, and a road win that never felt in doubt.
This wasn’t just victory No. 9. It was confirmation that the Wolverines are peaking at exactly the right moment.
📊 STAT CAPSULE — Michigan 45, Maryland 20
🏈 Michigan Wolverines (9–2, 7–1 Big Ten)
Total Offense: 443 yards
Passing: 215 yards (Underwood 16/23, 2 TD)
Rushing: 228 yards
Third Down: 12/14
Turnovers: 0
Punts: 0
⭐ Key Player Performances
Bryce Underwood — 215 pass yds, 2 TD
Bryson Kuzdzal — 20 carries, 100 yds, 3 TD
Andrew Marsh — 5 catches, 76 yds, 1 TD
Donaven McCulley — 22-yd TD reception
Mason Curtis — 6 tackles, 1 INT
Derrick Moore — 1 sack (20.5 career, 8th all-time)
📍 Next Up
Michigan vs No. 1 Ohio State — Nov. 29 in Ann Arbor
Offensive Firepower from Start to Finish
Michigan’s offense delivered one of its most balanced, controlled performances of the season. The Wolverines racked up 215 passing yards and 228 rushing yards, moving the chains at will and suffocating Maryland’s defense with sustained drives.
The efficiency was staggering — long possessions, clean execution, and a Maryland defense that simply had no answers.
Underwood’s Freshman Legend Grows
Bryce Underwood just keeps stacking chapters in what has become a historic freshman campaign. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, tying Chad Henne for the most 200-yard passing games by a first-year Michigan starter (seven). He’s now second all-time in total yards by a freshman starter at Michigan with 2,166.
Calm. Crisp. In control. He’s growing up fast — and right on schedule.
The Kuzdzal Breakout
With Justice Haynes out and Jordan Marshall resting, Michigan turned to Bryson Kuzdzal, and the sophomore delivered the game of his life. Twenty carries, 100 yards, and three touchdowns — just the kind of performance you would expect from your third-string running back, right?
It was Kuzdzal’s first career 100-yard game and first multi-touchdown performance.
In his postgame presser, Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore summed it up perfectly:
“There’s a standard of being a running back at Michigan… and he played to that standard today.”
The Wolverines needed a spark on the ground, and Kuzdzal stepped right into the spotlight.
Marsh, McCulley, Parker Keep the Air Attack Sharp
Andrew Marsh continues to show he’s becoming a star, posting five catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Donaven McCulley added a smooth 22-yard score on a screen, and Jasper Parker punched in a late touchdown to close the show.
This is a game where the Wolverines hit on all cylinders.
Defense Slams the Door
Michigan’s defense was suffocating. Maryland managed just 71 rushing yards and only 5-of-14 on third down. The Wolverines controlled the line of scrimmage, collapsed pockets, and took the Terps out of rhythm early.
Mason Curtis led the charge with six tackles and his first interception. Derrick Moore added another sack — pushing his career total to 20.5, now eighth on Michigan’s all-time list. Jaishawn Barham and Tré Williams each added a sack, as the defense kept Maryland from ever building momentum.
Injury Clouds: Bredeson, Marshall
There was one damper on the afternoon — team captain and fullback Max Bredeson left the game injured and was later seen on crutches. Sherrone Moore didn’t sound optimistic about his availability for Ohio State.
The brighter update: Jordan Marshall could have played if needed. That strongly suggests he’ll be ready for The Game.
All Eyes on Ann Arbor
And now, the main event.
On November 29, the Wolverines will host undefeated No. 1 Ohio State in a matchup dripping with Big Ten stakes, Playoff consequences, and a year’s worth of bragging rights. Michigan enters on a five-game heater. Ohio State enters perfect. The winner holds everything.
Set your party plans, clear your calendar, and brace yourself — next Saturday at The Big House has the potential to be one of the defining games of the era.
Now that all of the appetizers are over, we come to the main course. Are you thinking the Wolverines can take down the #1 team in the country, Ohio State? Drop your comment below or join the conversation in the Wolverine Wire — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
