COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — In a commanding road performance, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Maryland Terrapins 45 to 20 on Saturday at SECU Stadium before an announced crowd of 46,185.

The victory improved Michigan’s record to 9 wins and 2 losses on the season, while Maryland fell to 4 wins and 7 losses.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, a Detroit native, efficiently directed the Wolverines’ offense, completing 16 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 20 yards on eight rushing attempts. His primary target was Andrew Marsh, who caught five passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, in addition to providing a significant spark in the return game.

The game began with a surprising surge from the home team. Maryland orchestrated a meticulous 15-play, 75-yard drive that consumed over four and a half minutes of the first quarter. The drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Malik Washington to tight end Dorian Fleming, giving the Terrapins an early 7 to 0 lead.

Michigan responded immediately, methodically moving down the field on its opening possession. The drive concluded with Underwood connecting with Marsh on a 12-yard scoring pass, tying the game at 7 to 7.

The Wolverines seized control of the game in the second quarter. After forcing a Maryland punt, Michigan running back Bryson Kuzdzal finished a drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, putting the Wolverines ahead for the first time at 14 to 7. On the ensuing Terrapins possession, Michigan defensive back Mason Curtis intercepted a Washington pass, setting up the offense with a short field. Underwood capitalized quickly, finding Donaven McCulley for a 22-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead to 21 to 7.

Maryland managed to put together a drive late in the second quarter, but it stalled in the red zone, forcing the Terrapins to settle for a 34-yard Sean O’Haire field goal, making the score 21 to 10 at halftime.

Any hope of a Maryland comeback was extinguished early in the third quarter. Michigan received the second-half kickoff and marched 84 yards in nine plays, with Kuzdzal plunging in from 19 yards out for his second rushing touchdown of the day, pushing the lead to 28 to 10.

The Terrapins answered with a drive of their own, but again the Michigan defense held firm inside the 15-yard line. O’Haire was called upon for a 29-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 28 to 13.

Michigan’s ground game continued to dominate as the game progressed. A sustained drive in the latter half of the third quarter was finished by running back Jasper Parker, who scored on a 1-yard run to make it 35 to 13 heading into the final period.

Parker added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, this time from 6 yards out, to extend the Wolverines’ advantage to 42 to 13. After a Michigan field goal by Dominic Zvada from 46 yards made it 45 to 13, Maryland found the end zone for the final time. Backup quarterback Khristian Martin entered the game and led a quick scoring drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Jalil Farooq to provide the final margin of 45 to 20.

For Maryland, starting quarterback Malik Washington of Glen Burnie completed 19 of 39 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also led the team in rushing with 16 yards on 10 carries. DeJuan Williams was the primary ball carrier out of the backfield, rushing for 40 yards on 12 attempts. Jalil Farooq caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Shaleak Knotts had four receptions for a team-high 82 yards.

Defensively, the Terrapins were led by Lavain Scruggs and Jalen Huskey, who each recorded eight tackles. Daniel Wingate added seven tackles in the losing effort.

The Wolverines’ defense was paced by Mason Curtis, who had six tackles and a critical interception. Linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Cole Sullivan each recorded four tackles, with Barham adding a sack.

The game’s final score defied the pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a much closer final score of Michigan 28, Maryland 22, and its ELO system gave the Wolverines a 90.10 percent probability to win. Despite being a pregame underdog with a spread of +14.5, Michigan covered easily. The total score of 65 points went well over the over/under line of 46.5.

Michigan will conclude its regular season next Saturday, November 29, at home against rival Ohio State. Maryland will travel to face Michigan State on the same day.