Crozdal’s Spark Leads Michigan to Victory Ahead of Showdown with Ohio State

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – In a commanding performance that boosts their momentum ahead of a decisive clash, the No. 18 ranked Michigan Wolverines defeated the Maryland Terrapins 45-20 on Saturday at the latter’s home stadium.

Next-Man-Up Mentality Shines
The Wolverines secured this victory despite the notable absence of their star running backs, Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, due to injury. Stepping into the spotlight, Bryson Crozdal delivered a standout performance off the bench, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 100 yards, demonstrating the squad’s depth. Team leader J.J. Andrews also added two passing touchdowns.

Game Breakdown and Context
Michigan’s win (9-2 overall, 7-1 in the Big Ten) was not unexpected, but the manner was convincing. The team finished its conference schedule with its highest scoring output of the season, securing a fourth consecutive win.

· First Quarter: Maryland (4-7, 1-7) struck early, but Michigan quickly responded to level the score and then took the lead for good with an early second-quarter touchdown.
· Turning Point: Maryland had a chance to shift the game’s momentum when defensive back Lavin Scruggs had an opportunity to intercept an Andrews pass, but he failed to secure the ball. Immediately afterward, the Wolverines drove down the field and converted a touchdown to widen the gap.
· Total Control: After halftime, Michigan dominated completely, with Crozdal adding two more touchdowns to put the game out of reach.

Post-Game Reactions
Head Coach Sherrone Moore praised her team’s focus: “I’m proud of this team—how they prepared and how they didn’t look ahead all week. It’s easy to do that with the big one coming up.”

From the Maryland side, defensive back Galen Huskey tried to find a positive takeaway: “We kept it close with them well into the third quarter… It’s something we can build on.”

Looking Ahead and Injury Concerns
Michigan now prepares to host its historic rival, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, in the long-awaited matchup next week. The Wolverines enter the game with great momentum led by Andrews, but injuries remain a significant concern. Beyond Haynes and Marshall, the sight of defensive back Max Predison on crutches on the sideline during the second half sounded another alarm for the team ahead of its most important game of the season.

Final Takeaways

· Michigan: The team learned from its mistakes last week (five turnovers against Northwestern), playing a disciplined and error-free game. This performance bolsters confidence that they can be a genuine playoff contender if they can clear the Ohio State hurdle.
· Maryland: The Terrapins finish the season with a losing record for the second year in a row. The future looks brighter with the development of young quarterback Malik Washington (210 passing yards, 1 TD), but the team urgently needs to improve its running game and ball defense to become a future competitor.

It is worth noting that this victory maintains Michigan’s historical dominance over Maryland, leading the all-time series 11-1.

As dusk settled over College Park this Saturday, the Wolverines closed one chapter of the battle to prepare for its most decisive one. This was not just an ordinary win, but a clear statement to all: they are coming with unwavering hearts and unbreakable resolve. All eyes now turn to Ann Arbor, where the two giants are set to write another chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in college football history. This confrontation is more than just a game; it is history, passion, and a struggle for legacy. The wait is almost over… The Game looms large.