Nebraska erased an early Maryland deficit and pulled away for a 48-23 victory Saturday, taking a lead for good when quarterback Anthony Colandrea hit Luke Lindenmeyer on a 1-yard touchdown pass with six seconds left in the first half to put the Cornhuskers ahead 28-23.
Colandrea was the engine of Nebraska's offense, completing 26 of 39 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns while adding 108 rushing yards on 10 carries. Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer caught 11 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Cornhusker receiving corps. Nebraska's Dwayne McDougle III also returned an interception 81 yards for a touchdown, a play that helped extend the Cornhuskers' margin after they took control.
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington finished 23-of-44 for 254 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His most dangerous weapon was Chris Durr Jr., who caught seven passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 65 yards. DeJuan Williams contributed 78 rushing yards and a score on 10 carries, and kicker Sean O'Haire was a bright spot, going 3-for-3 on field goals with a long of 42 yards. But the turnovers proved too costly against a Nebraska team that took full advantage.
Maryland falls to 0-1 in Big Ten play and turns its attention to No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday, October 10.