| Final | |
|---|---|
| Illinois (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) | 20 |
| Maryland (2-6, 0-5) | 17 |
Illinois kicker Ethan Moczulski drilled a 26-yard field goal as the clock hit zero Saturday, lifting the Fighting Illini to a 20-17 victory over Maryland at College Park in Aazaar Abdul-Rahim's debut as head coach after replacing Mike Locksley.
Quarterback Malik Washington accounted for both Maryland touchdowns on the ground — scoring once rushing and once on a keeper — while finishing 19-of-29 for 190 yards with no touchdowns and an interception through the air. Running back DeJuan Williams added a rushing score but also lost a fumble that proved costly. For Illinois, Javari Barnett provided the biggest individual play on the ground, ripping off a 64-yard carry among his 80 yards on just six attempts, while wide receiver Collin Dixon led all receivers with six catches for 103 yards.
How it happened
Illinois quarterback Katin Houser managed the game efficiently enough, going 18-of-32 for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception, leaning on his running backs to control possession. Barnett's explosive 64-yard run keyed Illinois's ground attack, while Brayden Trimble hauled in the Illini's lone receiving touchdown. Maryland's Messiah Delhomme gave the Terrapins a boost with a 43-yard interception return, and Sean O'Haire connected on a 46-yard field goal to keep Maryland in it. Moczulski, who finished 2-of-3 on field goal attempts with a long of 45, delivered the winner with no time remaining.
Standout performances
- Ethan Moczulski, Illinois: 2-of-3 on field goals, long of 45, including the game-winning 26-yarder as time expired.
- Collin Dixon, Illinois: 6 receptions, 103 yards, longest of 34 yards, the leading receiver on the day.
- Javari Barnett, Illinois: 6 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, with a long of 64 yards.
- Malik Washington, Maryland: 19-of-29, 190 yards passing, 0 TDs, 1 INT; added 25 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Up next
Maryland visits Purdue on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m. ET (BTN).