Maryland vs Northern Illinois Prediction: The Terrapins Can’t Look Past the Huskies

Maryland vs Northern Illinois: How To Watch

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: SECU Stadium, College Park, MD
@PeteFiutak

Northern Illinois Has To Get Pressure on Washington

The Huskies struggled to get by Holy Cross, but the defense held up just fine. It allowed just 218 yards of total Crusader offense; it was great against the run, and it only gave up one touchdown - the other was on a late kickoff return.

Maryland quarterback Malik Washington wasn’t razor-sharp, but he wasn’t bothered enough on the way to 253 yards and three scores in an easy day. Northern Illinois was able to get behind the line against Holy Cross, but it needs to generate more sacks to keep up, because …

Maryland Can’t Play It Conservative

The Northern Illinois offense didn’t work against an FCS team.

The running game averaged less than four yards per carry, and Maryland is coming off a strong day against a Florida Atlantic attack that tried to throw to win - that’s the Owl offense - and couldn’t do anything on the ground when it tried.

The Terps can’t go into a shell - that’s what cost Notre Dame last year. Let Washington cook, don’t abandon the ground game, and get up fast. Northern Illinois doesn’t have any firepower to keep up.

Maryland Won’t Take It Easy On the Huskies

The Terps aren’t extending themselves in non-conference play. They rolled Florida Atlantic, will demolish Towson next week, and they don’t have the toughest of Big Ten starts with Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, and UCLA. They’ll play it straight in this, and then ease up against the FCS team next.

Maryland vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Maryland 37, Northern Illinois 16
Line: Maryland -18.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 2

- CFN Week 2 Rankings | Bowl Projections
- Predicting Every Game For the 2025 Season
- Hot Seat Coaches | Grading the New QBs

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.