Mike Locksley’s Maryland lost to Nebraska by 31-34, in yet another close game at home. Similar to last week’s game against Washington, Maryland entered the fourth quarter with a lead (31-24). However, a 27-yard field goal from Kyle Cunanan (31-27) and Dylan Raiola’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Dane Key (31-34) around the last minute, took the game away from the Terrapins. This back-to-back disappointing loss frustrated a lot of fans, including a Maryland alum sportscaster.

“Two weeks in a row in the Snake Pit. Fourth quarter leads,” Maryland alum Scott Van Pelt said on the October 12th episode of SVPod on ESPN before he let out a long sigh. “Last week, when you looked at the Washington tape, you’re like, ‘That’s really tough.’ This game, if you look at it, was a very odd combination of things happening.”

“Raiola is like the three-point shooter that keeps both teams in the game simultaneously,” SVP told an equally upset Stanford Steve on the show. “He threw three picks. One was a pick-six that gave Maryland the lead, and now Maryland’s got the lead in the fourth quarter…and it’s a young group…number of things. I give Nebraska credit for. Raiola led ’em on a touchdown drive late and…lose at home by 4 to Washington in a game you led by 20. You lose at home by 3 to Nebraska in a game you led by 7 with the ball driving. Oh God!”

He was struggling to find the right words. And who could blame him?

Two of Raiola’s interceptions came in the second quarter itself. His third-quarter interception returned by defensive back Dontay Joyner wiped out Nebraska’s 17-24 lead and eventually led to Maryland going ahead before the 4th quarter. Raiola then decided to wake up.

Nebraska gained 187 yards in the fourth quarter, whereas Maryland only had 58. Raiola had control of his throws and called the right plays, which helped the Huskers take the upper hand. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 260 yards for 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. 

“It’s a really tough one for a Maryland team that’s again had two in a row at home,” SVP added before his despair turned into hope. “Our fanbase, they love to eat their own and get pissed off and ‘everybody sucks’ but I think this is a young team that showed a hell of a lot of heart these last two games.”

What’s next for Maryland and Nebraska?

“We wish we had won both. But we didn’t,” the ESPN sportscaster continued. But his frustrations turned into expectation as Maryland travels west to face the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins, after four straight losses, have ‘resurrected this season’ with back-to-back wins. They are 2-4 this season, with 2-1 in the B1G conference games. This is a must-win game for Maryland to reposition itself in the conference rankings.

In fact, every other game is a must-win game for the Terrapins. As of now, Maryland has the upper hand with a 4-2 record in the season. On the other hand, it is the home game for the Bruins, and they are coming after defeating two legendary programs, Penn State by 42-37, and Michigan State by 38-13 in the last two weeks.

Meanwhile, Nebraska will travel to Minnesota to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2) at the TCF Bank Stadium. This is a crucial game to stay in conference title contention. Where do you think both the B1G teams will end up this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.