Maryland freshman Malik Washington shines with 3 TD passes in a 39-7 win over FAU

Freshman Malik Washington showcased his talent by throwing three touchdown passes in the second quarter, leading Maryland to a dominant 39-7 victory over Florida Atlantic. This win marked Maryland’s 16th consecutive nonconference victory, highlighting their strong performance in out-of-conference matchups.

Washington, a highly touted four-star recruit from Glen Burnie, lived up to the expectations placed on him as he took the field for the Terps. Despite a slow start, he settled in and finished the game with an impressive stat line of 27 completions on 43 attempts, 258 yards passing, and three touchdowns. Washington’s stellar performance allowed him to take a well-deserved rest in the fourth quarter.

Maryland’s defense played a crucial role in the victory, scoring two touchdowns to stifle Florida Atlantic’s offense. Despite committing five penalties on the opening drive, the Terps’ defense stood strong and made key stops when it mattered most. Daniel Wingate’s interception return for a touchdown set the tone early in the game, showcasing the defense’s playmaking ability.

The game saw a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, with Florida Atlantic’s Caden Veltkamp finding success with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Asaad Waseem. However, Maryland’s defense stepped up, with Sidney Stewart sacking Veltkamp in the end zone for a safety.

Washington then took over in the second quarter, connecting with receivers Shaleak Knotts and Kaleb Webb for touchdowns to extend Maryland’s lead. Dorian Fleming also got in on the action with a touchdown catch, solidifying the Terps’ commanding lead heading into halftime.

Both quarterbacks showcased their skills in a high-scoring first half, with Washington and Veltkamp each attempting over 30 passes. Maryland’s streak of nonconference victories now stands at 16, the longest active streak in the FBS.

Looking ahead, Maryland will face Northern Illinois on Friday night, while Florida Atlantic will take on Florida A&M on Saturday night. Despite the win, Maryland will need to address their penalty issues, while Washington’s impressive performance and the defense’s ability to create turnovers bode well for the team’s success moving forward.