Nebraska's defense turned Maryland over twice in the second quarter and rode that turnover margin to a 48–23 win, with Anthony Colandrea connecting on three touchdown passes and the ground game chewing up 209 yards. Dwayne McDougle's 81-yard interception return for a score in the Q2 gave the Cornhuskers breathing room they never relinquished.

1. 1.Maryland finished 1 for 14 on third down and committed two second-quarter interceptions that flipped field position; Nebraska converted 6 of 13 third downs and controlled time of possession 34:24 to 25:36.
2. 2.Colandrea's three passing touchdowns and two scores from Mekhi Nelson accounted for five of Nebraska's six scoring drives, while Maryland's defense allowed 28 first downs and could not slow Kwazi Gilmer, who caught 11 passes for 147 yards and two scores.
3. 3.Maryland's Malik Washington threw two interceptions and Maryland's running game managed only 141 yards on 25 carries, leaving the Terrapins reliant on a passing attack that generated 254 yards but lacked consistency in the red zone.