The Huskers may have opened their season under bright skies at Arrowhead Stadium, a game that Dylan Raiola admitted “felt like a home game for us.” But this weekend’s trip to the East Coast is a different story. Maryland’s crowd, conditions, and defense promise a true road test, and the weather might just add to it. Now, Nebraska’s never been bothered by a little bad weather— it’s all part of football there. But the forecast for game day shows early sprinkles with overcast skies, highs around 69 degrees, and a 19 percent chance of precipitation during the afternoon, and a Nor’easter lurking off the coast, per the latest update. 

Nebraska football’s staff writer Mitch Sherman announced the news on X: “Game day in the DMV. Rain chances increase tonight in College Park as Nebraska visits Maryland with both teams in search of a 5-1 start. There’s a Nor’easter taking aim, but we should get this game in before the worst of it. Very nice fall morning here to get ready for the day.” 

The timing of this nor’easter is as startling as it can get. The storm was soaking the coastal areas from Florida through the Carolinas on Friday with heavy downpours. Forecasters are tracking it and expect it to go northwards through Saturday night and into Sunday when the real rain kicks in. Sunday might witness around 4 to 5 inches of rain in coastal areas and winds around 50 to 60 mph. Maryland might also witness around 2 inches of rainfall this Sunday in College Park. But the good news is Saturday will be mostly dry, apart from some drizzle here and there. That means Nebraska’s biggest challenge might not be the weather itself, but how it handles the unfamiliarity of its first true road environment. 

Raiola, their sophomore quarterback, who has thrown for 1,331 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just two interceptions with a QBR of 66.7 this season, leads an offense that ranks eighth nationally in passing yards (320.2 per game). Nebraska’s attack is clearly built around him, explosive through the air, but still seeking rhythm in the run game, which currently ranks 101st in the country. The Huskers’ success this season has largely hinged on how comfortably Raiola commands tempo and precision, something that could be tested if the drizzle worsens or wind picks up.

Furthermore, Head coach Matt Rhule’s team is also entering a crucial stretch, the “M” gauntlet, as fans call it, featuring Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, and Minnesota. Nebraska is 1–1 through the first two of those, making Saturday’s matchup pivotal for maintaining momentum toward what could be its best season in a decade. But the numbers also tell a more complex story: while the Huskers rank 11th nationally in scoring offense (42.4 points per game), removing their easier non-conference matchups drops that average to 28.3 points against FBS opponents. Yes, they are consistent, but still a work in progress.

Maryland, meanwhile, presents a very different kind of threat. The Terrapins, 4–1 and coming off a crushing 24–20 loss to Washington after blowing a 20–0 lead, are eager to prove they can close out big games. Freshman quarterback Malik Washington, the Big Ten leader in pass attempts (183), has thrown for 1,257 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. His chemistry with tight end Dorian Fleming and a versatile group of receivers makes Maryland a dangerous team if Washington finds rhythm early.

Still, Nebraska’s defense could be the equalizer. The Huskers enter this matchup with the nation’s No. 1 pass defense and the 11th-best overall unit, giving defensive coordinator John Butler the tools to frustrate a young quarterback. Expect Nebraska to apply inside pressure and force Washington to make quick decisions. It’s a strategy designed to turn Maryland’s strength into a liability if execution falters. Both of these teams are desperate for this game to go their way, but for entirely different reasons. 

Nebraska comes in at 4-1 and is riding high after dismantling Michigan State 38-27 last week. Maryland sits at 4-1 as well, but they’re coming into this game after dropping a close heartbreaker against Washington, 24-20. This is the fourth meeting between the two schools, with Nebraska leading the all-time series 2-1, though Maryland claimed the last one, a gritty 13-10 win in 2023. That recent memory adds another layer to why Raiola and company are intent on proving this version of Nebraska can win away from Lincoln.

The Cornhuskers are 6.5-point favorites and bring the 11th-ranked scoring offense in college football, averaging over 30 points per game behind a balanced attack. But Maryland counters that statistical advantage with the nation’s 11th-ranked scoring defense. They’ve allowed just 13.4 points per contest this season. If the weather holds and conditions stay dry, this sets up as a classic strength-on-strength battle.

The rain might tilt the game in Maryland’s favor in the final quarter. The Terrapins will look to slow down Nebraska’s pass attack as the ball gets slippery and turn the game into a defensive slugfest. The good news is that College Park won’t be hit by the worst part of the storm during game time. Coaches will keep one eye on the scoreboard and another on the radar, knowing that rain can arrive and turn the tables in a quarter.