Brief
Nebraska defeats Maryland 48-23 after Dwayne McDougle’s 81‑yard pick‑6
The Cornhuskers surged ahead after a pick‑6 and held Maryland scoreless for most of the second half.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lincoln, Neb. – Nebraska (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) beat Maryland (2-3, 0-2) 48-23 on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, after Dwayne McDougle III returned an interception 81 yards for a touchdown, according to the Associated Press via the Winnipeg Free Press.
What happened
McDougle’s pick‑6 came early in the first half and gave Nebraska a lead that it never relinquished. Maryland led most of the opening quarter, but the turnover shifted momentum. Nebraska’s defense limited Maryland to a single touchdown after the pick‑6, while the Cornhuskers’ offense added 41 points. The final score reflected a penalty‑filled game, with Nebraska outscoring Maryland 48-23.
What the reports add
The article notes that Maryland’s quarterback Malik Washington completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown but also threw two interceptions, raising his season total to six. Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea rushed for 108 yards on 10 carries – his first 100‑yard rushing game – and completed 26 of 39 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer recorded career highs with 11 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
What was said
“The way we play, it’s maybe not all the time the coolest thing, the visual, but we’re going to try to be physical,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press.
How it came about
Nebraska entered the game seeking its best start since 2016 and will host Indiana next week. Maryland, still reeling from a 54-3 loss to UCLA the previous week, faced increasing pressure on eighth‑year coach Mike Locksley. The pick‑6 was the third such play thrown by Washington over four quarters, underscoring Nebraska’s defensive edge.
Key facts
- Nebraska defeated Maryland 48-23 on Oct. 3, 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Dwayne McDougle III returned an interception 81 yards for a touchdown. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea rushed for 108 yards and threw three TD passes. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Maryland quarterback Malik Washington threw two interceptions, raising his season total to six. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Nebraska coach Matt Rhule emphasized a physical style of play. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “Dwayne McDougle's pick-6 turns game Nebraska's way in a 48-23 victory over Maryland”
