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College football 2019: Biggest trap game facing every Top 25 team

By Cody Williams

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Adrian Martinez #2 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

23. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Biggest Trap Game: at Maryland (Nov. 23)

In his first year at the helm, Scott Frost inspired plenty of optimism around the Nebraska Cornhuskers moving forward. The beginning of the season was incredibly forgettable as they lost their first six games of the campaign, including a five-point setback against Troy. However, they closed the second half of 2018 with a 4-2 record with those two defeats being a near upset of Ohio State and a three-point loss to Iowa.

That optimism is certainly carrying into the 2019 season and, aside from Frost’s proven coaching ability, the bulk of the hope is wrapped up in quarterback Adrian Martinez. Though he was banged up throughout last season, the signal-caller showed tremendous flashes last year and should only improve as a dynamic dual-threat player under center.

With Martinez, (maybe) running back Maurice Washington and wide receiver JD Spielman, the offense is in good hands. Meanwhile, the defense has experience returning and should be better than they were. What Nebraska must do is avoid a letdown in games they’re supposed to win.

In truth, there are two potential trap games on the Huskers’ schedule. They face Minnesota on the road in mid-October after games against Ohio State and Northwestern. However, the penultimate regular season matchup against the Maryland Terrapins may be more dangerous.

After playing Purdue on the road and then Wisconsin at home, Frost’s team heads to Maryland against a Terps team that isn’t great but has been both feisty and explosive over the past few seasons. After that stretch and with a finale against Iowa awaiting them, the Cornhuskers need to make sure they don’t overlook Maryland.